Head of fire safety

We are recruiting an experienced Head of Fire Safety on behalf of an NHS organisation. This is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of fire safety across a large, complex hospital estate.

You will act as the organisation’s professional lead for fire safety—providing expert guidance, overseeing compliance, shaping long‑term strategy, and ensuring safe environments for patients, staff, and visitors. This is a high‑impact role with significant visibility at Board and system level.

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Key Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the organisation’s Fire Safety Management System.
• Ensure compliance with all fire safety legislation, HTM Firecode, and national standards.
• Oversee fire risk assessments, audits, inspections, and performance reporting.
• Advise senior leaders and governance committees on fire safety risks and assurance.
• Support incident response, emergency preparedness, and business continuity.
• Embed fire safety requirements within capital projects, procurement, and contractor oversight.
• Lead and develop the fire safety team, including workforce planning and succession development.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulators, auditors, and Fire and Rescue Services.

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About You

Essential:

• Degree‑level qualification in Fire Safety, Fire Engineering, Health & Safety or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of fire safety legislation and HTM Firecode.
• Senior management experience in a complex, multi‑site environment.
• Proven ability to lead audits, compliance programmes, and strategic fire safety initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in advising senior leaders.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.

Desirable:

• Chartered/professional membership (e.g., IFE).
• Postgraduate qualification in fire safety, risk, or safety management.
• Experience managing budgets and contractor performance.

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What You’ll Bring

• A proactive, hands‑on approach.
• Strong influencing skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• High integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast‑paced environment.

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Working Conditions

• Regular travel between Cheltenham and Gloucester hospital sites.
• Office‑based work with periods of detailed analysis and report writing.
• Participation in the senior manager on‑call rota.

This is a temporary to permanent opportunity for the successful candidate.