The wider public sector industries (such as education, charities, local government) are undergoing significant changes in how Health and Safety is perceived and delivered. Professionals in these sectors are now expected to contribute far beyond compliance, playing central roles in ESG strategy, risk management, business continuity, and cultural change.
The common thread across these sectors is delivering health and safety across major estate portfolios, often in complex, geographically diverse environments. As organisations navigate new legislation, health and safety professionals are increasingly required to bring together multifaceted teams to develop management systems, procedures, and ensure compliance.
At the same time, the sectors are experiencing rapid growth in the use of ‘digital safety’ and the adoption of ‘Safety Tech’ / AI. From reporting tools and wearables to drones and augmented reality, new technologies are reshaping the sector. Health and Safety leaders are under growing pressure to understand and deploy these tools, with clients actively seeking professionals who can operate effectively in this new digital environment.
Below, we outline the current salary benchmarks for Health and Safety professionals across public-sector settings, based on our latest market insights.
Salary Benchmarks
Health and Safety Coordinator: £25,000 - £32,000
Typical responsibilities include managing data sets, coordinating training, and producing Board packs and general administration tasks for the team. Strong digital literacy is becoming increasingly essential as AI-driven tools automate much of the administrative workload. Line management is not necessary.
Health and Safety Advisor / Senior Advisor: £37,000 - £45,000
Generally, requires a NEBOSH Certificate (or equivalent). These roles focus on operational safety across departments or regions, delivering health and safety ‘on the ground’. Senior Advisors may lead initiatives or mentor junior staff (previously, line management may be required). Roles in regulated industries or those involving extensive stakeholder engagement typically offer higher salaries. Multi-site roles often include a car or car allowance. Typical hybrid split is 3-4 days in the office or on site with 1-2 days from home.
Health and Safety Manager/ Senior Manager: £48,000 - £66,000
Oversees safety performance across business units or geographies, often managing a team (size can vary). Employers generally expect candidates to hold, or be working towards, CertIOSH (formerly GradIOSH).
Head of Health and Safety: £75,000 - £100,000
The senior safety role in many organisations. Responsible for strategic risk, compliance, and culture change, and usually sits on the senior leadership team. Packages often include car allowances and bonuses of 15% or more.
Health and Safety Director (UK/European Remit): £110,000 - £130,000
Leads the function, typically reporting into the Board, though in some cases holding a Board seat. May also oversee Environment, Sustainability, and Quality. Packages often include profit share (EOT structures), substantial bonuses, and, in some cases, equity.
How Employers Can Stay Ahead
Health and Safety professionals in the above settings are increasingly multidisciplinary, blending compliance expertise with strategic thinking and digital fluency.
Top candidates are often weighing multiple offers and looking at more than salary alone. They evaluate:
Organisational reputation and leadership culture
ESG and safety performance, supported by a clear strategy
Career development and progression pathways
Flexibility and remote/hybrid working options
Employers with slow processes, unclear growth plans, or weak safety governance are losing out to competitors offering purpose and long-term opportunity.
To attract and retain the best talent, employers should:
Set clear and competitive salaries
Understand the skills associated with each salary level
Move quickly and communicate clearly during recruitment
Offer visible career progression, particularly for strategic roles
Partner with recruiters who know the market and can engage passive candidates
Organisations that act decisively, invest in safety culture, and provide meaningful career paths will be best positioned to secure top-tier professionals in a highly competitive market.
If you’d like to benchmark your salaries or grow your team, please contact Matthew Cathcart, who leads our Public Sector clients.