Science Quality Assurance Group Member

HSE is looking for an experienced scientist to be a member of its Science Quality Assurance Group (SQAG), which was established in January 2023 to provide the HSE Chief Executive, Director of Science and Chief Scientific Adviser, and the HSE Board with independent and objective assurance on the quality, alignment to HSE’s strategy, and the routes to impact of the findings (quality, alignment and impact) of the science, engineering and analysis produced across HSE which is commissioned and delivered in support of HSE’s strategy and plans. This Group undertakes in-depth reviews of science, engineering and analysis conducted by HSE to provide an assurance function; it does not consider HSE policy or regulatory activities, and it has no decision-making powers.

Appointments to SQAG will normally be for four years and may be extended.

Applicants should be leading academics, professionals, or practitioners in an area of expertise aligned to HSE’s core science, engineering or analysis activities. We are looking to recruit an additional member to SQAG and would particularly welcome applications from individuals with expertise in human factors or data science applied to health and safety challenges.

Applicants should have substantial expertise and be able to show the ability to work comfortably across a wide range of relevant scientific disciplines. This experience could include industrial, academic, government or other sectors as long as it includes activities beyond their own specialisms and work across disciplines and perspectives.

This role involves a maximum of 8 days – worth of effort per year.

Each Independent member is expected to prepare for and attend a minimum of 2 full group meetings each year. The HSE Chair, HSE Board or the Accounting Officer (AO) may ask the SQAG Chair to convene further meetings to discuss particular issues on which they want the Group’s assurance.

Each Independent Member will also undertake an average of one “deep dive” each year; this is an intensive review of the science, engineering and analysis relating to a particular area which may include a range of activities such as presentation of research, assessment of documents, visits to research facilities, discussions with HSE scientists, engineers and analysts and leadership teams. Each deep dive has a lead nominated by the Chair who takes responsibility for chairing discussions during the deep dive and leading on reporting. Each deep dive takes up to three days to complete. Meetings are held face-to-face, with the option for some hybrid meetings depending on the nature of the discussions.

For full information on this opportunity please refer to the Applicant’s Information Pack here

To Apply

Please email a comprehensive CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements, a covering letter highlighting your suitability and setting out how you meet the essential criteria. Please note that the supporting statement is an important part of your application and is as much the means by which you will be assessed as your CV.

Please email your CV, supporting letter and completed monitoring form (Annex C of the information pack) to linda.heritage@hse.gov.uk quoting SQAG APPLICATION in the subject field. Attach your supporting letter, CV, and monitoring form as separate documents to your email.

Applications must be received by midnight on Friday 29/08/2025. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by email.

Senior Fire Safety Scientist/Engineer

We are looking for an experienced engineer or scientist to join the Fire Safety Team. You should have a proven track record of leading a (small) project team in a practical research environment to safely deliver some novel and complex technical programmes of work.

The team conducts practical fire studies as part of research programmes for HSE, other government departments or commercial clients. The team also investigates workplace incidents providing scientific support to HSE inspectors. Projects can range from large (outdoor) to lab scale experimental programmes, consultancy or delivering specialised training, giving opportunity for both practical and desk-based work.

The nature of our research often provides opportunity to liase with industry groups and other government departments, or to publish work and present at conferences, allowing you to build relationships in the wider fire safety community.

As a key member of the Fire Safety Team, you will be leading the delivery of practical fire studies through the whole project lifecycle, from inception to dissemination. The focus of the work is concerned with fire safety and protection measures across industry, typically in construction, major hazards, offshore, transport and manufacturing environments. The team also works closely with the Building Safety Regulator to support them answer technical questions on fire safety matters, alongside undertaking research that supports the safe development of Net Zero technologies. The role will involve a significant amount of problem solving, finding solutions to novel or complex challenges, allowing you diversify your range of expertise and as part of a wider Major Hazards Group, gives opportunity to collaborate with technical experts from other disciplines.

Enforcement Lawyer – London and South East

Are you a qualified solicitor/lawyer and looking for a new exciting opportunity? Our legal services division (LSD) are looking to recruit two new enforcement lawyers to join their team.

As an Enforcement Lawyer you will play a key role in advising and supporting operational colleagues and contribute directly to public confidence, both in HSE and the wider justice system. These roles will involve handling your own caseload of criminal prosecutions, providing advice on investigations and making the decision whether or not to institute proceedings.

