30,176 - 33,346
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
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Job grade
Executive Officer
Band 5###
Contract type
Permanent
Apprenticeship###
Business area
HSE - Chemical, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division (CEMHD)###
Type of role
Engineering
Health and Safety
Operational Delivery
Risk Management
Science###
Working pattern
Flexible working, Full-time###
Number of jobs available
2
Contents
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Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
Apply and further information
Location
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Bootle, Buxton, Cardiff, Leeds
About the job
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Job summary
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the independent regulator for work-related health and safety, building safety and chemicals. Our purpose is to protect people and places to ensure people feel safe where they live, where they work and, in their environment.
These opportunities are in our Chemicals Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division (CEMHD). CEMHD specialises in proactively regulating sectors where there are high and sustained levels of societal concern over the potential risks of harm. We understand that these sectors make our modern society and we work to ensure that major hazard regulation continues to deliver its strategic goals.
This role offers a great opportunity to become and develop as an explosives professional, joining the sector at an exciting time as it embraces new technologies and develops new capabilities. You will be playing an important part in ensuring that people and places are protected from the risks associated with explosives.
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Job description
Key Responsibilities
Our Explosives Permissioning Officers will ensure employers across Great Britain - a whole range of essential industries with thousands of workers - work safely. You will do this by:-
Utilising your potential, and develop your technical knowledge and practical experience to ensure that the explosives permissions HSE grants enable a range of industry sectors to operate and develop, and provide appropriate levels of safety to workers and the public
Working alongside HSE technical and regulatory specialists to ensure explosives activities are operating within the legislative framework by ensuring that explosives licences and transport classifications are relevant, accurate and enabling. You will be expected to explain your decisions internally and externally to colleagues, designated authorities and applicants
You will gain experience of the work we do from day one, enabling you to aquire knowledge in the regulation of explosives and valuable experience in regulatory science, working with national and international legislation, communicating with stakeholders, report writing and developing skills in regulatory decision making
Advising and engaging on explosives safety matters (with particular focus on the licensing of explosives storage and manufacturing sites and on the classification of explosives for transport) in support of legislative compliance, with HSE colleagues, other government departments and regulatory agencies, professional bodies and trade associations such as the British Standards Institute, the Institute of Explosives Engineers and the Explosives Industry Group
Visiting a variety of workplaces, either on your own or with a specialist team, to inform your development and/or agreement of draft explosives licences
Undertaking permissioning activities on the licensing of explosives storage and manufacturing sites and on the classification of explosives for transport;
Securing intelligence to inform specialist and regulatory colleagues and sharing information to inform policy, research, and guidance to benefit other Government departments, the public, industry, professional bodies and trade associations; and
Contributing as a member of the Explosives Inspectorate to promote Health and Safety improvements to national and international standards at various forums, and at relevant conferences
Apprenticeship Information
If successful at offer stage for this role, you will be offered the opportunity to enrol in a Level 7 apprenticeship in ordnance, munitions and explosives and your vocational training will include a blend of classroom-based tutorials and workshops, hands on practical work, and tailored on the job training where you will take ownership of a portfolio of work which you'll be supported to deliver at the highest level. After approximately 3 - 4 years, your developing experience and competency profile is likely to result in you being eligible to apply for through-grading to Band 4/HEO with appropriate progress in the Level 7 apprenticeship expected to accelerate your eligibility.
Please see Explosives Ordnance Engineering Apprenticeship (cranfield.ac.uk) for more information on the Masters Apprenticeship course
To be eligible to apply for the Level 7 apprenticeship in ordnance, munitions and explosives the training and development you receive must provide you with significant new skills and learning. This is an essential requirement for apprenticeship funding and means you must not already hold a similar or higher qualification in explosives engineering, be working towards a similar or higher qualification in explosives engineering, or be significantly experienced in the content of the Level 7 apprenticeship in ordnance, munitions and explosives modules. If you hold a similar or higher qualification in explosives engineering, you will be unable to apply for the apprenticeship scheme.
This is not a mandatory requirement of the role, but if you choose not to opt in to the apprenticeship and do not have an equivalent qualification, you will be unlikely to be able to apply for through-grading to Band 4/HEO if you are successful at offer stage.
In addition you must:
Be aged 16 or over (there is no upper age limit).
Have the right to work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK/EU/EA for 3 consecutive years before starting the apprenticeship
For candidates aged 19 and over, for this programme, Level 7 apprenticeship in ordnance, munitions and explosives modules, in line with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) HSE has agreed that it is a learner-led decision to complete Functional Skills (Level 2 Maths and English). This means that if you cannot evidence you have this already, you now have the option to complete the Functional Skills or opt-out if you prefer. We wish to encourage learners to continue with Functional Skills, especially if you feel it would be beneficial in improving your literacy or numeracy skills or it may be helpful for your future career ambitions to have an English and Maths qualification but for this pathway it is not mandatory
For candidates aged 16-18, you will be required to provide evidence of a level 2 equivalent qualification in Maths and English (i.e., GCSE Grade A-C). If you do not hold or are unable to provide evidence of this, you will be required to undertake Functional Skills exams (Level 2 Maths and English) as part of the apprenticeship programme.
