Health & Safety, Compliance and Transport Manager
Full time
Starting ASAP
Executive Summary
We require a Health & Safety, Compliance and Transport Manager with the expertise to take responsibility for the co-ordination of health and safety within the School.
They will establish and maintain systems and processes to ensure policy development, implementation, monitoring and inspection. Key areas include risk assessment, delivery of training and promoting a positive health and safety culture. Utilising the principle of ‘Plan, Do, Check, Act’ in order to meet the regulatory requirements of relevant health and safety, environmental and fire safety regulations.
They will organise and access competent advice to enable the effective and efficient management of health and safety matters to reduce risk as far as reasonably practicable.
Acting as the Transport Manager, the individual is responsible for the management and compliance of our school vehicle fleet, minibus routes and drivers along with supporting the Shared Bus Partnership operations locally. This position requires someone who is flexible and willing to work outside normal hours where necessary and provides practical solutions to overcome challenges as they arise.
Role Description
This is a full-time, year-round role starting as soon as possible. The successful candidate will be working with multiple departments, external contractors and line managing the School's minibus drivers.
Key Responsibilities
School Health & Safety and Compliance Manager
- keep up to date and log new H&S legislation and guidance and the ISI inspection Health and Safety framework changes, issue to relevant managers and document any organisational changes in order to ensure compliance
- monitor and manage the review, consultation and publishing of H&S policy and procedures
- work closely with the Assistant Bursar, Operations to ensure compliance across the H&S function
- work closely with others to support site-wide risk assessments and ensure up to date activity risk assessments are in place
- work closely with external suppliers providing H&S advice, such as arranging audits and inspections and escorting them whilst on the premises
- provide advice, support and guidance to departmental managers on the risk assessment process including preparation, implementation and review of risk assessments, COSHH assessments and safe systems of work
- ensure departmental managers have the appropriate arrangements in place within their departments for the testing and inspecting of work equipment in line with relevant H&S legislation
- establish and operate a structured programme of H&S training and guidance to colleagues (practical and/or online); this includes mandatory training such as: induction training, risk assessment training, H&S updates, manual handling training, Fire marshal, Fire safety and evacuation chairs, work at height training, electrical safety training, display screen equipment and stress awareness
- develop the auditing and inspection programme; undertake/arrange H&S inspections, reviews and audits and produce reports
- review the Accident, Incident and Near Miss reports, keep accident records, analyse and provide periodic reports
- ensure compliance with RIDDOR and close out of accident investigations and associated action plans, ensuring they are closed out in a timely manner
- ensure the School discharges its H&S and fire responsibilities in relation to third parties on the premises, including lettings and contractors
- ensure central registers are maintained; this will include registers for asbestos, emergency lighting, fire systems and equipment, ladders, water hygiene, local exhaust ventilation, LOLER, portable appliances and pressure systems and vessels
- ensure compliance with relevant fire safety law and that all aspects of the fire safety policy are implemented and monitored
- work with the Estates team to ensure that building sites and building projects are managed safely
- work with the Estates Manager, Housekeeping and Lettings Manager to ensure that environmental safety is managed effectively
- a member of the School’s Risk Management Team, Health and Safety Committee and Sub Committees
- attend H&S meetings as required, research topics and write reports as requested; co-ordinate the School’s H&S committee meetings, agenda and minutes
- access professional support, competent advice and guidance from other relevant organisations and external sources as necessary
- produce reports to the Governing Body where required
- attend the Independent School’s Safety Advisors group meetings
- attend appropriate H&S courses/briefing to maintain currency of knowledge
School Transport Manager
- act as the School’s Transport Manager
- keep up to date with transport legislation and guidance and the ISI inspection framework in order to ensure compliance, including Section 19 of Transport Act 1985 and drivers’ hours
- review, develop, implement school transport policy, procedures and systems
- manage, audit and review compliance systems to ensure they are effective
- manage the School’s fleet of minibuses and trailers, including MOTs, repairs, servicing, safety checks, vehicle tracking, new purchases and disposal
- arrange hire of additional or replacement vehicles as appropriate
- ensure drivers’ risk assessments are in place and appropriate licences held, they remain qualified, are trained and fit to drive
