Senior Heath and Safety Advisor
Bedford - with travel to sites
Up to £49,715 depending on skills and experience
Full-time, permanent


This is a key role within our corporate Health & Safety team, with a dedicated focus on supporting our in-house maintenance service. You will champion a strong health and safety culture, ensuring that risks are identified, understood, and effectively controlled. You’ll lead on developing and improving H&S systems, documentation, training, and assurance processes, while also mentoring and managing our H&S Apprentice.
What You’ll Be DoingHealth & Safety Leadership*Promote and maintain a positive, proactive health and safety culture across IHMS.
*Ensure all systems, policies, procedures, and safe working methods are up to date, accessible, and embedded in day-to-day practice.
*Lead accident, incident, and near-miss investigations and ensure follow-up actions are completed.
Risk & Compliance*Lead on risk assessments, safe systems of work, and COSHH compliance.
*Conduct regular site inspections and assurance reviews, ensuring corrective actions are completed promptly.
*Provide clear, insightful performance data and H&S reporting to managers and committees.
*Support the maintenance and continual improvement of the organisation’s health and safety management system, aligned with ISO 45001.
Training & Engagement*Develop and deliver toolbox talks and health and safety training.
*Maintain the mandatory training matrix and support colleagues’ competence and confidence.
*Work closely with the H&S Operational Review Group and Employee Management Forum to promote engagement and continuous improvement.
Team Leadership*Manage, coach, and support the H&S Apprentice, ensuring high performance and ongoing professional development.
Contract & System Management*Oversee key H&S-related contracts such as driving licence checks and lone-worker devices.
*Build strong relationships with external partners and identify opportunities to enhance systems and equipment.
What are we looking for?Essential Skills & Experience*Certified (CertIOSH) or technical (TechIOSH) or CMIOSH
*Strong working knowledge of health and safety legislation, guidance, and best practice.
*Experience conducting risk assessments, COSHH assessments, and incident investigations.
*Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
*Highly organised, proactive, and able to work independently.
*Confident trainer and presenter with strong attention to detail.
*Access to your own vehicle and ability to travel to sites as needed.
Desirable*Experience in maintenance, repairs, or facilities management.
*Experience managing assurance reviews and improvement actions.
*Familiarity with IT systems used for managing accidents and assurance processes.


Our Val