Senior Safety Manager

Outdoor Learning; Remote; GBP 47,000 - GBP 56,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed charity organization in the UK is seeking an experienced Senior Safety Manager to lead safety initiatives across delivery partners. The role involves developing safety strategies, ensuring legal compliance, and managing a Safety Team. Candidates should have expertise in outdoor learning and strong leadership capabilities. This full-time position is crucial in supporting young people's safe access to life-changing experiences through the charity's programs. A remote working option is available, with occasional regional travel required.

Benefits

Generous pension contribution

Healthcare cash plan

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• Proven ability to apply safety risk management frameworks and confidently advise senior leaders.
• Strong understanding of terrains and modes of expedition travel within the UK.
• In-depth knowledge of national safety legislation relevant to outdoor activities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Safety to strengthen operational safety across the DofE Network.
• Lead safety support delivery for the Expedition section to Licensed Organisations.
• Oversee incident reporting within CRM systems and ensure legal compliance.

Skills

Safety risk management frameworks

Outdoor education

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Technical qualifications in outdoor education

Tools

Microsoft applications

Job description

Overview

Location: Fully remote / Home based / with some regional travel
Salary: £47,377 - £55,738 pa
Closing date: 22/2/26

Senior Safety Manager at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Application Deadline: February 22, 2026

Fixed Term - Full Time

We are recruiting for a Senior Safety Manager, a newly created and strategically important role at the heart of our charity. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced safety professional with strong expedition and outdoor learning expertise to lead and enhance operational safety across our UK-wide network of delivery partners.

Working as part of the UK Quality and Compliance Directorate, and closely with the Head of Safety and Safeguarding, you will champion a culture of prevention, protection and accountability across the DofE. Your leadership will help ensure that young people can safely access the life-changing experiences the Award provides.

This role is varied, collaborative and impactful, offering the chance to influence practice across the charity and support colleagues and partners in delivering a safe, high-quality programme.

Please note: This role does not include Health & Safety responsibilities for staff.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Safety and Safeguarding and senior leaders to strengthen operational safety across the DofE Network of delivery partners.
• Lead the delivery of safety support—particularly for the Expedition section of the Programme—to Licensed Organisations, Approved Activity Providers and Operations Teams, providing expert technical advice.
• Develop and implement safety strategies, incident management arrangements and reporting policies, ensuring a consistent, network-wide approach.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and help embed a robust safety culture across delivery partners.
• Oversee incident reporting within CRM systems, ensuring appropriate referrals (including Serious Incident Reports and regulatory notifications), analysing data and using insights to inform training and practice.
• Apply DofE frameworks such as the Expedition Responsibility Matrix, Due Diligence Risk Assessment, Annual Review and Action Plans to lead safety management across the Network.
• Line-manage, develop and motivate the DofE Safety Officer, setting SMART objectives aligned to organisational strategy and supporting their professional growth.
• Manage Safety Team budget expenditure in line with delegated authority.
• Collaborate with Training and L&D teams to deliver high-quality, fit-for-purpose safety training for staff and volunteers.
• Respond to safety queries, deliver briefings and ensure safe practice across the DofE Network.
• Produce timely safety management information for senior stakeholders.
• Track KPIs with the Data & Impact team to measure and report on safety outcomes.
• Stay informed about safety developments, NGB guidance, youth sector trends and relevant government policy.
• Represent the DofE externally on safety matters and liaise with key stakeholders.

What we are looking for

• Proven ability to apply safety risk management frameworks and confidently advise senior leaders on compliance requirements and incident management.
• Technical qualifications and experience in outdoor education, expedition management and/or volunteering environments.
• Strong understanding of terrains, modes of expedition travel and commonly used geographical regions within the UK.
• In-depth knowledge of national safety legislation and regulations relevant to adventurous or outdoor learning activities.
• Knowledge of implementing safety practice across a dispersed network or licensing model.
• Proven experience managing people and supporting their professional development.
• High level of personal integrity and ability to manage sensitive matters confidentially.
• Resilient, proactive and solutions-focused, with excellent time-management skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence, guide and build confidence at all levels.
• Experience working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to balance a varied workload, think critically and solve problems proactively.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, continuous improvement, learning and development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and exemplary administrative skills.
• A collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.

How to apply and interview dates

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.

The deadline for applying for this role is: Sunday 22nd February - Midnight

1st interviews will take place on: WC 2nd March to be held via MS Teams

2nd interviews will take place on: WC 9th March to be held via MS Teams

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email [emailprotected]

Benefits

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.

The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

About The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a renowned charity that empowers young people by offering life-changing programs. With a vision of Youth Without Limits, their aim is to provide over a million young individuals, particularly those facing marginalisation, the opportunity to participate in their transformative initiatives within the next five years. By supporting young people in acquiring new skills, overcoming obstacles, and building confidence and resilience, they promote personal growth and development.

The organisation operates by licensing and supporting various institutions like schools, colleges, youth groups, and hospitals to run their programs. They prioritise the safety of participants and have taken necessary measures to ensure it. Additionally, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has an Executive Leadership Team that works together to expand their provision and a team of Trustees who set the strategic direction for the charity.

With an international reach in over 130 countries and territories, the DofE is part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, which aims to provide opportunities to young people globally. The history of the DofE traces back to 1956 when it was initially launched for boys. Over the years, it has evolved and now offers programs for young people aged 14 to 24, focusing on four key sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. The impact of the DofE has been astounding, with millions of young people benefiting from the program. Even during challenging times like the coronavirus pandemic, the dedication and contributions of DofE participants have been remarkable.