Full job descriptionWe are seeking an experienced and proactive Health, Safety and Risk Management professional to take on the role of Deputy Head of Risk Management, providing technical leadership, expert advice and support across the College’s Health and Safety, Data Management Compliance, Insurance and Business Continuity functions. Working closely with the Head of Risk Management, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the College meets its statutory and regulatory obligations, maintains a safe and compliant environment, and is well prepared to respond effectively to potential risks and unforeseen events.
Reporting to the Head of Risk Management, you will support the development and implementation of Health and Safety policies, procedures and management plans, monitor compliance across the College, and provide specialist advice to managers, senior leaders and other stakeholders. You will oversee health and safety audits, insurance risk assessments, incident investigations and reporting, safety-critical equipment arrangements, and staff training initiatives. You will also support the management of the College’s Business Continuity Plan, contribute to Data Protection and GDPR compliance, and help embed effective risk management practices across the organisation. In the absence of the Head of Risk Management, you will provide appropriate leadership and support to ensure continuity of service and effective management of risk.
The ideal candidate will hold a Level 3 or above professional qualification in Health and Safety, such as NEBOSH or an equivalent qualification, and bring demonstrable experience in a similar role. You will have a comprehensive understanding of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated legislation, alongside knowledge of GDPR and Data Protection requirements. Strong experience in auditing, identifying areas for improvement, reporting to senior leadership, and managing teams is essential. You will also demonstrate excellent communication and report-writing skills, exceptional attention to detail, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to manage competing priorities and meet challenging deadlines.
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a key leadership role within a forward-thinking College, helping to strengthen its approach to health and safety, risk management and regulatory compliance. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to promote a positive health and safety culture, improve data management practices, and ensure effective systems are in place to protect students, staff, visitors and the wider College community. If you are a motivated and results-focused professional who leads by example, champions continuous improvement and is committed to maintaining high standards of safety and compliance, this role offers an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact while supporting the strategic priorities of the College.
The Role:
Where you’ll work: This is role is multi-sited across all College sites
Your hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per annum (1 FTE).
Your pay: £43,248 per annum
The Group:
North Kent Colleges Group is proudly rated as an Ofsted ’Good’ provider, with ’Outstanding’ learner behaviours and attitudes (April 2024). With four campuses across Kent and 4,000 students, we strive to equip the young people who study here with an inclusive and innovative education experience to enhance their future career prospects, which, as noted by Ofsted, is supported through our high-quality, industry standard facilities. Each and every staff member plays a key part in delivering the success of our learners’ experience, and we want those who join our curriculum and support teams to share our passion in achieving this.
The Benefits:
In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect the following as a Deputy Head of Risk Management at NKC Group:
*33 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time contracts).
*Enrolment onto the People’s Partnership pension scheme (as part of the staff of North Kent College Business Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of North Kent College), or continuation of existing Local Government Pension scheme arrangements for existing members.
*Access to free parking and a number of onsite facilities, including gyms, restaurants and coffee shops.
*CPD days and access to several discount memberships through being an employee at a College.
How to Apply:
If this sounds like the next role for you, please visit the North Kent Colleges Group staff vacancies page to see the full job description and apply.
Please note that the closing date for applications is 11 November 2026 with interviews scheduled to take place from 18 November 2026.
North Kent Colleges Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all staff have a responsibility to share and maintain this commitment. In line with the requirements of ’Keeping Children Safe in Education’, appropriate safeguarding checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken on all individuals selected for appointment. Posts at the College, a specified establishment where the work gives opportunity for contact with children, are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. It is an offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. Please be advised that, again in line with ’Keeping Children Safe in Education’, shortlisted candidates (who wish to accept an invite to interview) will be required to complete and submit prior to their interview a self-declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. Further guidance / information from the Ministry of Justice can be found on GOV.UK.