Navy Command - Assistant Manager Safety Assurance

Plymouth, South West England, PL2 2BG

Job Summary

The successful candidate will support the Devonport Safety Group (DSG), forming part of the Health, Safety, Environment and Security Assurance Department (HSA). They will provide support related to operational outputs, and activities, taking place within Devonport Naval Base (HMNB/D).

The candidate will provide advice and assurance of health, safety and environmental management (HSEM) and safe systems of working (SSOW) which are broad and wide ranging. The efficient and safe delivery of SSOW at HMNB/D relies upon significant collaborative support from other agencies, HMNB/D units, and Industry Partner Organizations (IPO).

The Head of Establishment at HMNB/D, Naval Base Commander, (NBC) is a 1* Royal Marine Brigadier, and responsible to the Secretary of State to comply with recognized HSEM standards. To evidence this commitment NBC maintains ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications. The Assistant Manager Safety Assurance (AMSA) supports NBC and must provide assurance that HMNB/D is fully compliant with HSEM legislation.

The opportunities offered with the AMSA position are varied, challenging and exciting. They support Navy Command’s (NC) role to generate and operate forces for today and to ensure we are ready for tomorrow, by developing and delivering the Navy of the future. NC provides an open, flexible and supportive work environment. Civil Servants and Armed Forces personnel work together in a wealth of interesting and challenging jobs in different disciplines, from finance; legal services; personnel and HR; project planning and managing contracts, to media and communications. 

The AMSA vacancy is based in HMNB/D, a site of national and strategic importance on the waterfront of Plymouth, Devon.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

As part of the Health, Safety, Environment and Security Assurance Department (HSA) the position holder will be responsible for the following:

• To discharge a health, safety and environmental Intelligent Customer (IC) assurance role. Conduct audits and inspections on behalf of Asst Head Safety and Environmental Protection HSA (AHHSEP), IAW the integrated Audit and Active Monitoring Program (AMP) across HMNB/D and IPO.
• Conduct second party audits and inspections on MOD units, lodger bases, lessee establishments and encroachments based at HMNB/D. Document remedial actions from audits and track them to closure.
• Complete Joint IPO audits, IAW arrangements outlined in contractual arrangements for services provided to HMNB/D.
• To be a source of advice and expertise regarding changes of working practice, which become necessary when revealed as areas in need of improvement through audits and inspections.
• Consult with Contractor HEO and Accident and Investigation HEO, to capture and implement best practice and safety developments throughout HMNB/D.
• Assist Establishment Safety Officer in developing the HMNB/D AMP and ensure it is targeted towards high-risk activities.
• Maintain professional awareness and Continued Professional Development to ensure up-to-date hazard awareness.
• Work with Accident and Investigation HEO to learn from post incident events. Ensure a suitable audit program is in place to monitor changes in practice following incidents.
• Maintain robust relationships with Navy Safety Center to capture changes in procedure which may impact the AMP and require additional assurance.
• Provide feedback to the Devonport Safety Group at team meetings, briefing on significant audit findings from the AMP.
• Establish working relationships with regulators, external auditors, and other interested parties, updating AHHSEP and Establishment Safety Officer.
• Contribute to the production of the Annual Review of Safety, offering insight into areas of noncompliance which have arisen during audits and inspections.
• Fulfill a line management reporting officer role, for one safety officer position at (EO) grade.
• Provide briefings to other HMNB/D teams and Senior Managers regarding audits and corrective actions, put in place to prevent future failings.
• Conduct audits and inspections against regulatory benchmarks and best practice standards.
• Draft Health and Safety Policy and strategies for approval by AHHSEP, which become relevant following changes in regulation, or from results of audit and inspection.
• Attend meetings as directed by AHHSEP or Establishment Safety Officer.
• Assist AHHSEP in promoting a positive health and safety culture within HMNB/D.
• Collect information that will be relevant to safety performance data, advising Accident and Incident Reporting HEO, brief relevant information to AHHSEP and Director's.
  
