HM Specialist Inspector - Electrical, Control & Cyber Security (ECCS)
Health and Safety Executive
Apply before 11:10 am on Thursday 4th September 2025
Details
Reference number
420958
Salary
£71,171 - £75,323
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Job grade
Senior Executive Officer
Band 3
Contract type
Permanent
Business area
HSE - Chemical, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division (CEMHD) - Onshore Chemical Division
Type of role
Engineering
Health and Safety
Operational Delivery
Working pattern
Full-time
Number of jobs available
4
Contents
Location
Aberdeen, Basingstoke, Bedford, Birmingham, Bootle, Bristol, Buxton, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Chelmsford, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northampton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxted, Plymouth, Sheffield, York
About the job
Job summary
If you want a job that is a change from the norm, then consider a role as an ECCS Specialist Inspector where you’ll secure the future safety of the public and people in these industries. These roles offer an excellent opportunity for those who are looking to be an expert in the field of Electrical, Control and Cyber Security we will also provide you with the tools, skills and knowledge needed to be an expert HSE inspector in Cyber Security. These roles also offer you development in both your legal and technical skills.
Sound interesting? Then please apply! We'd love to hear from you!
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
Our role goes beyond worker protection to include public assurance. We work to ensure people feel safe where they live, where they work and, in their environment.
Great Britain’s health and safety record is the envy of much of the world. Central to this is our work to protect people by managing risk in a proportionate and effective way, supporting innovation and increasing productivity.
HSE leads the way but doesn’t act alone. Working in partnership is one of our strengths. It’s at the heart of how we protect workers and the public. We are firm and fair when using our legal powers. Inspection helps us check that serious risks are managed sensibly. When things go wrong, investigation helps us get to the truth and learn lessons. We hold employers to account for their failures and get answers for victims and make workplaces safer. The benefits that our work brings to business, workers and the UK economy are clear. Improved health and safety risk management protects workers and translates into reduced sickness absence, lower healthcare and welfare costs, and better productivity.
Chemicals, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division (CEMHD) is responsible for the GB-wide regulation of onshore high hazard premises and installations as well as the chemicals manufacturing sector as a whole. This involves delivering regulatory interventions in workplaces, engaging with key industry stakeholders and providing assurance that major accident risks are being properly managed.
HSE are responsible for securing safety across a range of industries including, energy production (oil, gas and emerging technologies), chemical/pharmaceutical production and storage, microbiological agents, explosives and pipelines.
Job description
HSE Specialist Inspectors work across all of GB and whilst we would consider all CEMHD office locations we would be particularly interested in applicants who would be based in HSE offices in: Scotland, North East, Wales and South West. For a list of HSE Office locations please see HSE Office Locations
Your main responsibility is to address major accident hazards in relation to Electrical, Control and Cyber Security at onshore major hazard installations, which includes oil refineries, oil and gas storage, chemicals production, and some nuclear sites.
We will be holding a Virtual Q+A on the 3rd of October 2025 at 12pm, if you would like to attend this session, please contact peter.evans@hse.gov.uk so that we can send you a virtual Microsoft Teams invite where you will get the chance to find out more about the role and ask any questions you feel are necessary.
You will:
- Inspect a variety of major hazard installations, either on your own or as part of an expert team, to make sure risks associated with industrial control systems are suitably managed and that operators comply with the law.
- Carry out technical assessment of Safety Reports provided by major hazard sites (both new and existing).
- Investigate safety related accidents and incidents involving industrial control systems in the major hazards industries.
Key Responsibilities:
- The production of technical inspection reports that identify risk gaps and failure(s) to comply with the law.
- Taking suitable enforcement action to address significant risk gaps on operator’s sites e.g., prohibiting processes or activities.
- Forensic analysis of the electrical or control systems elements of accidents in major hazards industries in order to identify root causes and where necessary, leading the technical aspects of the investigation, calling in other expert support and supporting legal enforcement action to prevent a recurrence.
- Provide expert opinion on the management of industrial control systems and, when required, work as a specialist investigator or expert witness at tribunals, inquests and legal proceedings.
- Assessment of Safety Reports submitted by organisations to ensure effective management of risk and identify priority areas for inspection.
- Advise colleagues on technical matters out with their area of expertise e.g., standards for electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres, and how the conditions compare with minimum legal requirements and relevant good practice.
- Liaise with other Government departments, the public, industry, professional bodies and trade associations in order to secure intelligence, share information and contribute towards policy, research and guidance on functional safety, electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres and cyber security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS).
- Using your expertise and experience to drive improvements in technical and operational standards nationally and to promote better health and safety at UK forums, and at relevant conferences.
Specialist Training Programme (STP)
On joining HSE, all new specialist inspectors are required to complete a 2-year Specialist Training Programme (STP). This two-year programme comprises both in depth legal training and assessments and also any further technical training that may be required.
For Cyber Security specifically, HSE will provide a full development package to equip the successful candidate to assess this topic in line with HSE Operational Guidance (OG86) and other relevant standards e.g. IEC 62443.
You are expected to work full time during this training period.
Given that HSE regulates sites across the whole of the United Kingdom you will be expected to spend short periods working away from home which will include overnight stays.
Inspectors are required to work as part of a national team, with travel around UK to land-based high hazard sites, typically spending a day or two at duty holder sites both in an office environment and also out on the process plant. This is typically followed by a period analysing the inspection findings and producing a technical report.
