Health and Safety Executive
Operational Support Officer (Band 6/AO)
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Operational Support Officer (Band 6/AO)
Operational Support Team Member – Basingstoke
About the Role
Operational Support team members provide high-quality operational, administrative, and technical support within office-based environments for Inspection, Investigation, and Specialist Divisions, delivering key functions that contribute to regulatory operations across these divisions. They also offer cross-divisional support to Chemical, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division (CEMHD) and Energy Division (ED) on an ad hoc basis.
You’ll work as part of a collective team within specific office locations, contributing to a functional operating model. Each colleague will be assigned to up to three of the division’s six priority workstreams.
Work pattern: Part-time working hours are available (minimum 30 hours per week). A hybrid working model is offered (60% in the office, 40% remote), with office attendance required for collaborative work, team support, and training.
Key Responsibilities
Targeting & Intelligence (T&I)
- Manage inspection premises support as part of the annual inspection programme:
- Process visit requests via triage of potential sites.
- Prepare visit packs to support Inspectors ahead of visits.
- Ensure cases are accurately recorded on corporate systems for inspection tracking.
Core Support Tasks
(Beyond workstream-specific duties)
- Point of contact for Inspectors at the local office, handling operational support tasks.
- Priority call handler for the emergency services and the public via Customer Services.
- Evidence management at local HSE sites, including:
- Tracking continuity and accuracy of evidence handling.
- Coordinating secure, timely destruction (balancing sensitivity, security, and storage needs).
- Local estates activity support, including:
- Providing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
- Managing incoming/outgoing mail and general administrative resilience tasks.
Note: Additional responsibilities are listed in the Support Service Guide and may include reflective/miscellaneous tasks. This is not an exhaustive list.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Abilities
- Exceptional organisation and time-management skills to meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Adaptability to manage priorities shifts and multitask efficiently.
- High attention to detail for accurate task completion.
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Technical Skills
- Confidence with corporate systems (e.g., inspection databases).
- Basic familiarity with generic office software (e.g., word processing, scheduling tools).
Benefits & Conditions
Compensation & Pensions
- Annual salary: £28,499
- Contribution to Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme: £8,256 (from HSE).
Working Environment
- Hybrid working option (60% office attendance).
- Offices located across the UK (January 2024), including auxiliary/remote access.
Supportive Policies
- Family-friendly and carer-friendly work hours.
- 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days after 5 years), plus bank holidays and one Civil Service privilege day.
- Benefits include:
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme.
- E-voucher options via EdenRed.
- Fitness/wellbeing discounts.
Development
- Tailored learning and development programs.
- Flexible working and a culture promoting inclusion and diversity.
Selection Process
Key Stages
-
Applications due by: Midday (12:00) on 13 July 2026.
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Eligibility Test:
- Mandatory Civil Service Verbal Test (un-timed, submit within 24–48 hours of receiving invite).
- Followed by two 250-word behaviour statements (tailor examples beyond work experience if needed).
-
Sift:
- Determines suitability based on:
- Provisional Behaviours (Delivering at Pace – lead behaviour in case of tiebreakers).
- Assessment typed after interview; Answers will not count individually if you fail overall.
- Determines suitability based on:
-
Interview:
- Blended format (Strengths and Behaviours).
- Commencing in the week of 27 July 2026.
Behaviour Codes
- Delivering at Pace: Ability to prioritise effectively in a dynamic environment.
- Working Together: Collaborative team contribution.
Note: Screening will focus on Delivering at Pace for high-volume applications unless interview proceeds.
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Security Standards
- Basic pre-employment ID checks.
- Security vetting against Internal Fraud Hub (in line with Civil Service guidelines).
Security & Eligibility
Country.requirements
Open to:
- UK nationals.
- Nationals of Ireland or Commonwealth countries with valid UK work rights.
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, citizens of Norway or Liechtenstein (depending on UK Settlement Scheme status).
- Those with limited leave to remain eligible for EU (EUSS).
Required: Must not fall under UK Points-Based sponsorship due.
Veteran Enclaves
This vacancy supports the "Great Place to Work for Veterans" initiative.
Diversity and Inclusion
- Commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme.
- Adjustments available for disability during recruitment/employment.
Application & Contact
Summary Notes
- Reserve list active for 12 months following recruitment round.
- Offers made based on merit/location.
- Withdrawn applications if tests or statements remain uncompleted by deadline.
Contact Persons
-
Recruitment Queries: ✉️ DSU.recruitment@hse.gov.uk
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Adjustment Support: ✉️ hr.resourcing-team@hse.gov.uk
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Redundancy/Confidential Guidance: ✉️ HR.Resourcing-Team@hse.gov.uk
© Accessibility Reminders For more details, see Health and Safety Executive Terms. Progression follows annual state negotiations and Civil Service merit corridors.
+ Civil Service Loads
Designed under principles of Fairness and Efficiency (see Civil Service Commission). Guided by Inclusion Deal framework.
Test References
- Study guidance and practice questions available at Civil Service online tests - GOV.UK.
Ongoing Feedback
Provided only after interview or assessment of shortlisted candidates.
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