Fire Safety Manager

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.

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.

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.

The Fire Safety Manager will be the organisations 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 organisations 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.

• 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
• Understanding of building regulations and BS 9999 / BS 7974

• 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
• Experience in healthcare estates or facilities management
• Experience delivering fire safety training programmes
• Experience of…