“ One thing that stands out about my job is the sheer variety of premises you inspect - from a small business to some of the biggest players in UK industry. Another is how you have to think on your feet - sometimes a bit of advice is all that's needed, at other times you need to take formal action to enforce the law. ” Emily Wilson, Trainee Inspector

About you

Whatever your background you need to be committed to improving health and safety in the workplace. You will have a degree or an equivalent professional/academic qualification, preferably in a science or engineering related subject. However, exceptional non graduate applicants, who can successfully provide evidence that they have shown a strong commitment to learning and proactively sought development opportunities will also be considered.

You will need to be able to learn about and understand a wide range of industrial processes. You will also need good comprehension skills to understand legal and technical documents and the ability to write clear, accurate and succinct letters and reports which can be understood by recipients with varying degrees of technical and/or legal knowledge.

You must have an ability to influence and persuade, and be capable of reaching meaningful and balanced judgements. For most of your time when out visiting workplaces – typically 3 days a week – you will be working alone, so you need to be self reliant and comfortable working independently. However, much of your work will contribute to wider programmes and projects so you should also be able to work collaboratively and flexibly within a team of colleagues. Above all, we need people who can be professional and demonstrate calm and poise when working under pressure in one of the most demanding jobs in the public sector.