Originally named, Great British Nuclear, Great British Energy - Nuclear is an arm’s length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in Great Britain. We play a crucial role in advancing nuclear new build, ensuring the UK’s energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Great British Energy - Nuclear focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future.
Great British Energy - Nuclear’s first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in 2023. SMRs can potentially be quicker to deploy and less expensive to build than traditional nuclear power plants because they are smaller, have factory based modular manufacturing and more flexible deployment options. In June 2025, Great British Energy - Nuclear announced that Rolls-Royce SMR had been selected as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first SMRs, following a technology selection process that began in 2023.
Great British Energy - Nuclear is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace.
The Senior Safety Advisor will provide senior specialist health and safety advice, support and assurance for GBE-N as the developer of a small modular reactor (SMR) power station.
Working closely with the Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability, project teams, functions and internal stakeholders, the role will support the development, implementation and continual improvement of health and safety arrangements across programme development, design, delivery planning and future operational arrangements. The postholder will contribute to strong conventional health and safety performance, effective compliance, regulatory confidence and the delivery of a safe, responsible and sustainable SMR programme.
The role will support the Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability in promoting a proactive health and safety culture, maintaining compliance with legislation and standards, and providing practical, proportionate and evidence-based advice. The successful candidate will bring strong health and safety advisory capability, sound judgement and the ability to influence a broad range of stakeholders across a complex and highly regulated programme environment.
Please note, this role will require travel to the Warrington Office 3 days per week.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
- Provide senior health and safety advice and guidance to project teams, functions, delivery partners and internal stakeholders across the SMR programme.
- Support the development, implementation and continual improvement of health and safety arrangements, standards, procedures and guidance.
- Promote a strong and proactive safety culture across GBE-N and its delivery partners, encouraging ownership, learning and continuous improvement.
- Support compliance with relevant health and safety legislation, CDM Regulations, internal governance requirements and recognised good practice.
- Provide advice on health and safety risks across programme development, design, construction planning, mobilisation, delivery and future operational arrangements.
- Support the identification, assessment and management of health and safety risks, ensuring that controls are proportionate, effective and appropriately documented.
- Review and provide advice on risk assessments, method statements, safe systems of work, construction phase plans, pre-construction information and other relevant safety documentation.
- Support design and constructability reviews by providing health and safety input to ensure risks are eliminated, reduced or controlled so far as reasonably practicable.
- Undertake health and safety inspections, audits, assurance reviews and observations to assess compliance and the effectiveness of controls.
- Identify findings, improvement opportunities and corrective actions from assurance activity, supporting timely close-out and learning.
- Support incident, accident, near miss and high potential event reporting, investigation, root cause analysis and lessons learned activity.
- Contribute to the development and monitoring of health and safety performance measures, dashboards, KPIs and management information.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:
- Significant experience in a health and safety advisory role within nuclear, energy, infrastructure, construction, government or another regulated environment.
- Strong working knowledge of UK health and safety legislation, CDM Regulations, HSE expectations and recognised good practice relevant to major programme delivery.
- Experience supporting health and safety management across complex projects, programmes, construction environments or high-hazard settings.
- Good understanding of health and safety management systems, including ISO 45001, and the role of management systems in demonstrating compliance and driving improvement.
- Experience reviewing health and safety documentation, including risk assessments, method statements, safe systems of work, construction phase plans and contractor arrangements.
- Experience conducting inspections, audits, assurance reviews, workplace observations or compliance checks.
- Experience supporting incident investigation, root cause analysis, corrective actions and lessons learned.
- Ability to analyse information, identify risks and trends, and provide balanced, practical and evidence-based recommendations.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work professionally with senior colleagues, delivery teams, suppliers and external stakeholders.
- Able to provide constructive challenge in a way that supports good decision-making, compliance and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent recognised health and safety qualification (Essential)
- NEBOSH Construction Certificate, NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent higher-level health and safety qualification (Desirable)
- Membership of IOSH, preferably GradIOSH, CertIOSH or working towards CMIOSH (Desirable).
- ISO 45001 auditor or lead auditor training (Desirable).
- Relevant CDM, construction safety, risk management, incident investigation or assurance qualification (Desirable)
- Degree or equivalent qualification in occupational health and safety, engineering, construction, science, risk management or another relevant discipline (Desirable).
Please note, this role may require candidates to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of National Security Vetting.
We recognise that candidates may not meet every requirement listed. If your experience is not an exact match but you believe you have the skills, knowledge and potential to succeed in the role, we encourage you to apply.
Please complete our short application form to apply for this role. If shortlisted, one of our Talent Attraction Leads will be in touch to discuss the position in more detail. Good luck with your application!
At GBE-N, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. If you require any support or adjustments to help you with your application, please contact us at recruitment@greatbritishnuclear.uk, and we will be happy to provide assistance.