Client Overview
Ravensbourne is a specialist higher education institution known for itsfocus on creativity, digital media, design and innovation. Operating within abusy and highly active campus environment, the organisation requires robusthealth, safety and environmental management to support students, staff,visitors and project activity across its estate.
During a critical project phase, Ravensbourne required short-term support within its Health, Safety, Environment and Quality function to ensure continuity, compliance and effective operational oversight.
Maxwell Stephens was engaged to appoint a Health, Safety and Environmental Officer on a three-month contract to provide immediate support to the HSEQ Manager and wider organisation.
The Challenge
Ravensbourne required a health, safety and environmental professionalwho could step into the organisation quickly and provide effective support withminimal onboarding time.
The appointment was time-sensitive, with the successful candidate required to backfill key responsibilities during a major project while ensuring day-to-day health, safety and environmental standards remained fully maintained.
Key areas of responsibility included:
- Health, safety and environmental compliance support
- Policy and procedure review
- Risk assessment monitoring
- Health and safety reporting
- Environmental reporting and carbon reduction support
- Health and safety inductions
- Operational HSEQ administration
- Incident and performance data monitoring
- Guidance and support for staff and stakeholders
- Support for senior management reporting
The role required an individual with strong technical knowledge, recognised health and safety qualifications and the ability to operate confidently within a fast-moving educational environment.
Given the short-term nature of the contract, the successful candidate needed to be self-sufficient, calm under pressure and capable of adding value from day one.
Our Approach
Understanding the Requirement
Maxwell Stephens worked closely with Ravensbourne to understand the immediate operational pressures, project requirements and specific support needed by the HSEQ Manager.
The successful candidate would need to combine technical HSEQ expertise with strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple stakeholder groups.
Specialist Search Process
Drawing upon our Facilities Management, Health & Safety and Education sector network, we conducted a targeted search focused on candidates with experience across:
- Health and Safety Management
- Environmental Management
- HSEQ Support
- Higher Education and Campus Environments
- Risk Assessment and Compliance
- Policy and Procedure Review
- Reporting and Performance Monitoring
- Carbon Reduction and Environmental Reporting
Particular emphasis was placed on identifying candidates who held relevant qualifications, including NEBOSH Health and Safety and Environmental Management credentials, and who could quickly integrate into an established team.
Candidate Assessment
Candidates were assessed against a comprehensive range of technical and behavioural competencies, including:
- Health, safety and environmental knowledge
- Risk assessment and compliance capability
- Policy review and procedural improvement experience
- Reporting and data management skills
- Stakeholder communication and advisory capability
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Calmness under pressure
- Adaptability within a short-term contract environment
Our assessment process focused on identifying a candidate who could provide immediate, reliable and high-quality support during a critical operational period.
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens successfully appointed a highly qualified Health, Safety and Environmental Officer who met the technical, operational and interpersonal requirements of the role.
The successful candidate quickly integrated into Ravensbourne's HSEQ function and provided effective day-to-day support across health, safety and environmental activities.
Key strengths included:
- Strong health, safety and environmental management expertise
- NEBOSH-qualified technical capability
- Experience supporting compliance and risk management processes
- Strong reporting and documentation skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder support capability
- A calm, organised and proactive approach
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Following their appointment, the candidate supported the HSEQ Manager with policy reviews, risk assessment monitoring, health and safety inductions, performance reporting and environmental data requirements.
Results Delivered
The appointment delivered immediate value to Ravensbourne during acritical project phase, including:
- Continuity of health, safety and environmental support
- Improved capacity within the HSEQ function
- Ongoing compliance with health and safety policies and procedures
- Continued monitoring of risk assessments and safety documentation
- Timely production of monthly health and safety reports
- Support for environmental reporting and carbon reduction targets
- Effective delivery of health and safety inductions
- Minimal disruption to project delivery and operational activity
The successful placement enabled Ravensbourne to maintain strong health, safety and environmental standards while continuing with key project work without interruption.
Specialist Facilities, Health & Safety Recruitment
Maxwell Stephens supports universities, colleges, public-sector organisations and commercial occupiers with specialist recruitment solutions across facilities management, estates, health and safety and environmental management.
Our expertise includes:
- Health & Safety Management
- Environmental Management
- HSEQ Appointments
- Facilities Management
- Estates Management
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Interim and Contract Recruitment
- Education Sector Facilities Support
By combining specialist Facilities Management recruitment expertise with a strong understanding of compliance-led environments, we help organisations secure professionals who maintain safe, compliant and resilient workplaces.