Skip to main content

This site is independent of the NHS and the Department of Health.

Please wait, loading

Job summary

Main area
Fire Safety
Grade
QF0C 690
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
297-QEF-7580095
Employer
QE Facilities
Employer type
NHS
Site
QE Hospital, Estates Offices
Town
Gateshead
Salary
54,711
Closing
18/11/2025 23:59

Employer heading

QE Facilities logo

Fire Safety Manager

QF0C 690

In the event of excessive applications being received this vacancy may close earlier than the stated closing date, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible  

IMPORTANT NOTE ON COMPLETION OF REFERENCE SECTION OF APPLICATION FORM

All references from current and previous employers will be sought and MUST cover a minimum of 3 years employment or education references covering 3 years. If you have gaps you will be required to provide character references. Therefore, when completing the reference section of your application form, please give the address, telephone number and work email address of each of your current/previous line managers that cover 3 years employment or education references covering 3 years. Where possible this should be from two separate employers. Failure to complete this section may result in your application not being processed.


Job overview

QE Facilities (QEF) is seeking an experienced Fire Safety Manager to lead the development and delivery of our Fire Safety Management System across all QEF-managed sites. Acting as the organisation’s competent person for fire safety, you will provide expert advice, assurance, and leadership to ensure full compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, NHS HTM 05 series, and relevant standards.

You will promote a proactive fire safety culture, manage fire risk assessments, deliver training, and provide assurance to the Head of SHEQ and the Board on statutory compliance and risk reduction. The role involves close collaboration with internal stakeholders, contractors, and enforcing authorities, supporting safe design, maintenance, and operation of healthcare and facilities environments.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and knowledgeable professional to make a significant impact on safety performance within a complex healthcare setting.

Main duties of the job

The Fire Safety Manager will lead and coordinate all aspects of fire safety management across all Group sites, ensuring compliance with legislation and NHS guidance.

You will:

  • Act as the organisation’s competent person for fire safety, providing expert advice and assurance.

  • Lead the development and implementation of fire safety policies, procedures, and training programmes.

  • Manage and review fire risk assessments, audits, and investigations.

  • Advise on fire safety design, maintenance, and systems in new and existing buildings.

  • Liaise with Fire Authorities, regulators, and internal stakeholders to maintain a proactive safety culture.

  • Report on compliance, performance, and improvement actions to the Head of SHEQ and the Board.

Working for our organisation

QE Facilities (QEF) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNT), based in the North East of England.

We provide a range of non- clinical services to GHNT and other NHS organisations. Our services include: estates, facilities services, procurement, medical engineering and devices, endoscopy decontamination and sterile services, transport, out-patient pharmacy, and prevention & management of violence & aggression training (PMVA). 

In addition we provide consultancy services, advising clients on all aspects of establishing a subsidiary company within an NHS body to the provision of VAT compliance advice.

QE Facilities work to their own Terms and Conditions and these are not the same as Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Terms and Conditions. This is not an Agenda for Change Pay Rate.

We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Fire Safety Manager will be the organisation’s competent person for fire safety, providing expert leadership, assurance, and technical guidance across all QE Facilities-managed sites. The post holder will ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the HTM 05 series, and other relevant legislation and standards.

Working closely with Estates, SHEQ, and operational teams, the Fire Safety Manager will develop and implement a robust Fire Safety Management System, promote a strong safety culture, and deliver assurance to the Head of SHEQ and the QE Facilities Board.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s Fire Safety Strategy, policies, and procedures.

  • Ensure completion and review of all fire risk assessments, maintaining compliance and accurate records.

  • Coordinate and report on the Fire Safety Audit and Inspection Programme, ensuring continuous improvement.

  • Provide expert advice on fire safety aspects of design, construction, and maintenance projects.

  • Develop and deliver fire safety training and awareness programmes for staff and managers.

  • Liaise with the Fire and Rescue Service, enforcing bodies, and key stakeholders to ensure compliance and cooperation.

  • Investigate and analyse fire incidents and unwanted fire signals (UFS), implementing preventative actions.

  • Produce regular reports and performance data for governance groups and the Board.

This role is pivotal in ensuring QE Facilities maintains a safe and compliant environment for patients, staff, and visitors while fostering a proactive approach to fire prevention and risk management.

Person specification

Knowledge & Skills:

Essential criteria
  • In-depth knowledge of fire safety legislation, HTM 05, and NHS guidance
  • Strong analytical, reporting, and investigation skills
  • Ability to work with senior stakeholders and regulators
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and interpersonal skills
Desirable criteria
  • Understanding of building regulations and BS 9999 / BS 7974
  • Project management experience

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Significant experience managing fire safety in NHS or large complex environments
  • Proven experience conducting and reviewing fire risk assessments
  • Experience developing and implementing fire safety policies and procedures
Desirable criteria
  • Experience in healthcare estates or facilities management
  • Experience delivering fire safety training programmes
  • Experience of CDM and construction fire safety

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • NEBOSH Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate or equivalent
  • Recognised qualification in Health & Safety (NEBOSH General / NCRQ / Level 6 Diploma)
  • Full UK driving licence and ability to travel to QEF-managed sites.
Desirable criteria
  • Diploma in Fire Safety Management; Membership of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE)
  • Graduate or Chartered Membership of IOSH

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Better Health at Work Award

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.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Genna Bulley
Job title
Head of SHEQ
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
07534297796
Apply online nowAlert me to similar vacancies