HR Adviser (Health and Safety)

Introduction

The Human Resources department provides a strategic and operational HR service to the seven National Church Institutions (NCIs) and the 42 Diocesan Bishops’ offices. Our HR Operations team focusses on the entire employee lifecycle providing support, advice and guidance to senior leaders, line managers and staff. The Organisational Development team lead on culture, values, wellbeing, development and our belonging & inclusion strategy. Through our External Service team, we also offer HR support on a consultancy basis to other Church of England organisations including our dioceses and cathedrals.  

We are a friendly, diverse, well respected and highly engaged HR team who are committed to actively sharing knowledge and learning across the team and beyond. We encourage flexible working within the team and meet together online weekly and in-person once a month for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and building relationships. 

The NCIs comprises a wide variety of functions and professions to support the mission and ministries of the Church by working with those who serve in parishes, dioceses, schools and other ministries, and with partners at a national and international level.

• Reviewing risk assessments that have been completed by staff and line managers, requesting additional information, and advising on risk mitigation;
• Supporting requests for adjustments and additional equipment may be required, including requests for Access to Work funding, liaising with Facilities and Technology Services as required;
• Supporting the Head of Health & Safety in reviewing accidents and incidents that occur across NCI sites or involve colleagues in the course of their work;
• Advising staff travelling overseas on potential risks;
• Managing the lone worker safety devices used by the NCIs;
• Administering our Health Cash Plan scheme;
• Day to day administration of our Health & Safety reporting system;
• Assisting in the preparation of Health & Safety reports e.g., the Joint Staff Council and Health and Safety forum.

As an adviser within the HR Operations team, you will also get involved in responding to other types of HR queries via email, phone and Teams chat, and supporting colleagues in using our Oracle Employee and Manager self-service.

This is a hybrid working role which can be based in our offices in either York or London. We typically work from the office at least one day per week, and remote for the remainder of the time. Visits to other NCI work locations may also be required from time to time.

You'll need previous experience of advising on and reviewing health and safety risks, including Display Screen Equipment, lone working and overseas travel with, or working towards, a recognised Health & Safety certificate (e.g. IOSH/NEBOSH or equivalent). 

We're looking for someone who has:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with accuracy and attention to detail including with numerical data. You will need to be able to communicate clearly to stakeholders at all levels within the organisation.
• An enthusiastic and highly organised approach to work, with the ability to understand and process high volumes of information. You will need to be able to work comfortably with competing priorities and show flexibility in your approach to customers to understand differing expectations.

An interest in and willingness to learn broader HR policies and processes. Experience in HR in addition to Health & Safety would be an advantage.

Closing date for applications is 27 April 2025.

• A salary of £40,572 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department’s needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK’s leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity