Job overview
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an exceptional Senior Fire Safety Adviser to provide strategic leadership and professional expertise across one of the most important safety agendas in the NHS.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the Trust's fire safety function at a pivotal time, supporting a significant programme of fire safety improvement, estate renewal and regulatory compliance. Working directly on behalf of the Director of Estates & Facilities and supporting Executive and Board-level assurance, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safety of our patients, staff and visitors across our acute and community estate. The role is described as the Trust's senior professional lead for fire safety and is responsible for leading the development and continuous improvement of the Fire Safety Management System.
As our Senior Fire Safety Adviser, you will act as the Trust's lead specialist on all matters relating to healthcare fire safety, providing expert advice, strategic leadership and technical assurance across the organisation. You will lead the implementation and continual improvement of the Trust's Fire Safety Management System in accordance with NHS Firecode, including HTM 05-01 and HTM 05-03, while ensuring compliance with relevant fire safety legislation.
Main duties of the job
Act as the Trust's lead specialist and competent adviser on all matters relating to healthcare fire safety.
- Lead the implementation and continual improvement of the Trust Fire Safety Management System.
- Provide professional leadership and coordination of the Trust's Authorised Person (Fire) functions, which may include: Authorised Person (Fire Risk Assessment) Authorised Person (Fire Training) Authorised Person (Fire Projects) Authorised Person (Fire Safety Maintenance).
- Authorised Person (Fire Risk Assessment)
- Authorised Person (Fire Training)
- Authorised Person (Fire Projects)
- Authorised Person (Fire Safety Maintenance).
- Ensure fire safety governance arrangements comply with HTM 05-01 and associated Firecode guidance.
- Provide assurance reports to Executive Committees, Fire Safety Group and Trust Board committees on fire safety compliance, risk, audit outcomes and improvement plans.
- Lead fire safety strategy development and support delivery of the Trust's Fire Safety Improvement Programme.
- Ensure a comprehensive programme of Primary and Secondary Fire Risk Assessments is maintained across the Trust estate in accordance with HTM 05-03 and that all actions are appropriately risk-assessed, prioritised, monitored and completed.
- Support the Director of Estates and Facilities (Fire Safety Manager) in delivering the Trust's Fire Safety Management System and, where delegated, undertake elements of the Fire Safety Manager function in accordance with HTM 05-01
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We are looking for an experienced fire safety professional who can operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels.
You will have:
- Significant experience in fire safety management within a complex organisation.
- Comprehensive knowledge of: HTM 05 Firecode suite Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Fire Safety Act 2021 Building Regulations Building Safety Act 2022.
- HTM 05 Firecode suite
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Fire Safety Act 2021
- Building Regulations
- Building Safety Act 2022.
- Experience of undertaking, reviewing or managing fire risk assessments.
- Experience of advising senior leaders and presenting assurance information at executive level.
- Strong leadership, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent report writing and communication skills.
- Ability to manage complex risk, competing priorities and large-scale improvement programmes.
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Person specification
Specific Skills
Essential
- • Leadership and influencing skills • Ability to interpret legislation and implement compliance programmes • Strong communication and training delivery skills • High level/advanced IT skills required for report writing/spreadsheets, audit documents etc • Leadership – the ability to set out a clear direction and inspire others • Can prepare concise and understandable reports on complex issues. • Policy Formulation – ability to contribute to policy formulation • Willingness to undertake appropriate training to enhance skills and professional development, where necessary travelling and staying away • Ability to be part of an on-call roster
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- • Significant experience undertaking a senior fire safety leadership role within a complex healthcare environment. • Experience of developing and implementing Fire Safety Management Systems. • Experience providing Board-level assurance and governance reporting. • Experience leading fire risk assessment programmes and managing fire safety compliance improvement plans. • Experience of advising on capital projects, fire strategies and healthcare estate developments.
Desirable
- • Has experience of effective partnership working with other organisations at a senior level.
Qualification and Training
Essential
- Degree in Fire Engineering, Fire Safety Management, Building Engineering or related discipline, or equivalent experience. • Level 5 Fire Risk Assessment qualification (FireQual or recognised equivalent). • Membership of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), National Association of Healthcare Fire Officers (NAHFO) or equivalent professional body. • Evidence of continuing professional development. • Demonstrable knowledge of: o HTM 05-01 o HTM 05-02 o HTM 05-03 o Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 o Fire Safety Act 2021 o Building Safety Act 2022 o Building Regulations and relevant British Standards
Desirable
- • Chartered Fire Engineer or working towards chartership. • Healthcare Fire Safety Management qualification. • Authorised Person (Fire) experience. • Extensive experience within an NHS healthcare environment. • Experience of leading fire safety governance arrangements within a large, complex organisation
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Senior Fire Safety Advisor with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust in Torbay Hospital. It is listed as a Band 8 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £57,528 - £64,750 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 06 Sep 2026.
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