Director of Health & Safety

The opportunity

At University of the Arts London (UAL), we are home to some of the most innovative minds in art, design, fashion, communication, media and performing arts. Our world-leading reputation is built on creativity, curiosity and a commitment to making a difference.

We are now seeking a Director of Health and Safety to shape, lead and deliver our strategic vision for safety across all our colleges, sites and communities. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will ensure the highest standards of safety are embedded into every aspect of University life for our staff, students and visitors. This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on delivery in an environment that prizes originality, collaboration and excellence.

You will provide authoritative advice to the Executive Board and Senior Leadership Teams while leading a high performing Health and Safety team. You will champion a proactive and preventative approach to risk management and foster a culture where health, safety and wellbeing is integral to our ethos and daily operations. Your work will influence the future of our University, ensuring that we continue to provide a safe, inspiring and inclusive space for creativity to flourish.

About you

You will bring extensive senior level experience of leading and influencing organisational health and safety performance in complex multi-site environments. Your track record will include developing and implementing strategies, policies and management systems that deliver measurable improvements, as well as preventing unsafe practices and enhancing welfare outcomes.

An outstanding communicator, you will be confident in presenting complex matters with clarity and influence to a wide range of audiences. You will have proven ability to inspire, lead and develop high performing teams and will be skilled in planning and managing resources to achieve strategic objectives. You will also bring creativity and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions that address health and safety challenges while building strong relationships across the University and with external partners.

This is a role for a leader who thrives on collaboration, champions inclusion and wants to make a meaningful impact in one of the world’s most influential creative universities.

What we offer

To recognise the hard work of our staff and their contributions, we provide a wide range of benefits – please check our careers site/Canvas for further information as conditions and exclusions apply:

▪ 34 days of annual leave and 2 days off to volunteer plus bank holidays
▪ Flexible and Dynamic working options available from the first day
▪ Discounted Medical Insurance including Digital GP service, therapies, in-patient and day-case treatment
▪ Free counselling and advice via our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
▪ Sector-leading Equal Parental Leave policy (6 months full pay for both parents) 
▪ Defined-benefit LGPS pension scheme
▪ In-house training and development including apprenticeships and free places on creative courses
▪ Interest free loans on travel and tech, discounts on gym memberships, nursery fees, eye care and much more
▪ Various opportunities to attend student shows and exhibitions