Main Purpose of the Job

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a HSEQ Health and Safety Officer to join our busy team. The HSEQ team supports the John Innes Centre, Earlham Institute, Quadram Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory, and the Partnership teams.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to support the implementation of the NBIP Health & Safety policy and arrangements. Key responsibilities include reviewing, updating, and migrating HSEQ and H&S Facilities-related documentation into our new H&S management system, ensuring compliance and operational alignment. The role will also support the Head of HSEQ and the wider team in delivering an outstanding service.

The post holder will contribute to the implementation of HSEQ programmes and policies across the Institutes and Partnership teams, while also helping to coordinate a joined-up approach with the Facilities team and those involved in the new research building project (part of the Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI)).

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, collaborative, and a positive role model, promoting a healthy and safe working environment in line with legislation and best practice. This role requires both formal and informal leadership, alongside strong communication and influencing skills.

Key Relationships

The position will report to the Head of HSEQ and be supervised on a daily basis by the HSEQ business system coordinator. The post holder will work closely with the other HSEQ members and NBIP facilities team to contribute to the delivery of an outstanding H&S support on site.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

HSEQ Document Review & Migration:
• Support the review and transfer of risk assessments and other health and safety-related documents into the new Health & Safety Management System.
• Audit existing HSEQ/Facilities policies, procedures, and records.
• Review and update documentation in line with the approved NBIP Health & Safety Policy and arrangements.
• Oversee the structured upload, categorisation, and version control of documents within the new Environment Health and Safety (EHS) management system.

45

Coordination:
• Liaise with HSEQ, Facilities, and other stakeholders to collect, verify, and update relevant H&S documentation.
• Provide guidance and training to colleagues on new processes and system use.

15

Compliance Monitoring:
• Identify gaps in documentation or practice in line with H&S legislation and NBIP policy.
• Support the monitoring of compliance with the NBIP Health & Safety framework across all functions.

10

Reporting & Continuous Improvement:
• Provide regular progress reports to the Head of HSEQ on implementation status.
• Contribute to the refinement and continuous improvement of health and safety arrangements.

10

Additional Responsibilities:
• Provide cover and support to HSEQ team members during absences, particularly for engineering and construction queries.
• Maintain accurate H&S records, including accident logs, training records, incident reports, and inspection checklists.
• Provide general administrative support, including monitoring email inboxes, responding to queries, assigning actions, and ensuring timely completion.
• Provide the Head of HSEQ with high-quality H&S compliance data and reports.
• Promote a culture of health, safety, and environmental stewardship throughout the organisation.

10

System Implementation Support:
• Act as a key point of contact for EHS system usage relating to document control and compliance tracking.
• Ensure workflows and version controls are correctly established and maintained.

10

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Mathematics.

Essential

Minimum Level 3 qualification in Business or Administration (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration or equivalent experience).

Essential

A-levels or equivalent further education qualification.

Desirable

HND in Business Studies or equivalent qualification.

Desirable

A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., Environmental Science, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related field).

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Minimum Level 3 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (e.g., NEBOSH National General Certificate or equivalent)

Essential

Working knowledge of UK Health and Safety legislation and relevant compliance standards.

Essential

Excellent document management skills including version control and audit processes.

Essential

Ability to coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Essential

Strong IT skills, including experience with document management systems, databases, or other digital HSEQ tools. Experience in a similar role.

Essential

NEBOSH Health and Safety or construction Certificate - or an equivalent qualification may be an advantage.

Desirable

Membership (or eligibility for membership) of a recognised professional body such as IOSH (TechIOSH or above).

Desirable

Formal training or certification in document control or quality management systems.

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Supporting Health & Safety management systems, document control, or compliance monitoring in a facilities, research, or administrative environment.

Essential

Managing documentation, version control, and workflows within a structured compliance framework.

Essential

Excellent IT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (knowledge of Power BI advantageous).

Essential

Providing training, guidance, or support to colleagues on H&S procedures or digital systems.

