Fire Safety Advisor

Venesky-Brown’s client, a public sector organisation in Surrey, is currently looking to recruit a Fire Safety Advisor on a rate of £37,162 and £44,629. The working days are Monday – Friday and there will be requirement to work in Chertsey as and when required.
Responsibilities:
- To ensure that fire precautions meet the standards set out in documents issued by the Department of Health and with other statutory requirements and recommendations of relevant code of practice.
- To provide advice on structural fire protection and safety for existing and new buildings and proposed alterations to buildings.
- To undertake fire risk assessments in all premises managed by the Trust. Prepare reports and prioritise action plans following risk assessments which requires the analysis and comparison of a range of options, the postholder will be responsible for formulating, implementing and monitoring any action plans.
- As appropriate, implement the proposals outlined in the action plan and/or assist in the co-ordination/implementation of the action plan.
- Monitor the implementation of the action plan and report any deviations from the plan to the Trust Fire Safety Manager (TFSM)
- To review new fire legislation and regulations and, where necessary, provide briefing notes and procedures for comment/approval to Fire Safety group.
- Arrange and monitor the completion of the required periodic certification of fire related equipment and to ensure accurate records are maintained and are available for inspection, as required, by the relevant authorities.
- Advise departmental managers on all matters relating to Fire Safety within their areas and provide Fire Safety design solutions as necessary.
- Supervise the adequate provision, position and effective maintenance of all firefighting equipment, Fire Safety signs and notices.
- Proactively provide professional action and advice on all Fire Safety issues within the Trust.
- Ensure Fire revenue budget is effectively resourced and utilised on fire prevention, detection and fighting contracts
- Provide reports as and when required, detailing fire training, fire actuations, fire related risks and work programmes to be presented at relevant groups including the Fire Safety group, major incident group and Health and Safety Committee  
- Be responsible for matters relating to Fire Safety training and awareness in accordance with Trust Policy, national standards and current legislation.
- Provide and deliver a comprehensive Fire Safety training programme for all Trust employees. Ensure the training needs of all staff are addressed (induction and basic training, continuation training and specialised training).
- Provide and deliver specialist training for staff designated under the Trust Fire policy.
- Develop an integrated working arrangement with the Fire and Rescue service to include familiarisation and participation in joint exercise training events.
- Work with the Emergency Planning & Resilience Officer on the Hospital Evacuation Policy.
- Assist, plan and deliver the annual fire risk assessment programme for all sites.
- To organise testing of equipment as required ensuring fully operational. This shall include fire alarms and detectors, extinguishers, emergency lighting, etc.
- The post holder will provide specialist technical information tailored to audiences with different levels of knowledge, to ensure cooperation with fire code and regulations requiring the postholder to utilise negotiation/influencing skills.
- Provide effective teaching and coaching in all issues involving Fire Safety, including strategy and evacuation procedures, to individuals and groups.
- Manage internal and external Fire Safety enquiries requiring advice; referring to specialists, such as the appointed Authorised Engineer (AE) where necessary.         
Essential Skills:
- Fire engineering/ Engineering science, or fire /Fire Safety degree; or extensive experience and knowledge in Fire Safety supplemented by a specialist qualification in fire engineering/Fire Safety to post graduate/diploma level or equivalent.            
- Certificate in training practice or extensive experience of preparing and delivering training.
- Membership of a professional organisation (e.g. the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) or the institute of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO).
- Experience and knowledge of undertaking fire risk assessments.
- Experience of preparing and delivering training courses.
- Experience of working across organisational boundaries to improve standards.
- Trust vision, values and strategic objectives
- In-depth knowledge of Firecode, Health Building Notes, and Building Regulations Approved Document B (Fire Safety)
- Fire risk management
- Fire legislation and codes of practice
Desirable Skills:
- Corporate membership of professional organisation (Institute of fire engineers; Institute of occupational safety and health)
- Training in Healthcare Fire Safety.
- Registered as a fire risk assessor with a recognised accreditation body.
- Practical knowledge and interpretation of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- Practical knowledge and interpretation of the Building Regulations 2022.
If you would like to hear more about this opportunity, please get in touch.