Fire Safety Manager

In People Experience and Culture, we foster a culture of excellence which positively impacts the student experience and supports the University’s growth and success. We focus on the wellbeing of our colleagues, and support our leaders to create engaged, goal-aligned teams that power our organisation and community.

We bring a future-focussed approach to people and skills challenges, using data-led insights to partner our colleges and directorates in securing the right people, at the right time, with the right skills, and right culture that allow us to meet our strategic objectives.

The Health and Safety team work with key stakeholders to help keep the University safe and compliant with various legal frameworks and aspects of health and safety legislation.  They have a cross-university function and work with colleagues from all areas to improve the working life and study experience of staff, students and the broader community. 

The purpose of the job role is to manage fire safety related activities within the university health and safety framework and provide competent fire safety advice to staff and students.

You will proactively support and promote the development of a positive fire safety culture within the University by supporting the development and implementation of fire safety systems and policies, providing relevant training, performing audits and inspections, undertaking fire risk assessments, reporting on fire safety matters and supporting the continual improvement of fire safety arrangements and systems.

Please Note: This is a part-time role working 30 hours per week.

Interview Date - 12th March 2025

To be the ideal candidate for this role you will be a highly skilled and qualified fire safety professional, holding a recognised fire safety qualification such as the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety, CFPA Diploma, IFE Certificate, or an equivalent credential, and deemed a competent Fire Risk Assessor. You will exhibit a proactive approach, excel in customer service, and provide expert advice on fire safety matters.

With extensive experience in fire safety practice, you will possess an in-depth understanding of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the associated legislative framework, including British Standards and Approved Document B.

Your expertise will include drafting comprehensive fire safety policies and procedures, delivering engaging fire safety training, and conducting audits and fire risk assessments in line with PAS79 standards.

Additionally, you will be experienced in collaborating with external fire and safety organisations, ensuring effective communication and alignment with best practices.

1. To provide fire safety advice and guidance to the Central Health and Safety team and wider university (including Estates, DSRL and Derby Theatre). To support the development and implementation of fire safety policies and procedures to meet legislative requirements / best practice across the portfolio.
2. To proactively develop, maintain, and review when required the implementation of the University fire safety policy, PEEP Policy, fire management arrangements and fire risk assessments, ensuring legal compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
3. To provide Fire Safety advice to Estates Project Managers, design teams and residential managers when required, to ensure robust building fire strategies as part of base project planning.
4. To investigate Fire related incidents within the University, preparing reports and recommendations.
5. To carry out fire safety audits and inspections to all parts of the University, working with the Health, Safety and Wellbeing team to ensure timely completion of outstanding actions.
6. To liaise as required with external fire and safety organisations.
7. To assist in the liaison with the Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing in the development of Fire safety services for the University to meet future needs and standards as part of a continual improvement process and to ensure the safety of our staff, students, visitors and key stakeholders.
8. To maintain an up-to-date professional knowledge relating to the post, including legislative updates, best practice, lessons learned and emerging trends.
9. To carry out in-person fire safety related training (across the sites) such as ‘Fire Marshal’ training, ‘Fire Awareness’ training, ‘Fire Extinguisher’ training, ‘Evacuation Chair’ training and PEEP’s train the trainer’.
10. To lead on and develop Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans with managers (PEEP’s) for staff and assist student services/DSRL in the creation of these for students when required.
11. To carry out and keep up to date the day-to-day administrative activities aligned with the job role/needs of the department and undertake other activities/responsibilities as required and directed by the line manager.
12. To create and maintain a ‘Fire Drill’ schedule, carry out the fire drills, create a report for each one and feedback to the Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing and the Director of the relevant school/college/department.
13. To attend and take a key role in relevant meetings such as the Fire Safety Management Group and University Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee meeting, creating reports and update on progress/issues.
14. In conjunction with the Estates department to aid in planning, conducting (where relevant), documenting and working with appointed external Fire Risk Assessors. To review fire risk assessments (FRAs) in accordance with BSI PAS 79 ensuring all remedial actions are logged onto the University CAFM system.