Desirable

Exposure to EHS or risk management systems implementation projects.

Desirable

Liaising with multiple stakeholders and departments to deliver H&S or compliance initiatives.

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Good written and verbal communication skills.

Essential

Excellent interpersonal and customer-focused skills.

Essential

Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organisation.

Essential

Good teamworking and collaborative skills.

Essential

Proactive attitude: willingness to learn, adapt, and take on additional tasks.

Essential

Effective time management and ability to prioritise workload.

Essential

Ability to work independently.

Essential

Meticulous attention to detail.

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Full clean UK driving licence.

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Essential

Willingness to embrace expected values and behaviours of all staff, ensuring a positive workplace culture.

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, supporting reputation and public engagement aims.

Essential

Able to handle sensitive and confidential information professionally. Willingness to work outside standard hours when required.

Essential

Promote continuous improvement in HSE practices and performance through regular review and updating of policies and procedures.

Essential

NBI Partnership

The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.

The John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory are registered charities (No’s 223852, 1058499, 1136213 and 106550) and are Equal Opportunity Employers.

For more information about working at NBI Partnership, please click here.

Department

HS & QA

Group Details

The Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) team provides comprehensive non-scientific support across the Norwich Research Park’s four research institutes; the John Innes Centre (JIC), the Earlham Institute (EI), the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). In addition to supporting these institutes, HSEQ also delivers dedicated health and safety guidance and oversight to the Partnership teams, including the Facilities team. The team’s remit covers a wide range of areas, including ensuring regulatory compliance, promoting best practices in laboratory and workplace safety, managing environmental responsibilities, and maintaining quality assurance standards. Through its work, HSEQ plays a key role in fostering a safe, sustainable, and high-quality research and working environment across the Partnership.

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HSEQ Health and Safety Officer

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a HSEQ Health and Safety Officer to join their busy Health, Safety and Quality Assurance department.

Background:

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes are a cluster of internationally renowned research organisations, working to tackle major challenges of the 21st Century – the sustainability of our environment, our food supplies and healthy ageing. 

The NBI Partnership provides high quality, non-scientific support services for the diverse community of staff, students and visiting workers at the Institutes (the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory and Quadram Institute Bioscience) and for the NBI Partnership.

Based on the Norwich Research Park amongst 230 hectares of parkland, you will be joining a committed, professional and welcoming team.  In addition, you will enjoy a competitive salary and annual leave, our defined contribution pension scheme, excellent recreational facilities and a range of other employee benefits.

The Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) team provides comprehensive non-scientific support across the Norwich Research Park’s four research institutes; the John Innes Centre (JIC), the Earlham Institute (EI), the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). In addition to supporting these institutes, HSEQ also delivers dedicated health and safety guidance and oversight to the Partnership teams, including the Facilities team.

The role:

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to support the implementation of the NBIP Health & Safety policy and arrangements. Key responsibilities include reviewing, updating, and migrating HSEQ and H&S Facilities-related documentation into our new H&S management system, ensuring compliance and operational alignment. The role will also support the Head of HSEQ and the wider team in delivering an outstanding service.

The post holder will contribute to the implementation of HSEQ programmes and policies across the Institutes and Partnership teams, while also helping to coordinate a joined-up approach with the Facilities team and those involved in the new research building project (part of the Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI))

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will have a level 3 qualification in Occupational Health & Safety (e.g., NEBOSH National General Certificate) or equivalent experience. They will have good knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and compliance standards and experience supporting HSEQ management systems, document control, or compliance monitoring.

The post holder is expected to have strong IT skills, including experience with document management systems and Microsoft Office, excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills and an innate ability to work independently and collaboratively, with attention to detail.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £28,890 to £35,670 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time for a contract of 12 months.

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.nbi.ac.uk/  or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004996.

Interviews will be held on 15 December 2025.

The NBI Partnership is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer. We are committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining the best talent, and welcome all applications.

The closing date for applications will be 7 December 2025

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.