Enforcement Lawyer – Midlands and South West

Are you a qualified solicitor/lawyer and looking for a new exciting opportunity? Our legal services division (LSD) are looking to recruit two new enforcement lawyers to join their team.

Principal Occupational Hygiene Specialist Inspector

HSE’s Specialist Division (SPD) are looking for ambitious leaders with technical experience in a regulatory environment to join their team.

As an occupational hygiene specialist inspector you would responsible for planning and delivery of projects, technical policy work, intervention campaigns and support to others aimed at improving controls and changing behaviours in the workplace.

HM Specialist Inspector – Process Safety

Do you have a curious mind about how processes across many different industries work, and a genuine interest in regulating to protect people where they live and work? If so, then this is the perfect role for you!

Chemicals, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division (CEMHD) is responsible for the GB-wide regulation of onshore major hazard premises and installations as well as the chemicals manufacturing sector as a whole. This involves regulatory interventions in workplaces, engaging with key industry stakeholders and providing assurance to Government and the public that major accident risks are being properly managed.

You’ll work alongside other technical specialists to ensure the work activities of those we regulate are operating within the legislative framework by inspecting, investigating, and assessing organisations.

Your work with HSE will make the most of your experience – whether that’s inspecting a chemical processing plant, assessing a company’s safety report or providing technical assistance to colleagues undertaking complex investigations into serious incidents.

This role is available nationally but we are particularly interested in people in the North East and the South East.

Data Scientist

We have an exciting opportunity for a Data Scientist to join our growing team.

As a Data Scientist, you will be instrumental in developing robust analytical data sources and creating tools to help synthesise health and safety data. You’ll be part of an analytical team working closely with HSE’s technical and regulatory specialists. Your work will directly generate and enhance the evidence base, empowering informed decisions within the Building Safety Regulator and across a wide range of industry sectors.

This is an exciting opportunity to support innovative work within government. Together with the widest range of health and safety specialists in Britain, you’ll be helping to protect thousands of people, whilst working in an inclusive environment where all our people can thrive and be themselves.

Mechanical Engineer (Engineering Incident Investigator)

This vacancy is for an engineer to join our Engineering team in the Major Hazards Capability Group. This is an excellent opportunity to use your skills to contribute to innovative work to support HSE incident investigations, and research and testing projects to directly improve the lives of people in their workplaces.

You can expect to contribute to a diverse range of projects within the health and safety sector, especially HSE incident investigation support and, also be involved in work for other government departments and industrial clients.

You will be part of a team of mechanical, electrical and gas engineers delivering experimental testing primarily in relation to incident investigations but, you will also collaborate with technical experts across many other disciplines.

This exciting opportunity will be based in the Science Division of the HSE at our research laboratory and unique outdoor testing facilities in Buxton, Derbyshire.

HSE’s Science Division is a world leading provider of health and safety solutions to industry and government. The scope of our work requires a diversity of talented individuals.

EA to CRD Director

This is an exciting opportunity to work primarily as an EA to the Director of CRD, to provide support to the CRD Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and to also be a key contributor to the work of CRD’s Divisional Support Team (DST).

Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD), as a key arm of the Health and Safety Executive, is responsible for the delivery of a range of chemical regulatory regimes and employs approximately 450 staff across a range of professions in the locations: Liverpool, York, London, Edinburgh, Milton Keynes and Bristol.

The role of the DST is to drive consistent, efficient, and effective use of our resources and implement corporate initiatives across the Division.

You will report directly to the Band 4 on the DST and work as part of that team, as well as providing comprehensive Executive Assistant support to the Director of CRD.

Assistant Investigator

As an Assistant Investigator you will work as part of a team who will utilise a range of investigative processes to ensure effective response to an investigation of building safety related issues that fall under the remit of the Building Act 1984 and the Building Safety Act 2022.

You will consider victims and assist in carrying out criminal prosecutions in line with the Acts. You will be expected to use your own initiatives with support and direction from colleagues.

You will be supporting investigations from their arrival into the unit through to their conclusion. This will include, but will not be limited to triaging and processing information coming into BSR, gathering and collating evidence and intelligence and assisting with the production of reports. Your work would contribute to ensuring decisions regarding the outcome of the investigations are in line with BSR’s Enforcement Policy Statement (EPS).

This is an exciting time to join BSR and as part of this team will be responsible for helping to shape a new culture of building safety in your community today and for the future.

Travel

The post has a national remit but the successful candidate will be required to do some travel to Leeds, Buxton, Bootle and other HSE locations, to attend meetings and to attend their local office as business needs require.