Health and Safety Officer

The Health and Safety Officer is responsible for effectively implementing, overseeing, managing, and monitoring the school’s Health and Safety Policy to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and the highest standards of safety for all stakeholders.  The post holder will be fully responsible to effectively manage all non-education, health and safety related activities within school business operations.

To embody the values, vision and ethos of GEMS Education and assist the Principal/CEO in delivering the health and safety policy which will ensure high quality and successful outcomes.

Job Scope

• To be responsible for all elements of OSHAD.
• To  be responsible for all internal and external HSE Audits and ensure standards and requirements are met.
• To be responsible for updating all health and safety policies in line with OSHAD.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of health and safety systems, policies, procedures, documentation, and practices across the school.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety requirements set by ADEK, Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC) / Department of Health (DoH), and other relevant government and regulatory authorities.
• Safeguard the health and safety of students, staff, contractors, sub-contractors, visitors, and all stakeholders by establishing and maintaining clear, compliant policies and procedures for on-site and school-related activities.
• Ensure that all staff and students receive adequate training, information, supervision, and guidance regarding workplace hazards and safe practices within the school environment and specific work areas.
• Promote a culture of safety, responsibility, and accountability by raising awareness of potential hazards (e.g., fire safety, laboratory safety, traffic management) through effective communication, consultation, and engagement with staff and stakeholders.
• Develop, implement, and maintain an Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS) in line with ADPHC compliance requirements, including timely periodic submissions to ADPHC/DoH and other relevant authorities based on the school’s risk classification.
• Establish and maintain a clearly defined health and safety leadership structure within the school, including delegation mechanisms and alignment with external regulatory requirements.
• Ensure appropriate induction, handover, and ongoing health and safety training for employees, contractors, and relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct hazard identification, risk assessments, and implement effective control measures to mitigate risks in critical areas such as school transportation, student pick-up and drop-off, and traffic flow management.
• Develop, maintain, and regularly review the Emergency Response Plan and Occupational Injuries Register.
• Maintain detailed records of incident investigations, ensure accurate reporting through ADEK and ADPHC electronic OSH reporting systems, and submit reports in a timely manner.
• Liaise closely with the School Safeguarding Committee or Safeguarding Lead, in accordance with the ADEK School Safeguarding Policy, to ensure adequate supervision, visual coverage, and proactive incident prevention and response.

• Minimum 5+ years of Health & Safety - Mandatory
• Bachelor’s Degree in Health & Safety or Bachelor's degree
• National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Certification - Mandatory
• Course on Incident Investigation and Reporting
• Accredited First Aider and Fire Fighter
• Knowledge of ADPHC’s electronic OSH reporting system

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.

NEBOSH certification