Health & Safety Officer

Job Description: Health & Safety Officer

Post Title: Health & Safety Officer

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer / Head of Railway H&S

Location: Swanage Railway (based at Swanage, with travel across the Railway as

required)

Contract: Part-time, 4 days per week (Wednesday–Saturday)

Salary: £26,400

Purpose of the Role

The Health & Safety Officer will support the delivery of a safe working environment

across the Swanage Railway. Working alongside the Railway’s H&S Manager, the

postholder will take responsibility for general health, safety, and compliance, ensuring

that risks are managed effectively and all statutory requirements are met. A key focus

will be on premises, events, weekend operations, and staff/volunteer safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of Swanage Railway’s

Health & Safety Management System.

• Carry out regular inspections, audits, and risk assessments across stations,

workshops, depots, retail/catering outlets, and offices.

• Ensure compliance with legislation including fire safety, first aid, legionella,

workplace safety, and event safety.

• Support the planning and safe delivery of large-scale events (galas, Halloween,

Christmas, etc.), providing weekend cover.

• Respond promptly to incidents, accidents, and near misses, leading investigations

and recommending corrective actions.

• Maintain accurate health & safety records, reporting findings and trends to the

CEO and Board.

• Deliver induction and refresher H&S training to staff and volunteers.

• Work collaboratively with managers, supervisors, and volunteer leaders to embed

a culture of safety across the organisation.

• Deputise for the Railway H&S Manager as required.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in a health & safety role, ideally in a complex, multi-site environment.

• Fire safety, first aid, or legionella awareness training• Good knowledge of UK health & safety law, including fire safety and risk

management.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively

with staff, volunteers, and external bodies.

• Confidence in undertaking inspections and writing clear reports.

• Ability to work independently, including weekends.

Desirable:

• Experience in railways, heritage, tourism, events, or transport industries.

• Knowledge of volunteer-led organisation.

• NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent) in Occupational Health & Safety.

Working Pattern

• 4 days per week (Wednesday–Saturday), to ensure weekend/event cover.

• Occasional flexibility required for major events and emergencies.