Job Description

Force
South Wales Police
Role Type
Police Staff
Business Area
Human Resources
Department
K Human Resources
Location
Bridgend
Grade
PO5
Salary
51,294.00 - 54,879.00
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37
Type of Contract
Permanent
Level of Welsh language ability required?
2
Shortlisting Date
2 October 2025
Interview Date
14 October 2025
Closing Date
30/09/2025, 15:00


Job Advert Description
Would you like a career like no other? If so... JoinUs


South Wales Police brings together thousands of people with the same aim - to keep South Wales safe.


We want to be the best at understanding and responding to our community's needs. To do this we need the very best candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply to become part of our policing family.


We are looking for someone to #JoinUs as a

Principal Health and Safety Advisor

. Could you be who we are looking for?


People really matter at South Wales Police, with a team of over 5000 employees, our people are our biggest asset. We currently have an exciting opportunity to recruit a Principal Health and Safety Advisor within South Wales Police, leading a supportive and experienced team of Health and Safety professionals. The successful candidate will bring fresh ideas and explore unique ways of developing the service in their day-to-day work. Your role will play a major part of our on-going commitment to support police officers and staff to be healthy, safe and well.


The H&S Team is a dynamic, well respected and friendly team and this is recognised throughout the department and the force as a whole. You will manage the day-to-day operations of the Health and Safety team and will drive continuous improvement in safety practices and procedures across the Force. You will support the Head of Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing in setting the strategic direction of workforce safety, including deputising and delegated leadership responsibility. Lead the development and delivery of health and safety services in a high-risk environment, setting and maintaining appropriate standards for service provision and establishing effective systems of delivery. As part of the HR Senior Management team, contribute to the development and continual review of the team's objectives as set out in the People Strategy


SWP have a varied workforce, who operate in highly stressful and complex specialist functions. Some of these specialist areas include firearms officers, hostage negotiators, dog handlers, crime scene investigators, and control room operatives to name but a few. To be considered for this opportunity, you will be qualified to NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety or equivalent safety qualification, with proven experience of managing staff preferably in an emergency services setting. Your health and safety knowledge and experience will have given you an expert understanding of the practical application of health and safety in the workplace.


You will be a clear communicator with a highly organised approach and good attention to detail. Practical and realistic, with an evidence-based approach to problem solving, and a calm and logical approach to busy workloads and challenging priorities. You will ensure that there is adequate cooperation between appointed competent persons on safety matters. Responsible for providing independent and authoritative advice and information on the application of health and safety legislation within the force.


You will be a flexible worker and you will be expected to travel frequently across the Force's area. You will need to be able to work from home, when necessary, with access to wifi.


The successful candidate must be able to take on existing workloads and must be prepared to undergo vetting to MV/SC.


Please note, if you are subject to an ongoing PSD investigation, you appointment or placement in the role may be delayed pending an outcome. Whether the role is held open will be considered on a case-by-case basis.


SWP is very supportive of continuous development, you will have the opportunity to attend a wide range of training including specialist police specific safety CPD. Given the nature of the post, a considerable degree of personal commitment will be required from the postholder. For the person to act as the competent person, they will be expected to undertake their profession's CPD scheme. This will require them to attend CPD events to ensure that their professional knowledge is kept up to date. They will be expected to represent the force at national meetings, this and the CPD may occasionally involve overnight stays.


There are numerous benefits to working for South Wales Police, from learning and development opportunities to schemes which aim to improve your lifestyle and wellbeing, as well as generous Local Government Pension Scheme / Police Pension Schemes, paid annual leave, flexible working and family friendly policies and many more.


If you would like any more information about the role, please contact jan.wainwright@south-wales.police.uk


Apply today and join Team SWP!


First time applying for a role with South Wales Police? Be sure to read our application guidance for some hints and tips around the application form and what to expect. Please note the successful candidate must be willing to undergo vetting to the required level.