Royal Navy - Safety Health Environmental and Fire Officer

Job summary

Are you a safety professional who can build confidence, improve standards and help people make safe decisions in a high‑hazard engineering environment?

An exciting opportunity has arisen to become the Safety, Health, Environment & Fire Officer (SHEFO) at 1710 Naval Air Squadron (1710 NAS) – a mixed Civil Service and Military team of technical specialists who use scientific and engineering reasoning to overcome aircraft operational issues and enhance UK Defence aviation capability.

Based at HM Naval Base Portsmouth, you will support the Squadron in maintaining and strengthening the Squadron’s Safety, Health, Environment & Fire (SHEF) elements of the Total Safety Management System, in line with Navy Command Safety and Environmental Management System requirements.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

We are looking for a SHEFO to help 1710 NAS maintain a strong, proactive safety culture and to ensure hazards are identified, risks are understood, and controls are implemented and sustained.

Working closely with the Total Safety System Manager (TSSM), Command Team, line managers and local safety role holders, you will provide competent, timely advice, drive practical improvements, and ensure robust reporting and assurance activity across the Squadron.

Key responsibilities include:

• Total safety administration and assurance
• Ensuring the effective operation of all SHEF aspects of the Total Safety Management System in line with Navy Command safety and environmental management requirements.
• Advising the Command Team on SHEF requirements, including preparing and maintaining SHEF documentation, registers and logs.
• Monitor Defence and statutory SHEF policy and propose the Squadron’s response as appropriate.
• Assist with initial hazard identification, risk assessments and COSHH assessments, and monitor the effectiveness of agreed control measures.
• Undertake routine Squadron rounds to maintain progress on SHEF issues and identify emerging risks.
• Act as the Building and Facilities manager.
• Act as the Squadron nominated Occurrence Manager for Navy Safety Occurrence Reporting.
• Represent 1710 NAS at relevant stakeholder HS&EP committee meetings.
• Liaise with external SHEF auditing bodies and coordinate the closure of nonconformances and observations.
• Act as the Squadron Pollution Control Officer.

Person specification

Your previous experience will be invaluable and may include:

- Providing practical safety, health, environmental protection and/or fire safety advice in an operational engineering, workshop, facilities or other regulated/high‑hazard environment.

- Building effective working relationships across mixed teams and influencing others to adopt safe behaviours and comply with agreed controls.

- Supporting hazard identification, risk assessment (including COSHH) and driving actions through to closure.

- Maintaining safety documentation, registers and local instructions with good quality control and version discipline.

- Supporting audits, inspections and assurance activity, and implementing proportionate improvements.

- Managing incident/occurrence reporting and contributing to investigations, producing clear factual summaries and recommendations.

- Delivering or coordinating local briefings/training and supporting local safety role holders (e.g. fire wardens, first aiders).

We are looking for someone who is organised, proactive and pragmatic, with the confidence to challenge constructively, the judgement to escalate appropriately, and the credibility to operate at pace in support of Squadron output.

Essential criteria

- NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent Level 3 health and safety qualification).

- Demonstrable ability to communicate clearly (written and verbal), tailoring messages to different audiences and influencing safe outcomes.

- Proven ability to work collaboratively across a diverse stakeholder set, building trust and resolving issues through constructive engagement.

- Experience of applying risk management principles in the workplace, including supporting suitable and sufficient risk assessments and monitoring the effectiveness of controls.

- Experience of maintaining accurate records and producing clear, structured documentation (e.g. reports, registers, logs, local instructions).

- Experience of incident/occurrence reporting and contributing to investigations, with an evidence-based approach and attention to detail.

- Strong prioritisation and time management skills, able to handle competing demands.

Desirable criteria

- Prior appointment/training as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), Electromagnetic Fields Safety Officer (ESO) and/or Laser Safety Officer.

Qualifications

A Level 3 Health and Safety Qualification (i.e. NEBOSH General Certificate)

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Technical skills

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

• Technical skill: Safety & Environment Functional Competency Framework – Basic level

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference.

Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work /life balance.

Other benefits for Navy Command civil servants include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service.
• Personal & professional development.
• Alternative working patterns for many roles.
• Access to a confidential, professional support service.
• Discount schemes.
• Bicycle / season ticket loans.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year.
• On-site facilities (gymnasium, post office, mess facilities etc)

In Navy Command we believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/ or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through an apprenticeship you will gain professional knowledge, practical experience, and the broader skills required to upskill you in your current role and pave the way for your future career. Most of the training will be ‘on-the-job’, with the remain ‘off-the-job’ training often delivered by a training provider. This means minimal disruption and maximum impact.

Professional qualifications can be achieved through an apprenticeship and range from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels), and Levels 4 -7, which can give you a foundation degree, a full Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree.

Apprenticeships normally last between 12 months - 3 years, depending on the level of the apprenticeship.

Anyone can undertake an Apprenticeship and everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from developing their skills in an accredited way.

Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Applicants can request further information from the Vacancy Holder. Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD 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 at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

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, Experience and Technical skills.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical Skills.

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

At sift, you will be assessed against your CV and the following:

Behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Technical Skills:

Technical skill: Safety & Environment Functional Competency Framework – Basic level

Applications will be sifted on all Success Profile elements, but in the event of a high number of applications, a sift will be conducted on your CV Technical skill: Safety & Environment Functional Competency Framework – Basic level only.

Applications will be assessed following the closing date. If successful at the sift stage, you will be invited to interview.

At interview, you will be assessed against the following:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Technical Skills:

• Technical skill: Safety & Environment Functional Competency Framework – Basic level

Interviews will be a blend of Behaviour, Technical Skills, and Experience questions. Interviews will take place at 1710 Naval Air Squadron, HM Naval Base Portsmouth.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

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 : George Perkins
• Email : George.Perkins100@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.

Attachments

Candidate Information Pack Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)22_0656 NC Applicant guide A4- digital Opens in new window (pdf, 2922kB)20240216---S-E-Functional-Competency-Framework-V2--1- Opens in new window (pdf, 6650kB)MOD Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)