- co-ordinate the School’s minibus routes, schedules and drivers’ rotas and bookings
- keep driver admin up to date regarding correct licensing, training and insurance
- liaise with parents regarding all school transport matters, dealing with queries promptly as they arise
- ensure drivers complete daily checks and arrange remedial work
- monitor all accidents and near misses; ensure these are reported in line with policy
- manage minibus bookings and usage by the school community
- first point of contact for school home to school transport enquiries
- attendance of open days to promote home to school transport
- line manage minibus drivers, including recruitment, timesheets and absence
- liaise with partners from other schools and suppliers (operators) on day-to-day operational matters of the shared coach service and overcome any problems as they arise
- manage and coordinate the effective day-to-day running of the shared bus network within the School's responsibilities
- allocate parking permits to eligible individuals in accordance with the car parking policy
- manage onsite parking, including permits and any other control measures which may be required from time to time
Additional duties
- perform any other duties reasonably requested to ensure the smooth running of the School
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- educated to at least GCSE standard, must include English Language and Mathematics at grade C/grade 5 or above
- experience of working in a customer service based environment and dealing with a variety of people by telephone and face to face
- knowledge of IT programmes appropriate to a Windows-based office environment, including word processing, Excel spreadsheets, Outlook email and the Google Suite. There must be a willingness and ability to learn new applications as necessary
- working knowledge of transport operations
- working knowledge of Health and Safety Law (Legal requirements and ACoPs)
Desirable
- experience of creating online H&S training packages
- NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent
- NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management or equivalent
- ISO 14001: 2015 Internal Auditor
- Accident Investigation training
- adult teaching qualification (PTLLS or equivalent)
- NEBOSH Diploma or Member of institute of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH)
Personal Attributes and Skills
- excellent communication skills and a professional and confident telephone manner
- excellent customer service skills and the ability to deal effectively and confidently with a wide range of people including staff, governors, parents, contractors, agents and pupils
- ability to work calmly under pressure, prioritising work and meeting deadlines
- an ability to develop and maintain credible working relations with a wide range of individuals, including pupils, staff, contractors in a professional and tactful manner
- the ability to work independently and flexibly using own initiative and to be able to work as part of a team
- ability to write clear reports/documents aimed at a variety of users
- excellent administrative and organisational skills
- organised, proactive, team player, flexible
- able to work occasional/ out of hours
Terms of Appointment
Type of Contract
Full time, permanent, all year round starting as soon as possible
Benefits
Pension
Contributory membership of the School’s Support Staff Pension Scheme with a School contribution of up to 9.95 per cent upon successful completion of six months’ service.
Fee remission
In accordance with the School’s policy, which may be subject to change, up to 50 per cent fee remission for pupils attending Headington Rye Oxford and up to 20 per cent fee remission for boys attending Magdalen College School (under a reciprocal agreement) and subject to the terms of their policy. Fee remission is calculated on the number of weeks and hours worked and is pro rata for part-time staff.
Salary
£35k - £40k per annum depending on skills and experience
Additional Benefits
All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, weekly Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir. Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential hotline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.
Appointment Process and How To Apply
Applicants should submit an application form and a covering letter detailing their skills and experience to recruitment@headingtonschool.com
- Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms. However, they may be sent in addition to the application form.
- We will seek references on shortlisted candidates and will approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications, before the interview. References will ask about your suitability to work with children.
- If you are invited to interview you will receive notification outlining the interview process and guidance regarding the documentation you are required to provide.
Closing Date: Monday 7th September 2025
Interviews: week commencing Monday 15th September 2025
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application form.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie references, Disclosure and Barring Service, medical questionnaire, Right to Work in the UK.
Headington Rye Oxford is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
