Health and safety adviser

What will you be doing?

As our volunteer Health & Safety Advisor, you’ll play a key part in keeping volunteers safe while we restore the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals. You’ll work alongside Trustees, site leaders and volunteer teams to guide good practice and support safe, confident working across the Trust.

Key priorities of the role:

• Lead and promote a positive safety culture across all volunteer activities.
• Provide clear, practical advice on health and safety matters as they arise.
• Carry out site visits and inspections, identifying risks and recommending improvements.
• Record and investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, helping us learn and improve.
• Maintain essential statutory records and keep safety guidance up to date and accessible.
• Prepare short written updates or reports for Trustees to support oversight and decision‑making.
• Communicate effectively with volunteers, ensuring safety information is easy to understand and easy to find.

Deliverables:

• Concise safety reports for Board, Forum or COGG meetings (when you can attend).
• Clear recommendations following site inspections.
• Accurate incident records and follow‑up actions.
• Updated safety materials available online and on site.

About the team and structure:

• LHCRT is a volunteer‑led charity restoring two historic canals.
• You’ll work closely with Trustees, site leaders and a friendly, committed volunteer workforce.
• The role is flexible - we shape responsibilities around your skills, experience and available time.
• You’ll be part of a supportive team working on one of the region’s most ambitious heritage and environmental projects.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone who brings confidence, good judgement and a practical approach to keeping people safe. 

Experience:

• At least three years’ experience in a relevant health and safety role, ideally within construction, civil engineering, heritage restoration or a comparable operational environment.
• NEBOSH Construction Certificate, CSCS card, or equivalent site‑safety qualification desirable, with experience advising on safe working practices in outdoor or operational settings.
• Confidence in reviewing working practices and making sensible recommendations.
• Experience writing short reports or summaries for Board and meeting updates.

Personal attributes:

• A positive, encouraging approach to safety - someone who helps people feel supported, not policed.
• Clear communication skills, able to explain things simply and diplomatically.
• A practical mindset: able to spot risks, suggest improvements and follow things through.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a wide range of volunteers and Trustees.
• Comfortable working as part of a volunteer‑led organisation.
• Shows energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to fairness and inclusion.
• Aligns with LHCRT’s values and enjoys being part of a team working towards a shared goal.

This role suits someone who enjoys helping others, likes practical problem‑solving, and wants to use their skills to support a meaningful community project.

What difference will you make?

Your expertise will directly strengthen the safety, confidence and effectiveness of everyone involved in restoring the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals. As a volunteer‑led charity working on a complex heritage and construction project, we rely on clear guidance, good practice and strong oversight to keep our teams safe. This role makes that possible.

Anything else...

Trustee/volunteer meetings are held once a month in the evening.