Occupational Health Specialist Inspector (Band 3/SEO)

Job summary

We will be hosting aWebinar on 25th June at 12.30 where you will have the opportunity to hear more about the role, the organisation and working for the Health and Safety Executive. Please note that this is the only session and, the Webinar will not be recorded.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We’re dedicated to protecting people and places, ensuring everyone can lead safer and healthier lives at work.

Our Occupational Health specialists work across a whole range of essential industries with thousands of workers, to ensure that work is managed safely and work-related ill health is prevented and managed. In this role, you will utilise your considerable professional knowledge to influence not only individual employers but whole industry sectors.

This is a fantastic opportunity for SCPHN-OH occupational health professionals to re-focus their career and take on inspector positions with our essential organisation.

You’ll be supported through a Specialist Training Programme (STP) to gain the skills and expertise to become a specialist inspector. You will enrol on the STP and undertake a combination of study, practical experience and a final assessment, ensuring you are equipped to operate at the forefront of your specialist area.

So, if you want to join a recognised team of experts and make your mark on industries across Great Britain, then apply today!

Job description

Your work as a regulator will make the most of your experience in occupational health – identifying risks, providing the right advice and crucially - taking steps to ensure the employer takes the necessary action. The involvement and support you provide your colleagues could be inspecting the management of health risks in an engineering firm, investigating a report of occupational disease in a bakery, taking enforcement action when required. Your work will take you across the range of industries including construction, manufacturing and engineering, to agriculture, waste and recycling or the public sector.

This role will broaden your knowledge and your professional credibility like no other role can and you will be fully supported by your colleagues including the widest range of health and safety experts in Britain.

Together, you’ll be helping to protect thousands of people, whether that be from our offices or out on site.

Further information about the role can be found in the attached candidate pack.

Travel

You will be office-based but as part of your role, you will be required to inspect and visit sites across Great Britain. This will require regular travel and overnight stays.

Training

You will be supported by your manager and colleagues to understand your role in HSE, develop your skills, and support you in your continuing professional development. For the legal requirements of the role, you will be enrolled on the Specialist Training Programme (STP) and will be required to study for and successfully complete a formal assessment. We also have a strong focus on ongoing technical CPD and training in our core subject areas.

As well as learning on-the-job, you will continue your development, consistent with the professional revalidation process, to maintain your registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You’ll also have wider learning opportunities through your Civil Service access.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and/or supporting investigation of work-related ill-health concerns and reportable diseases to identify the cause and where necessary, take appropriate enforcement action to control the risks.
• Inspecting a variety of workplaces, either on your own, or supporting another inspector, by providing in depth technical expertise to make sure health risks are managed safely, driving improvements and taking enforcement action where required to secure compliance with the law.
• Advising other HSE colleagues about Occupational Health and how conditions compare with minimum legal requirements and good practice, thereby developing their skills in managing occupational health risks.
• Providing specialist support to guide enforcement decisions and specialist opinion in reports.
• Specifically utilising the skills, knowledge and experience in Occupational Health commensurate with the Job Description.
• Contributing to the development of technical policy and guidance in relevant priority areas by reviewing health information, identifying gaps in technical standard and working with others, sharing information and advice with policy colleagues to influence strategic stakeholders and campaigns.
• Contributing as a member of the occupational health team to promote occupational health at relevant UK forums, as well as internally, for example, coaching trainee H&S inspectors. This may also include international engagement, as required.
• You will be expected to appear as specialist / expert witness at tribunals, inquests and legal proceedings.

Person specification

To be considered for this role, you will need to be:

• A registered specialist community public health nurse (occupational health) (SCPHN - part 3 of the NMC Register)

• Able to demonstrate sound practical experience and technical expertise in occupational health

• Able to influence at all levels in an organisation to make significant improvements in occupational health

Essential skills and experience

• Assessment, application of the relevant hierarchy of control and management of health risks from workplace exposure to a range of hazards such as substances hazardous to health, work-related infections, etc.
• Development of policies and written arrangements for protecting worker health.
• Management of health surveillance arrangements regarding risks to workers hearing, skin and respiratory system as well as the risks from exposure to vibration.
• Monitoring the quality and effectiveness of occupational health service delivery.
• Management of musculo-skeletal disorders, work related stress and broader occupational diseases.

In addition, you’ll have made impact in your career by making intelligent, measured decisions in your area, with good analytical skills to spot underlying issues. Communication skills are key in this role as you will be expected to persuade and influence people at all levels.

We value people who respect others, work well in a team and can build robust relationships with employers and other stakeholders.

At HSE, we are proud to be able to offer our people the opportunity to work in a hybrid way which combines working from home and the office. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement, and your allocated office will be your contractual place of work.

There will be a requirement to travel to the office for various activities, e.g., collaborative working, supporting and training colleagues. If hybrid working is suitable for you and your role, you will be expected to attend the office, or other business-related site, for 60% of your working week. The arrangements will be determined primarily by business need, but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account.

Therefore, we would encourage candidates to consider if the commute from home to the office is a feasible distance to travel before making an application. Please note that if you are successful, hybrid working will be discussed prior to taking up the post.

