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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Gas Safety Officer

💰 $60,000 - $85,000

ComplianceHealth & SafetyFacilities ManagementEngineeringSocial Housing

🎯 Role Definition

A Gas Safety Officer is a critical specialist role, primarily responsible for ensuring an organization's full compliance with all statutory and regulatory obligations related to gas safety. This professional acts as the in-house technical expert, managing and monitoring gas servicing programs, contractor performance, and remedial works, typically within a property management or social housing environment. The position is pivotal in mitigating risk, maintaining detailed safety records, and most importantly, guaranteeing the health and safety of residents and the public. This role bridges the gap between on-the-ground technical work and strategic compliance management, requiring a unique blend of technical gas knowledge and strong administrative and interpersonal skills.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Experienced Gas Engineer / Heating Engineer
  • Compliance Coordinator (with a technical background)
  • M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) Supervisor

Advancement To:

  • Gas Compliance Manager / Head of Gas Safety
  • Asset Compliance Manager
  • Head of M&E Services

Lateral Moves:

  • Health and Safety Manager
  • M&E Surveyor
  • Contracts Manager (Technical Services)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage, monitor, and ensure the successful delivery of the annual Landlord Gas Safety Record (LGSR) program to achieve and maintain 100% compliance.
  • Oversee the performance of appointed gas service and maintenance contractors, including conducting regular review meetings, monitoring KPIs, and addressing any performance shortfalls.
  • Conduct a robust program of quality control audits and post-inspections on gas servicing, breakdown repairs, and new installations to ensure all work meets regulatory standards and specifications.
  • Act as the primary point of contact and technical expert for all gas-related inquiries, providing authoritative advice and support to internal colleagues, stakeholders, and residents.
  • Maintain and update the organization’s comprehensive gas safety policy and associated procedures to reflect current legislation, best practices, and industry guidance.
  • Investigate, document, and report on all gas-related incidents, including boiler breakdowns, potential leaks, and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm activations, ensuring appropriate remedial action is taken.
  • Manage the budget allocated for the gas servicing program and associated remedial works, including authorizing payments, scrutinizing invoices, and ensuring value for money.
  • Take a lead role in managing and resolving complex cases of non-access for essential gas servicing, including initiating and progressing legal proceedings where necessary.
  • Scrutinize and validate all gas safety certification and documentation submitted by contractors to ensure accuracy and compliance before formal acceptance.
  • Develop and implement effective strategies for managing and servicing properties with alternative fuel types, such as oil, LPG, and solid fuel heating systems.
  • Maintain an accurate and up-to-date record of all gas assets and servicing data within the organization's asset management database.
  • Oversee the compliant installation, maintenance, and testing of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors across the property portfolio.
  • Liaise directly with regulatory bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Gas Safe Register in the event of inspections or serious incidents.

Secondary Functions

  • Review and approve contractor-submitted Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for all gas-related works to ensure safety protocols are adequate.
  • Contribute significantly to the procurement, tendering, and mobilization process for new gas servicing and maintenance contracts.
  • Stay continually informed of changes in gas safety legislation, approved codes of practice, and emerging technologies to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of compliance.
  • Analyze servicing data and performance metrics to identify trends, potential risks, and opportunities for service improvement and efficiency gains.
  • Prepare and present detailed performance reports on gas compliance and contractor activity for Senior Management, governance committees, and board-level review.
  • Develop and deliver gas safety awareness training and communications for non-technical staff and residents to promote a strong safety culture.
  • Manage and resolve high-level complaints and complex resident issues related to gas servicing and heating systems, ensuring a customer-focused approach.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to inform strategic asset management decisions.
  • Collaborate with development teams to provide technical input on gas installations for new-build properties.
  • Participate in resident engagement forums and meetings to discuss gas safety performance and gather feedback.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Current Domestic Gas Qualifications: Must hold current ACS qualifications, including CCN1 (Core Domestic Gas Safety) and relevant appliance-specific qualifications (e.g., CENWAT, CKR1, HTR1).
  • In-depth Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, Building Regulations, and other relevant health and safety legislation.
  • Contract Management: Proven ability to manage external service contractors, monitor performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and enforce contractual obligations.
  • Technical Auditing: Skilled in carrying out on-site quality control inspections and post-audits of gas work to a high technical standard.
  • Asset Information Management: Proficiency in using housing management systems, asset databases (e.g., Keystone, PIMSS), and Microsoft Office Suite for record-keeping and reporting.
  • Budgetary Control: Experience in managing operational budgets, authorizing expenditure, and ensuring financial efficiency in service delivery.
  • Understanding of Legal Processes: Knowledge of the legal procedures required for gaining access to properties for essential safety work.

Soft Skills

  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to a diverse audience, including residents, contractors, and non-technical staff.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and methodical in approach, with a strong focus on accuracy in record-keeping, certification review, and report writing.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and diagnostic skills to effectively troubleshoot complex technical issues and resolve challenging access or complaint cases.
  • Negotiation and Influence: Capable of negotiating with contractors and influencing stakeholders to ensure positive outcomes and maintain compliance.
  • Resilience and Tenacity: Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure, particularly when dealing with high-risk situations or difficult enforcement cases.
  • Organizational Skills: Excellent time management and organizational abilities to manage a demanding workload, prioritize tasks, and meet strict compliance deadlines.
  • Customer Focus: A genuine commitment to providing excellent service and ensuring resident safety is the top priority in all activities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A recognized technical qualification in gas engineering, plumbing, or a related trade, such as an NVQ Level 3 or City & Guilds equivalent, combined with current ACS gas qualifications.

Preferred Education:

A formal health and safety qualification, such as the NEBOSH National General Certificate or IOSH Managing Safely certificate.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Gas Engineering
  • Building Services Engineering
  • Health & Safety Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 3-5 years of post-qualification experience working in the gas industry, with demonstrable experience in a servicing, maintenance, or installation capacity.

Preferred:

Significant experience working in a gas compliance or safety-focused role, ideally within a social housing association, local authority, or a large property management organization. Experience in managing contractors and conducting quality audits is highly desirable.

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