  

Responsibilities

As part of the Health, Safety, Environment and Security Assurance Department (HSA) the position holder will be responsible for the following:

• To discharge a health, safety and environmental Intelligent Customer (IC) assurance role. Conduct audits and inspections on behalf of Asst Head Safety and Environmental Protection HSA (AHHSEP), IAW the integrated Audit and Active Monitoring Program (AMP) across HMNB/D and IPO.
• Conduct second party audits and inspections on MOD units, lodger bases, lessee establishments and encroachments based at HMNB/D. Document remedial actions from audits and track them to closure.
• Complete Joint IPO audits, IAW arrangements outlined in contractual arrangements for services provided to HMNB/D.
• To be a source of advice and expertise regarding changes of working practice, which become necessary when revealed as areas in need of improvement through audits and inspections.
• Consult with Contractor HEO and Accident and Investigation HEO, to capture and implement best practice and safety developments throughout HMNB/D.
• Assist Establishment Safety Officer in developing the HMNB/D AMP and ensure it is targeted towards high-risk activities.
• Maintain professional awareness and Continued Professional Development to ensure up-to-date hazard awareness.
• Work with Accident and Investigation HEO to learn from post incident events. Ensure a suitable audit program is in place to monitor changes in practice following incidents.
• Maintain robust relationships with Navy Safety Center to capture changes in procedure which may impact the AMP and require additional assurance.
• Provide feedback to the Devonport Safety Group at team meetings, briefing on significant audit findings from the AMP.
• Establish working relationships with regulators, external auditors, and other interested parties, updating AHHSEP and Establishment Safety Officer.
• Contribute to the production of the Annual Review of Safety, offering insight into areas of noncompliance which have arisen during audits and inspections.
• Fulfill a line management reporting officer role, for one safety officer position at (EO) grade.
• Provide briefings to other HMNB/D teams and Senior Managers regarding audits and corrective actions, put in place to prevent future failings.
• Conduct audits and inspections against regulatory benchmarks and best practice standards.
• Draft Health and Safety Policy and strategies for approval by AHHSEP, which become relevant following changes in regulation, or from results of audit and inspection.
• Attend meetings as directed by AHHSEP or Establishment Safety Officer.
• Assist AHHSEP in promoting a positive health and safety culture within HMNB/D.
• Collect information that will be relevant to safety performance data, advising Accident and Incident Reporting HEO, brief relevant information to AHHSEP and Director's.
  
  

Person specification

The role requires a strong understanding of Health Safety and Environmental Management (HSEM) concepts, industry best practice, and how to achieve compliance within a complex business model.

The post holder must be a confident and capable communicator, HSEM compliance is a crucial area of delivery and under constant scrutiny at senior level. The post holder will be required to ensure the safe and timely delivery of a robust and legally compliant SSOW, which is vital to the future proofing of defence capabilities at HMNB/D.

The post holder must be able to brief autonomously at their own, and senior levels, addressing a wide range of internal, external and interested parties regarding HSEM standards. This will include the ability to have meaningful conversations with formal Regulators.

The job is varied, challenging and busy, it is set within a site with a bright future, in a specialist area of importance and potential growth. The organisation under NBC is currently undergoing significant change. Therefore, change-management skills, persistence and flexibility will be required to succeed.  Collectively, these skills are to be delivered through engagement with NBC departments and IPO who operate at HMNB/D.

Qualifications

NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
  
  

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
  
  

Alongside your salary of £36,530, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,582 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Benefits Alongside your salary of £36530, working for the Ministry of Defence contributes offers the following benefits.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• The MOD provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills through personal development and offers flexible working, excellent annual leave and maternity allowances.
  
  

In Navy Command we understand the everyday commitments both inside and outside the workplace, so our aim is to provide the flexibility to maintain a great work-life balance. We also offer an impressive range of on-site facilities including a gymnasium, tennis courts and other sporting facilities, a children’s nursery and a variety of dining facilities.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details).

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

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Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

You will also be assessed against your CV and previous experiences. If you require any particular arrangements to be made in order for you to complete the exercises, you must contact the DBS Enquiry Centre on 0800 345 7772. 

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability. (500 Word count)

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

At sift, you will be assessed against your CV and Statement of suitability and the following Behaviours:

• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
  
  

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

At interview, you will be assessed against the following Behaviours:

• Making effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
  
  

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [email protected] .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

• Name : [email protected]
• Email : [email protected]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]
  
  

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [email protected].