Interim Health & Safety Lead (Standards, Engagement & Culture)Location: Hybrid (2 days in the London office, 3 days remote)
Contract: 3–6 months (with potential extension)
Reporting to: Head of Corporate Health & Safety
Aatom Recruitment is currently working in partnership with a local authority to appoint an Interim Health & Safety Lead (Standards, Engagement & Culture) for a high-profile, strategic assignment.
This is a senior interim opportunity for an experienced Health & Safety professional to provide leadership and stability during a period of transition, while permanent roles are being recruited.
About the AssignmentThe City Council is seeking an experienced Interim Health & Safety Lead to provide senior-level capacity during a critical transition period.
This is a high-impact, time-limited assignment focused on:
*Stabilising current Health & Safety activity
*Progressing priority improvements
*Establishing clear, practical frameworks
*Preparing a comprehensive handover for incoming permanent postholders
The role is designed to move quickly, create clarity, and ensure key tools and structures are in place. It is not intended to deliver long-term ownership or full cultural transformation.
Purpose of the RoleOver a 3–6 month period, the Interim Health & Safety Lead will:
*Establish a clear baseline of Health & Safety maturity across the Council
*Progress priority work aligned to an ISO 45001-style management system
*Improve visibility, consistency, and engagement across services and Directorates
*Design pragmatic and deliverable frameworks for permanent staff
*Produce a structured roadmap and handover to support continued implementation
Key Priority Areas1. Health & Safety Standards & Systems*Review and update Health & Safety policies, procedures, and management systems
*Identify key risks, gaps, and areas of duplication
*Define a proportionate ISO 45001-aligned framework suitable for the City Council
*Refresh or develop priority corporate standards and model risk assessments
*Design a pragmatic audit and assurance framework (design phase only)
2. Engagement, Communications & Culture*Review and reset the Health & Safety engagement and communications approach
*Develop a simple, deliverable engagement strategy tailored to Directorates
*Increase visibility of Health & Safety through clear and consistent messaging
*Support managers in embedding Health & Safety into day-to-day operations
*Design leading and lagging indicators to measure performance and engagement
3. Training & Capability (Design Phase)*Conduct a high-level training needs analysis
*Develop a Health & Safety training and competency matrix
*Identify priority gaps and quick wins
*Produce a clear roadmap for training and capability development
4. Leadership & Handover*Act as a senior advisor to Directors and senior managers
*Provide concise, accurate reporting to governance and leadership forums
*Coach and support existing Health & Safety team members
*Produce a comprehensive handover covering:
*Baseline and maturity assessment
*Work completed
*Key risks and dependencies
*Clear next steps and recommendations
Out of ScopeThis assignment will not include:
*Delivery of full ISO 45001 accreditation
*Long-term cultural change programmes
*Full delivery of training initiatives
The focus is on structure, momentum, and organisational readiness.
Essential Interim ProfileCandidates should demonstrate:
*Senior Health & Safety leadership experience within large, complex organisations
*Proven experience designing, reviewing, or implementing ISO 45001-aligned systems
*A strong track record of improving Health & Safety management frameworks
*Experience driving engagement and influencing Health & Safety culture
*Ability to deliver at pace within time-limited interim assignments
*Confidence influencing senior stakeholders without formal authority
*Public sector or local government experience (highly desirable)
Personal Attributes*Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset
*Excellent written and verbal communication skills
*Strong stakeholder management and facilitation abilities
*Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise within a short-term assignment
*Methodical approach to documentation and handover
Success MeasuresBy the end of the assignment, will have:
*A clear baseline of Health & Safety maturity and priority risks
*Defined and documented standards aligned to an ISO 45001-style framework
*Engagement and training approaches ready for implementation
*Increased organisational confidence in Health & Safety leadership
*A structured, practical handover for incoming permanent staff
Please contact Anisha to apply!