Licences

A full driving licence that permits you to drive in the UK unless a case for reasonable adjustments can be made under the Equality Act 2010. Should a reasonable adjustment be required, please answer yes to this question.

Qualifications

•a nursing degree
•a second degree / PGDip in Occupational Health which is recordable on the Nursing and Midwifery Council professional register and entitles the OHN to have the letters SCPHN-OH* after their name. *Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN-OH)

Memberships

Registered Nurse and Registered Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (Occupational Health) with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Assessment and management of a range of health risks at work.
• Development, management and implementation of health surveillance programmes.
• Monitoring the effectiveness and quality of occupational health arrangements and the technical work of others.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £47,686, Health and Safety Executive contributes £13,814 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

We invest in our people with;

• Competitive rates of pay
• Access to the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme to which HSE contribute 28.97%, far more than in the private sector
• Family friendly policies and working hours to help balance your home life and career
• Carer friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture
• 25 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays and 1-day Civil Service privilege leave
• Parental leave benefits
• As a member of HSE you will gain access to a wide range of fantastic benefits that you can take advantage of such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, E-Gift Cards and Vouchers via our partner EdenRed.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Application information

Application Information As part of your application, you will be invited to complete an anonymised CV which should include your career history, skills, experience and qualifications. Please ensure you tailor your CV to match the Essential Skills and Criteria as listed within the advert.

Additional questions

You will be asked to provide your Nursing and Midwifery Council registration number in the additional questions section.

Application Guidance

Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply and how to complete a Personal Statement How to apply

Sift Information

The sift is due to take place during week commencing 6th July 2026 when we will assess you on your CV. Your CV will be assessed against evidence indicating that you have led or taken part in each of the following essential skills:

• The assessment, application of the relevant hierarchy of control and management of health risks from workplace exposure to a range of hazards such as substances hazardous to health, work-related infections, etc.
• The development of policies and written arrangements for protecting worker health
• The management of health surveillance arrangements regarding risks to workers hearing, skin and respiratory system as well as the risks from exposure to vibration
• The monitoring the quality and effectiveness of occupational health service delivery
• The management of musculo-skeletal disorders, work related stress and broader occupational diseases.

Interview information

Interviews will take place during week commencing 4th and 11th August 2026 in person in our Bootle Headquarters, Redgrave Court, L20 7HS.

We will assess you against the behaviours and, technical skills outlined in the job advert and, strengths-based questions.

As part of your interview, you will also be required to deliver a 10 minute presentation. Further details of this will be sent to candidates invited to interview.

Sponsorship

This role is not open to application from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship your application will be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment will be withdrawn.

Further Information

Due to the nature of security checks undertaken, applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and, Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.

Please note that a Reserve List will be held for the period of up to 12 months. There is no guarantee you will be offered a role from our reserve lists, so if you see a vacancy on Civil Service Jobs that you are interested in, we recommend you apply.

HSE reserve the right to conduct additional checks, including Google and social media checks, when recruiting candidates into a role within HSE. These checks will be carried out in line with the Civil Service Commission Principles and, if used all candidates will be subject to these additional checks.

From 23rd June 2025, if you are successful at interview, as part of your pre-employment checks, HSE’s Recruitment Team are required to check your details against the Internal Fraud Hub (IFH), using your personal details – name, NINO, and date of birth. If you are included on the database, you will be refused employment. If you believe that there has been an error in the inclusion of your data and wish to make an appeal, please contact the CO email box internal.fraud@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.

Details of the types of internal fraud/dishonesty covered by this process are defined by the Cabinet Office and can be found here Internal Fraud Register privacy notice - GOV.UK.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful in their application. For a summary of HSE terms and conditions as part of Civil Service Reform, please see the attached HSE Terms and Conditions document.

Progression through pay ranges is subject to annual pay awards as permitted within annual Civil Service pay remit guidance and negotiations with Trade Unions.

HSE is proud to be a part of the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS). As a Disability Confident employer, we positively welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to making workplace adjustments to ensure anyone can participate in the recruitment and selection process.

If, during the application or interview process, you require any assistance due to a disability or a medical condition, please contact us at the email address below to discuss how we can support you. For example, if you have a disability, and you need an application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please contact: HR.Resourcing-Team@hse.gov.uk.

If successful in securing your role, HSE can provide suitable workplace adjustments to support you throughout your career with HSE.

Any move to HSE from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Please note, if you are a current civil servant and you are currently undergoing any of the following formal actions your application will not be progressed any further; Formal discipline action, any formal action regarding attendance, poor performance or any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Julie Wood
• Email : julie.wood@hse.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : HR.Resourcing-Team@hse.gov.uk

Further information

If you believe that Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition have not been met you can raise a complaint by emailing: HR.Resourcing-Team@hse.gov.uk or by writing to HSE at the following address: HR Resourcing Team, 2.3 Redgrave Court, Merton Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 7HS. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact Civil Service commissioners: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/code/civilservicecode…

Attachments

Candidate Information Pack - Occupational Health Inspector Opens in new window (pdf, 511kB)HSE Terms and Conditions - CSJ Advert Annex Opens in new window (pdf, 116kB)