Given the distributed nature of the Unit and that HSE regulates sites across the whole of GB you will be expected to spend periods working away from home, typically 2 to 3 days every month. HSE is flexible on how this expectation is delivered and recognises individuals' personal commitments. You will also be expected to meet all of the attendance requirements of the Level 7 apprenticeship which will include several week-long periods away from home each year.
Please note: Due to the demands of the role we can only accept applications from candidates able to commit to full-time working hours.
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Person specification
You will be an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual who enjoys applying science and/or engineering principles to real world challenges and who can operate as part of a highly effective team in a demanding environment.
Essential Skills and Criteria
Ability to communicate effectively with others
Ability to analyse information whilst being able to plan effectively
Knowledge and practical experience of the assessment of scientific and/or engineering data
Able to present decisions clearly to a variety of stakeholders
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Qualifications
You must hold, or expect to be awarded before September 2025, a minimum of a level 6 qualification (equivalent to an Honours Degree) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Ordnance Munitions and Explosives, Physics, Structural Engineering or a similar related subject. You will need to show evidence of your qualification before being able to take up this role.###
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
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Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
Apply Scientific/Technical Knowledge
Benefits
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Alongside your salary of 30,176, Health and Safety Executive contributes 8,741 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.Learning and development tailored to your role
An environment with flexible working options
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
We invest in our people with:-
Competitive rates of pay
Access to the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme to which HSE contribute 28.97%, far more than in the private sector
Family friendly policies and working hours to help balance your home life and career
Carer friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture
25 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays and 1-day Civil Service privilege leave
Parental leave benefits
As a member of HSE you will gain access to a wide range of fantastic benefits that you can take advantage of such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, E-Gift Cards and Vouchers via our partner EdenRed.
Things you need to know
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Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
Application Information
As part of your application, you will be invited to complete an anonymised CV which should include your career history, experience, and qualifications.
You will also be asked to complete an anonymised Personal Statement, of no more than 500 words which demonstrates how you meet the essential skills and criteria of the job advert.
Application Guidance
Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply and how to complete a Personal Statement https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/how-to-apply/
Sift Information
The sift will take place from 16th June when you will be assessed on your CV and Personal Statement.
Please note, the CV and Personal Statement will be marked as one combined score.
Interview Information
Interviews will take place from 7th July when you will be assessed against the behaviours detailed within the job advert as well as a strength based question.
You will also be asked a technical skill question as detailed within the job advert.
As part of your interview, you will be also be required to deliver a 10 minute presentation. Further details of this will be provided if successful to interview stage.
Please note sift and interview dates are subject to change depending on panel availability.
AI Tools & Platforms
During the application process candidates are allowed to utilise AI (artificial intelligence) platforms and Tools to support them in writing their Behaviours, CVs and Personal Statements. However, all information submitted must be factually accurate. This includes presenting the ideas and experience of others, or those generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. All presented information will be assessed at the Interview Stage.
Sponsorship
This role is not open to application from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship your application will be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment will be withdrawn.
Further Information
Please note that a Reserve List will be held for the period of up to 12 months. There is no guarantee you will be offered a role from our reserve lists, so if you see a vacancy on Civil Service Jobs that you are interested in, we recommend you apply.
HSE reserve the right to conduct additional checks, including Google and social media checks, when recruiting candidates into a role within HSE. These checks will be carried out in line with the Civil Service Commission Principles and, if used all candidates will be subject to these additional checks.
Due to the nature of security checks undertaken, applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and, Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.
It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful in their application. For a summary of HSE terms and conditions as part of Civil Service Reform, please see the attached HSE Terms and Conditions document.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.
HSE is proud to be a part of the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS). As a Disability Confident employer, we positively welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to making workplace adjustments to ensure anyone can participate in the recruitment and selection process.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all disabled applicants who provide evidence of meeting the minimum requirements necessary for the post.
If, during the application or interview process, you require any assistance due to a disability or a medical condition, please contact us at the email address below to discuss how we can support you. For example, if you have a disability, and you need an application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please contact: HR.Resourcing-Team@hse.gov.uk
If successful in securing your role, HSE can provide suitable workplace adjustments to support you throughout your career with HSE.
Any move to HSE from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here
Please note, if you are a current civil servant and you are currently undergoing any of the following formal actions your application will not be progressed any further;
Formal discipline action, any formal action regarding attendance, poor performance or any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.###
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .
See our vetting charter .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.###
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements
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Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.###
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .
Apply and further information
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This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.###
Contact point for applicants
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Job contact :
Name : Martyn Sime
Email : martyn.sime@hse.gov.uk
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Recruitment team
Email : HR.Resourcing-Team@hse.gov.uk
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Further information
If you believe that Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition have not been met, you can raise a complaint by emailing: HR.Resourcing-Team@hse.gov.uk or by writing to HSE at the following address:
HR Resourcing Team, 2.3 Redgrave Court, Merton Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 7HS. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact Civil Service commissioners: