Head of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

Job Description

The position is responsible for managing and implementing GEMS Group health, safety, and environmental policies and processes to ensure that the business can apply best-practice and promote to support an 'as low as reasonably practicable' (ALARP) incident-free environment.

The post holder will also lead and manage HSE reviews to ensure compliance and corrective action plans are in place across all business units, as necessary, to ensure the health and safety of all employees, students, and other school community members. The role to include:
- A close working relationship with Manager of school operations across GEMS schools to support the development and implement comprehensive health and safety practices and KPIs.
- Ensuring compliance with the appropriate health and safety regulations to promote a safe and healthy environment for all students, staff, and visitors within the GEMS MENASA schools and offices.
- Managing a cross-functional HSE Review Committee to ensure coordination and execution of HSE related priorities (e,g, Air Quality) and remediation work.

Key Accountabilities:
- Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive health and safety strategy for GEMS Education, aligned with the core values and objectives of the organisation. Lead pre-acquisition health and safety due diligence reviews and submit reports to Senior Management.
- Leadership: Lead and manage the health and safety team, programmes and initiatives across GEMS Education schools and offices. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of health and safety programmes and implement corrective actions, as necessary. Manage effective relationships with all GEMS key stakeholders.
- Policy and Compliance: Establish, review, and update effective health and safety policies and protocols in line with local and international standards. Monitor compliance with health and safety regulations and guidance as set out by local authorities, accrediting bodies, and GEMS. Establish strong working relationships with regulatory agencies, external consultants, and other stakeholders to stay updated on health and safety standards and best practices.
- Support and Guidance : Provide expert advice and guidance on health and safety-related matters to school Principals, MSOs, Service Functions, HSE team, Senior Management, and other stakeholders to support operational health and safety requirements.
- Data Analysis and Reporting : Utilise the HSE Guard and Power BI dashboard to collect and analyse data, including incident reports, inspection findings and training records. Prepare regular reports for Senior Management, highlighting key performance indicators with recommended action plans for improvement.
- Training and Awareness : Ensure all HSE Managers have access to effective training. Establish and ensure the delivery of health and safety training programmes for employees across schools, SSC, and services to promote a safety-conscious culture throughout the organisation, including new acquisitions.
- Audits: Develop the annual audit programme calendar, observation criteria and methodology. Ensure annual Health and Safety and Swimming Pool audits are conducted for all schools. Identify areas for improvement and feedback to Senior Management.
- Incident Management : Oversee the investigation process for key incidents and ensure they are suitably documented. Analyse root causes, recommend corrective actions and develop strategies to prevent similar incidents from reoccurring.
- Emergency Preparedness: Contribute to the emergency response plans and crisis management procedures with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective responses to potential crises.
- Collaboration and Communication: Ensure collaboration with all departments, schools, and external agencies to share health and safety information, encouraging open communication and continuous improvement.
- Document Control : Manage HSE documentation and ensure that document control procedures are followed. This includes managing the ISO process and documentation, amongst others, and ensuring review dates are met.
- Risk Assessment : Ensure training is provided to support the development and implementation of risk assessments within schools. Maintain an up-to-date risk assessment library on HSE Guard. Recommend appropriate control measures to minimise risks.
- HSE IMS System: Lead the development and upgrades of the HSE IMS System, promoting a user-friendly interface and incident reporting system that allows for an improved positive reporting culture.
- Safety Culture: Be a role model for health and safety practices, promoting a positive safety culture within the organisation. Encourage a positive reporting culture and drive the creation and delivery of safety initiatives.

Requirements: