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Fire safety officer

Fire safety officers make sure that our patients and staff are as safe as possible from the risk of fire.

Training and qualifications required

NHS fire safety officers have a lot of experience in fire safety and prevention. Many have worked as fire officers in a local fire service. Employers also expect fire safety officers to have a qualification in fire safety. When you join the NHS as a fire safety officer, you will have an introduction to the NHS and the site you are responsible for. You will also be trained in NHS systems and procedures. Fire safety officers need to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. You may be offered the opportunity to study for a degree or masters in fire safety engineering.

Expected working hours and salary range

Estates staff working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. As a fire safety officer, you will typically start on AfC band 5. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions at band 6 and above. Fire safety officers in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. The job may involve some evening and weekend working. Fire safety officers may be on call if there is an incident. Terms and conditions will usually be different for fire safety officers working outside of the NHS.

Desirable skills and values

Fire safety Officers need to be interested in fire prevention, very health and safety aware, able to reassure people, able to stay calm in stressful situations and able to explain simply , and clearly. They also need good communication skills with people at all levels, good planning and observation skills.

Prospects

With experience in the NHS, fire safety officers can become fire safety managers, responsible for a trust or area.

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