Posted By Ken Taylor
I shall be retiring from the Whitgift Foundation this year so they are looking for someone to take my place. You get a 400 plus year old office in Croydon and will deal with residential and nursing care, sheltered accommodation, almshouses, offices, some housing and 3 large schools - including a former archbishop’s palace, swimming pools, concert hall, sports and conference centre, workshops, maintenance, grounds, catering and gardening staff, teachers, pupils, wallabies, red squirrels, peacocks, water-fowl, etc, etc and, for those with an interest in construction work, there has never been a time during my 8 years with the Foundation that we have not had a major construction project underway.

If I’ve aroused your interest, the advert should be in the February SHP but here is the main text:

HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
(Full or part-time)

The Whitgift Foundation is a registered charity established in 1596 by a former Archbishop of Canterbury. We provide: education for the young in three large and renowned independent schools (Old Palace, Trinity and Whitgift); housing and care for the elderly in almshouses, a residential and nursing care home, and sheltered accommodation; and an advisory and a support service for local care agencies and manage a range of premises including Grade 1 listed buildings.

Based at our head office in Croydon and reporting directly to the Foundation’s chief officer, you would: provide a professional advisory service to the Foundation, Heads of schools and other establishments and health and safety committees; conduct health and safety audits and inspections; advise on policy issues; provide appropriate health and safety training; and promote health and safety throughout the organisation.

Applicants should be IOSH qualified and ideally be Chartered Safety and Health Practitioners with a sound knowledge of current legislation and have previous experience of working in a diverse and consultative role. Previous experience of working in education or health-care would be a distinct advantage.

A good salary and benefits package would be offered and consideration given to either a full or part-time position.

Applications with a detailed CV indicating current salary level should be sent to:

HR Officer, The Whitgift Foundation, North End, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1SS
or e-mail martincorney@whitgiftfoundation.co.uk

Posted By Ken Taylor
I would look for vacancies in the local government sector, Anna. It's where I started my career in Health and Safety and they are probably more likely to have H&S teams with room for 'entry level' people and prospects for promotion as time passes and further qualification and experience are gained.

Posted By Ken Taylor
I'm sure that you will realise that I didn't have sole control of the wording of the advert. This being the private sector, all is negotiable. Anyone interested could always contact the HR Officer to discuss what might be available and those that contact me by e-mail can find out what I receive at present!