About

• We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. Regional Safety & Security Manager. The Role We are recruiting for a Regional Safety & Security Manager, on a fixed term contract for two years. The role will deliver operational and second line leadership and advice on Safety, Security & Continuity (SS&C) matters, within East & South Asia, to risk owners within the allocated region/s and the wider organisation. This includes providing expertise, policy and standards, tailored risk management advice and tools, monitoring, oversight, and assurance. You will deliver timely information and reporting, together with counsel as required on SS&C matters to Geographic Directorate (GDR) colleagues. The Regional Safety & Security Manager will maintain oversight and ensure operational activity is managed through the implementation of a risk-based approach and within the business risk appetite by risk owners, as agreed by the board of trustees and defined with the governing risk management framework. To direct, monitor and support the work of Country Safety & Security Focal Points, to ensure operational activity relating to SS&C matters, is managed through the implementation of a risk-based approach and within the business risk appetite by risk owners, as agreed by the board of trustees and defined with the governing risk management framework. Context To The Role: SS&C Team is part of the Geographic Directorate (GDR), a flexible team responsible for oversight of the British Council's operations internationally. The British Council splits our global network into several regions The SS&C RSSM for East & South Asia will be a member of the Regional Leadership Teams (RLTs) and have a matrix management line to the Regional Executive Team (RET) within their assigned region/s. Through our work we champion innovation, best practice and high performance across the network. We work internally as the link between colleagues overseas and our Corporate HQ, and we work externally through representing countries and regions to key stakeholders, most noticeably the FCDO. Our work can be categorised into policy and planning, managing the relationship with Whitehall and project delivery. The SS&C function acts principally as a second line of defence - providing subject matter expertise to the organisation on all aspects of Health & Safety, Security, Business Continuity, and Incident & Crisis Management. The team is responsible for establishing a risk aware culture through training and awareness, setting policy and standards, consulting and supporting the organisation, monitoring compliance, providing assurance and when called upon direct operational support. The Accountabilities are, but not limited to the following: Lead regional and sub-regional SS&C focal point networks. Development strategies, policies and processes that promote safety and security compliance. Develop, deliver and co-ordinate planning exercises, training and compliance reviews, that promote a positive safety and security culture and ensure the business are prepared for incident management. Sector/Subject expertise Deliver to regional and sub regional risk owners for Health and Safety, Security and Incident Management. Monitor regional and sub-regional compliance against global SS&C frameworks. Deliver to team and other leadership, information on local legislation and cultures relevant for SS&C. Contribute SS&C expertise to country and regional Incident Management Teams. Deliver investigations, inspections and audits as required in relation to SS&C. To collate, assess and utilise appropriately sourced Information. Monitor and deliver regional reports for SS&C. Relationship and Stakeholder Management Participate in boards, stakeholder meetings and focus groups as required. Maintain good strong internal relationships with: o Safety, Security & Continuity Team. o Regional and sub-regional risk owners. o Safety and Security focal points. o Regional and sub-regional HR, Safeguarding and counter fraud teams. o Sub-regional members of the Global Estates and facilities teams. o Support Functions including Global Estates, HR, Legal and Comms. Maintain good strong external relationships with: o Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office (FCDO) o FCDO OSM network (Overseas Security Manager) o NGO personnel and a network of professional associates as appropriate Requirements of the role: Proven experience of working in a security and safety risk management role. Strong Health and Safety background. Experience of complex organisational security issues and can demonstrate working in a challenging environment. Developing security/safety strategies, including for projects. Delivering security/safety related training globally. Extensive knowledge of security and safety solutions and systems. Balancing safety and security with needs of the business. Track record of analysing potential risks, promoting risk awareness, and holding others to account for their practices. Report writing for leadership. Proven experience of working in a security and safety risk management role in the assigned region/s or directly supporting operations in these regions. Important Information: Pay band: 8 Salary: £38,820 - £46,000 per annum. For those in the London area and assigned to the Stratford office, an additional £3,300 London Market Allowance will be an addition to your salary. Location: UK - London, Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh or Belfast. Bangladesh Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Department: Corporate Jobs, Safe Guarding & Legal. Contract type: 2 year Fixed Term Contract Closing Date: 26th November 2025 at 23:59 UK Time. You must have the legal right to work in the countries listed above at the time of application. Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be a British Passport holder. The successful candidate will undertake Developed Vetting clearance. We are unable to support with mobility, relocation or sponsorship. Substantial travel to the region is a regular occurrence and may be required at short notice. Travel may be required at weekends for efficiency. Interviews are planned for the week commencing 15th December 2025. If you have any questions or queries surrounding the role, please contact Julia Wallace at: julia.wallace@britishcouncil.org A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. Safeguarding Statement The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council's Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children. If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org