Head of Fire Safety: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

Join Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust as Head of Fire Safety and lead a vital service protecting patients, colleagues and visitors across our complex, multi-site estate.

As the Trust’s senior fire safety expert, you will advise the Board and senior leaders, shape strategy and ensure compliance with fire and building safety legislation. You will bring substantial NHS fire safety experience, professional qualifications, strong leadership and the confidence to influence at every level. This is an opportunity to make a Trust-wide impact while leading an expert team in a challenging, high-profile role.

To apply for any of the exciting opportunities within this campaign,Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Insight Executive Groupplease email your application to our dedicated recruitment team at: imperial@insightexecutive.co.uk When submitting your application, please: o state the title of the role you are applying for in the subject lineo attach a covering letter stating why you are applyingo attach your most recent and relevant CVo Please refer to the individual opportunities page for application closing dates and any role-specific information.

Main duties of the job

• You will lead the Trust’s fire safety service, developing policies, strategies, risk assessments, evacuation plans and long-term improvement programmes.
• You will oversee audits, fire safety systems, equipment, training, incident investigations and compliance across acute and community sites.
• Working closely with senior leaders, clinical teams, capital projects, contractors and emergency services, you will provide authoritative advice and assurance.
• You will manage the fire safety team, budgets and suppliers, monitor performance and present complex information to the Board, ensuring fire risks are effectively controlled and continuous improvements are delivered.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Education

Essential

• Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) – Member
• The Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM) – Member
• NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety
• Master’s degree or equivalent in operational fire safety management
• IFSM Fire Risk Assessment Validation
• IFSM TFRAR Tier 3 Registration
• Fire Protection Association (FPA) – Membe
• FPA Level 3 – Fire Door Inspection
• FPA Level 3 Passive Fire Protection – Intermediate
• FPA Level 4 Diploma in Fire Risk Assessment
• FPA Fire Safety Design of Buildings
• NAHFO Membership and CPD

Desirable

• Other teacher or training qualifications
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Experience

Essential

• At least 3 years’ experience working as a Fire Safety Manager (or equivalent) in the NHS
• Expert knowledge of fire safety legislation and management systems including the NHS HTM 05 suite of documents
• At least 5 years’ experience of supervising the preparation of Fire Risk Assessments and validating the final documentation
• Experience of working at a senior and Board level with external bodies such as Fire and Rescue Services.

Desirable

• Experience of procuring and implementing Fire Risk Assessment IT systems
• Experience of Microsoft Office would be an advantage, although training will be given where necessary

Skills/Knowledge/ Abilities

Essential

• Significant experience of development of Fire Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Extensive practical application of fire prevention theory and highly developed specialist detailed knowledge of building fire design and construction

Desirable

• Understanding of clinical and operational requirements of Trust departments in order to plan and manage suitable fire safety arrangements Professional in approach, outward looking and confident

Closing Date: 29 October 2026