Company Overview
Switch2 Energy Ltd is a leading operator of residential communal heating infrastructure in the UK. As pioneers in the transition to a zero-carbon economy, we design, operate, and manage sustainable heating systems that serve communities nationwide. Our mission is to deliver innovative, low-carbon energy solutions that support the UK’s net-zero goals.
Role Purpose
To lead and manage all aspects of Quality, Environmental, Health, Safety, Compliance and Data Protection (GDPR) across the organisation and its operations. The role ensures full regulatory compliance, promotes a strong safety and compliance culture, and drives continuous improvement in operational performance, sustainability, customer service, and information governance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Health & Safety Management
- Develop, implement and maintain the company’s Health & Safety Management System (aligned to ISO 45001).
- Ensure compliance with UK HSE legislation and sector-specific regulations (e.g., CDM Regulations, pressure systems, gas safety where applicable).
- Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
- Conduct audits, inspections, and risk assessments across operational sites.
- Promote a proactive safety culture across all levels of the organisation.
Environmental Management
- Manage the Environmental Management System (ISO 14001 aligned).
- Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and permits.
- Support decarbonisation and sustainability targets linked to heat networks.
- Drive initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and improve resource efficiency.
Quality Management
- Maintain and improve the Quality Management System (ISO 9001).
- Ensure consistent service delivery and performance standards.
- Track KPIs relating to service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Lead internal and external audits and drive corrective actions.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and standards including:
- Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations
- Emerging UK heat network regulatory frameworks (e.g., Ofgem)
- Building Safety and energy efficiency standards
- UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes affecting the business.
- Oversee statutory inspections, certifications, and compliance records.
- Act as organisational lead (or liaison) for audits and regulatory inspections.
Data Protection & GDPR
- Oversee and support the organisation’s compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
- Act as the Data Protection Officer to:
- Ensure lawful, transparent and secure handling of personal data (e.g., customer billing data, heat metering data, employee records).
- Maintain data protection policies, procedures, and records of processing activities.
- Support Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new systems and technologies.
- Ensure appropriate data retention, access control, and security measures are in place.
- Manage and report data breaches and incidents, ensuring timely investigation and corrective action.
- Deliver staff awareness training on data protection and information security.
- Ensure contractors and third parties meet required data protection standards.
Risk Management
- Maintain risk registers covering operational, environmental, safety, compliance, and data protection risks.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with heat networks and customer data processing.
- Support business continuity and incident response planning (including cyber/data incidents).
Training & Culture
- Develop and deliver QEHSC and data protection training programmes alongside the Learning & Development Manager.
- Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and responsible data handling.
Reporting & Governance
- Produce regular QEHSC and data protection compliance reports for senior leadership.
- Lead management reviews and ensure governance frameworks are effective.
- Provide insight and recommendations to improve compliance and operational resilience.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- Operations & Engineering Teams
- Senior Leadership Team
- External Regulators (HSE, Environment Agency, Ofgem where applicable, ICO for data protection)
- Contractors and Supply Chain
- Customers and Client Representatives
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
Essential:
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent)
- Relevant environmental qualification (e.g., IEMA Practitioner or above)
- Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Environmental Science, or related discipline
Desirable:
- Lead Auditor qualifications (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001)
- GDPR / Data Protection qualification (e.g., IAPP, BCS, or equivalent)
- Membership of IOSH, IEMA, or similar
Experience
Essential:
- Experience in QEHSC management in utilities, energy, engineering, or infrastructure sectors
- Experience managing ISO-certified systems
- Experience of regulatory compliance and audits
- Practical experience supporting or implementing GDPR/data protection compliance
Desirable:
- Experience in heat networks / district heating
- Experience handling customer data (e.g., billing, metering systems)
- Experience working in regulated environments or with public sector clients
Knowledge
Essential:
- UK Health & Safety legislation
- Environmental compliance frameworks
- Quality management systems
- UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 principles
Desirable:
- Heat network regulations and technical systems
- Ofgem regulatory environment
- Information security principles (e.g., ISO 27001 awareness)
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and influencing skills
- Excellent analytical and risk assessment ability
- Audit, compliance, and inspection expertise
- Ability to translate regulation into practical processes
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- High attention to detail, particularly in compliance and data governance
Personal Attributes
- High integrity and ethical standards
- Proactive and resilient
- Strong commitment to safety, compliance, and data privacy
- Adaptable to evolving regulation and business needs
- Collaborative and solutions-focused
Other Requirements
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to travel
