Who we are VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation. What we do We put our Customers and Families First. They are the driving force behind everything we do. We drive forward improvements for them to ensure the service they receive, whether reactive repairs or a major project, is completed safely and on time. In order to achieve this, we have 4 core values: open, caring, agile and collaborative. These are at the heart of everything we do. Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent Location: Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JQ with travel to Portsdown West (1 week in 4) Working Hours: 37.5 Hours per week, Monday to Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM The Trainee Health and Safety Advisor plays a crucial role in ensuring that VIVO's service delivery solutions for maintenance, billable works, and overall Health and Safety (H&S) on the Dstl Estate comply with legal requirements, customer specifications, and industry best practices. This position is integral to supporting preventative planned maintenance, reactive maintenance, and billable works while promoting a safety-first culture and continuous improvement. The Trainee Health and Safety Advisor will operate within the Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) team to ensure the contract meets all H&S obligations. This includes acting as a subject matter expert on H&S, fire safety, and environmental matters within the building environment, carrying out accident and incident investigations, and implementing lessons learned. The role involves both scheduled and unscheduled workplace inspections to ensure compliance and encourage a culture of continuous improvement. Where safety management falls short, the Advisor will take appropriate action to address issues. In line with VIVO's Zero Harm initiatives and sustainability goals, the Advisor will support the implementation of SHE systems and policies. This includes presenting SHE training, toolbox talks, inductions, and investigation findings, requiring excellent communication skills and confidence in addressing audiences. The role also involves maintaining professional relationships with both internal colleagues and external stakeholders, such as the client Estates H&S Team. Additionally, the Advisor ensures contractor compliance with VIVO and client processes, monitors governance for billable works, and assists in developing initiatives to improve safety and sustainability across the estate. Essential responsibilities include contributing to the development and management of the Safety, Health, and Environmental Management System, ensuring it aligns with legislative updates and best practices. This requires updating systems, coaching operational teams, conducting workplace inspections, and providing practical SHE advice tailored to industry guidance and workplace contexts. The Advisor will assist in identifying and addressing workplace hazards, ensuring safe equipment and materials usage, and balancing enforcement with internal support. Other key duties include assisting with SHE monitoring systems, maintaining records that comply with legal and workplace requirements, and liaising with external bodies such as local authorities, the Health and Safety Executive, and environmental agencies. Researching best practices and regulatory changes, such as updates to Construction Design and Management or Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), is another essential component. The Advisor will also support or manage investigations into accidents, incidents, and near misses, providing actionable recommendations and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements. As this is a trainee role, we will invest in your NEBOSH course and Level 3 Apprenticeship in order to attain the nationally recognised qualifications. What you'll need to do this role To be eligible for this role, candidates must have excellent communication and presentation skills, the ability to motivate and coach teams, and a thorough understanding of workplace safety requirements and legal compliance. A full UK driving license and the ability to obtain SC clearance are mandatory, as is British nationality due to site requirements. Candidates must also be at least 18 years old. This role requires a proactive approach, attention to detail, and the ability to recognize the financial implications of safety decisions. Collaboration with other departments, such as HR, is often necessary to address cross-functional needs. The Advisor must be approachable, reliable, and confident in raising safety concerns in accordance with VIVO processes. This position offers an opportunity to develop expertise in Health and Safety, contributing to the safe and sustainable operation of a critical estate while upholding VIVO's values and commitment to excellence. You must be able to pass SC Clearance to be considered for this role . You must be a British National to be eligible for this role. What we offer Up to 6% contributory pension scheme NEBOSH Qualification Level 3 Apprenticeship 25 Days annual leave Volunteer leave Established reward and recognition scheme One paid professional subscription Life Assurance Policy Employee discount and reward schemes Interesting, varied, and enjoyable work A company that recognises your contribution Training opportunities and qualifications within a supportive environment to ensure career progression VIVO Defence Services The role you have applied for is with VIVO Defence Services, a joint venture between Serco and EQUANS. By applying for this role, please be aware that information contained within your CV may be shared between VIVO Defence Services, Serco and EQUANS during the recruitment process. At VIVO, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. Therefore, we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working and operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly a Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview. If candidates wish to request extra time to apply then they should contact 0345 010 4000 and ask to speak to a VIVO Recruiter.
