Health and Safety Adviser

Devon County Council; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is looking for an experienced health and safety professional to join their team in Exeter. The role involves auditing and implementing health and safety policies, interpreting legislation, and delivering training. Candidates must hold a NEBOSH Diploma, have strong communication skills, and be CMIOSH members or pursuing membership. Flexible working is encouraged, and the role requires travel throughout Devon. Applications from candidates with the right to work in the UK are welcome.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Support for safeguarding and welfare

Qualifications

• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent qualification required.
• CMIOSH membership or actively working toward it.
• Significant post-qualification experience in health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Audit and implement health and safety policies.
• Interpret legislation for services and establishments.
• Develop and deliver training both face-to-face and remotely.

Skills

Health and safety legislation knowledge

Communication skills

Training delivery

Accident investigation

Office 365 proficiency

Education

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent

CMIOSH membership or progress

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking to appoint an experienced health and safety professional to work as an integral member of a busy, supportive and established team. The role will nominally be based in Exeter; flexible working and some work from home is encouraged. It will require travel throughout Devon to a broad range of teams and establishments.

Key Responsibilities

Your specific areas of focus will include auditing, reviewing and implementing a wide range of health and safety policies and guidance. You will be allocated areas of H&S specialism and responsible for interpreting legislation and guidance to provide appropriate advice to services and establishments. You will also develop and deliver in‑house and externally accredited training, both face‑to‑face and remotely, to a wide audience.

Qualifications & Experience

You should hold the NEBOSH Diploma or an equivalent qualification and be a CMIOSH member or actively working toward membership, with good post‑qualification experience. A sound knowledge of current H&S legislation is essential, and you will be required to carry out significant accident investigations. Excellent communication skills are required, with the ability to engage with individuals and groups across all levels of the organisation, including meeting with Directors and their management teams. Experience with premise H&S issues, such as asbestos and legionella management, across multi‑site organisations including educational establishments, would be an advantage. A good understanding of Office 365 is also desirable.

Regretfully we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role; therefore, we only proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

Interview Date

Week beginning 09/02/2026

How to Apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

For an informal discussion about this post please contact Simon Bates on 01392 381863 or email [e-mail].

Additional Information

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working – the Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work (e.g., hybrid working, part‑time, condensed hours, etc.).
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data you collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time; UK Right‑to‑Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• DBS disclosure required.