Person specification
The role of a Specialist Inspector is challenging yet rewarding and offers a breadth of work that is unique across a huge variety of industrial sites and processes. Inspectors can be involved in detailed technical analysis of safety reports on one day, inspecting complex control systems and talking with engineering staff on site the next or perhaps involved in the aftermath of a major accident, working to find out the root causes and prevent a re-occurrence.
It’s also an engineering role where you may be appearing in Court as an expert witness or perhaps working with committees on new Standards to drive improvements in industry.
You’ll often have to make difficult decisions and use your enforcement powers to ensure compliance with the law, but you’ll receive world class training to give you the skills to do this.
Essential Skills and Criteria:
- Previous experience in a Technical Engineering role.
- Experience in communication and influence across different levels, including senior management within an organization, effectively translating technical details for the intended audience.
- Experience of producing detailed and clear technical reports, and present complex technical information, including those for a non-technical audience.
- Ability to think strategically, identify underlying issues, and persuade and influence individuals at all levels.
- Have a breadth and depth of experience of working in Major Hazards / High Consequence / COMAH environment.
Licences
A full driving license that permits driving within the UK. However, we are willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants with disabilities that would allow them to do the job by other means.
Qualifications
A relevant degree in Electrical, Electronic or Control Engineering.
Memberships
Chartered by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or hold the necessary qualifications, skills and experience to become chartered by the IET (or chartered Professional Body).
If you hold the necessary qualifications, skills and experience to become chartered whilst in post, please answer YES to this question within your application form.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- A proven track record in the selection, design, commissioning, operation and maintenance of process control and safety instrumented systems (SIS) in a relevant industry e.g., petrochemical (or similar onshore major hazard installation).
- Practical experience of the selection, design, installation, commissioning, inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres (Ex).
- An in-depth knowledge and application of Relevant Good Practice (RGP) in the process industry sector or equivalent e.g., BS EN 61511, BS EN 60079 etc
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £71,171, Health and Safety Executive contributes £20,618 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
We invest in our people with;
- Competitive rates of pay
- Access to the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme to which HSE contribute 28.97%, far more than in the private sector.
- Family friendly policies and working hours to help balance your home life and career
- Carer friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture
- 25 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays and 1-day Civil Service privilege leave
- Parental leave benefits
- As a member of HSE you will gain access to a wide range of fantastic benefits that you can take advantage of such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, E-Gift Cards and Vouchers via our partner EdenRed.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Application information
As part of your application, you will be invited to complete an anonymised CV which should include your career history, experience, and qualifications.
Please ensure you tailor your CV to match the Essential Skills and Criteria as listed within the advert.
Sift information
The sift will take place from the 15th of October where you will be assessed on your CV.
Interview information
Interviews will take place from the 28th of October where you will be assessed against the Behaviours and Technical skills detailed within this job advert. The interview will also consist of a 5-10 minute presentation, if you are successful at sift, further details of the presentation topic will be provided to you prior to your interview.
Interviews will be held in person, the location of the interviews will be confirmed if you are successful at sift.
AI Tools & Platforms
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Sponsorship
This role is not open to application from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship your application will be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment will be withdrawn.
Further Information
Due to the nature of security checks undertaken, applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and, Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.
HSE reserve the right to conduct additional checks, including Google and social media checks, when recruiting candidates into a role within HSE. These checks will be carried out in line with the Civil Service Commission Principles and, if used all candidates will be subject to these additional checks.
From 23rd June 2025, if you are successful at interview, as part of your pre-employment checks, HSE’s Recruitment Team are required to check your details against the Internal Fraud Hub (IFH), using your personal details – name, NINO, and date of birth. If you are included on the database, you will be refused employment. If you believe that there has been an error in the inclusion of your data and wish to make an appeal, please contact the CO email box internal.fraud@cabinetoffice.gov.uk .
Details of the types of internal fraud/dishonesty covered by this process are defined by the Cabinet Office and can be found here Internal Fraud Register privacy notice - GOV.UK
It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful in their application. For a summary of HSE terms and conditions as part of Civil Service Reform, please see the attached HSE Terms and Conditions document.
Progression through pay ranges is subject to annual pay awards as permitted within annual Civil Service pay remit guidance and negotiations with Trade Unions.
If, during the application or interview process, you require any assistance due to a disability or a medical condition, please contact us at the email address below to discuss how we can support you. For example, if you have a disability, and you need an application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please contact: HR.Resourcing-Team@hse.gov.uk
If successful in securing your role, HSE can provide suitable workplace adjustments to support you throughout your career with HSE.
Any move to HSE from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.
Please note, if you are a current civil servant and you are currently undergoing any of the following formal actions your application will not be progressed any further;
Formal discipline action, any formal action regarding attendance, poor performance or any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name :Peter Evans
- Email :Peter.evans@hse.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email :hr.resourcing-team@hse.gov.uk
Further information
If you believe that Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition have not been met, you can raise a complaint by emailing: HR.Resourcing-Team@hse.gov.uk or by writing to HSE at the following address:
HR Resourcing Team, 2.3 Redgrave Court, Merton Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 7HS. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact Civil Service commissioners:
https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/code/civilservicecodecomplaints/
Attachments
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HSE Terms and Conditions - CSJ Advert Annex (type, size) |
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