Dstl undertakes work and operates facilities that are categorised as ‘high hazard’. From undertaking research into protection against chemical and biological warfare agents to novel explosives, from lasers to cyber, operating complex sites to deploying people to military operations, the range and depth of hazards to be managed is extensive.

Our most important priority is to undertake our work safely, and to ensure that the technical advice we offer others keeps them safe. The Chief Safety Officer role is the owner of the overall safety capability and accountable for ensuring safety across Dstl and its partners and suppliers.

The Chief Safety Officer, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, will define the purpose, strategy and performance targets of the organisation in regard to Health Safety & Environmental Protection and manage external relationships at the highest level. Specialist work undertaken at this level involves thought leadership, building scientific or technical theory, often resulting in a new perspective and a change in strategic thinking and domain expertise. Strong external links are a key part of work at this level as is a consistent drive for excellence, setting high standards and being seen to maintain them. This new role will set and lead the safety culture in Dstl, set the strategic safety direction, advise and assure safe delivery across Dstl.

This role offers a unique, challenging and stretching opportunity for an experienced health and safety professional to work in a large, specialist, multi-site operational delivery environment. The role is a member of the Dstl’s senior leadership team and provides strong and collegiate leadership to ensure Dstl can support a range of sensitive operational activities in a safe, secure, resilient, well governed and assured manner in order to deliver Science & Technology.

To be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate agility of thought and approach in managing complex safety risks, whilst ensuring legislative and policy compliance. Drawing on your professional training and experience you will be able to successfully establish, develop and sustain a wide range of professional relationships to enable future business success with key stakeholders.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.