Staff Handbook A guide to employment at Safer Sphere
Our services Our services are built around two core areas: Construction Safety and Building Safety. Together, they allow us to support clients from early design and construction through to completion and occupation.
Building Safety - Construction We help clients and project teams manage the technical and procedural requirements of the Building Regulations and Building Safety Act during design and construction.
Construction Safety As a specialist construction health and safety consultancy, our services are built around our expertise in the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
Our Building Safety services include:
Our Construction Safety services include:
• Building Regulations Principal Designer • Client Building Safety Advisor • Building Regulations Principal Contractor Advisor • Building Regulations Consultancy • Additional Building Safety Services
• • • •
Building Safety - Occupation For higher-risk residential buildings, we provide practical, evidence-led support to Accountable Persons and Principal Accountable Persons. Our Building Safety Occupation service helps dutyholders understand and meet their obligations under Part 4 of the Building Safety Act 2022, maintain effective building safety arrangements and provide evidence that those arrangements are working.
CDM Principal Designer CDM Client Advisor and Assurance Principal Designer Advisor Digital Design Risk Management (HARM Zero)
What’s it like working in Building Safety day to day?
The team has supported me by answering any queries I may have without making me feel silly for asking. They regularly state, “No such thing as a stupid question, just ask away.” They have provided training sessions on all parts of the job. We have fortnightly training sessions with the Associate Director of the Building Safety team, going through the reasons behind the prescribed document, training on HRB-related questions, helping to understand building regulations, and anything that we are querying about.
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Alice Freeman Technical Administrator
Our approach Our professionally chartered and incorporated construction consultants combine technical knowledge with practical industry experience. We take time to understand each client, project and building before providing advice that is relevant, proportionate and easy to act on.
We work collaboratively with clients, designers, contractors and dutyholders, helping everyone understand their responsibilities and what is required. By identifying potential issues early and communicating them clearly, we help teams make informed decisions and manage risk more effectively. Our specialists advise on the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, the Building Regulations 2010, the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated secondary legislation. Our competence is supported by recognised professional memberships, accreditations and management standards.
These include Constructionline Gold, CHAS Elite, APS corporate membership, CABE Company Partner, Cyber Essentials Plus and certification to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. We are also appointed to major public and private sector frameworks, including Crown Commercial Service, Fusion21, CHIC, Crescent Purchasing Consortium, and The Guinness Partnership. We are proud to employ former service personnel and value the skills and experience they bring to our team. Our commitment to the Armed Forces community has been recognised with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
Our accreditations & clients A selection of our accreditations:
A selection of our clients:
People & culture Our people are at the heart of Safer Sphere. We have built a culture where people are trusted to contribute, supported to develop and recognised for the difference they make.
Safer Sphere became an Employee Benefit Trust in 2020, giving our people a meaningful voice in the business and the opportunity to share in its success. This creates a stronger sense of ownership, shared purpose and responsibility for the standards we deliver together. Our CARE values guide how we work and support one another: Competence, Ambition, Relationships and Excellence. For our clients, CARE is brought to life through NESW: Navigating, Engaging, Supporting and Willing. Together, these values shape how we communicate, build relationships and provide practical support.
We invest in training, apprenticeships and career development, helping people build rewarding, long-term careers with Safer Sphere. Through the Safer Sphere Academy, people entering the industry can develop their technical knowledge, gain practical experience and learn from experienced consultants. Our commitment extends beyond the business. Our charity partner, the PDA Society, supports PDA people and their families while improving understanding of the PDA profile of autism. We are also proud to sponsor Golborne Parkside Rugby League Club, a community-led club that creates opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds.
Is there anything you’d like to share about your experience at Safer Sphere so far?
It’s been a fantastic start. I’m surrounded by highly skilled professionals who are passionate about driving positive change in the industry. There’s a real team spirit here, with everyone working towards the same goal, and that makes it a great place to be. If you’re looking for a role where you’re supported, challenged, and surrounded by passionate experts, Safer Sphere is the place to be. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Safer Sphere to anyone considering a move into Building Safety or looking for a supportive, forward-thinking environment to grow their career.
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George Christmas Senior Building Safety Consultant
Being part of Safer Sphere Safer Sphere’s unique EBT structure places employees at the heart of our business. We understand that attracting and retaining top talent only happens with the right investment in our people. Employee Benefit Trust Safer Sphere is 49% owned by the staff, with shares managed through the Safer Sphere Employee Benefit Trust (EBT). This portion of available profit is gifted to the EBT annually and distributed to current employees based on salary/level, length of service, and performance. Ownership of Safer Sphere Group Ltd is as follows: » 26% A Class Shares are held by MF and Family. » 25% A Class Shares reside with the Safer Sphere Directors – Lewis, Graham, Zoe and Emma. » 49% C Class Shares reside with the Safer Sphere Employee Benefit Trust, managing the shares on behalf of Safer Sphere employees
The Trust and the company are separate legal entities. Shares are transferred into the Trust, and trustees become owners of these shares during their employment. Employees, as trustees, benefit from a share of the business’s profits and a percentage of the sale value should the business be sold. As a trustee, you have a say in the running of the Trust. Communications regarding the EBT are made through the employee representative, and issues will be raised at the EBT board for discussion. In Summary If the business does well, everyone benefits!
Being part of Safer Sphere At Safer Sphere, we place a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive entitlements and allowances to our employees.
Working Hours
Payment
Your standard working hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a daily unpaid lunch break of up to 1 hour, under the terms of our Flexible Working Policy. You may be required to work additional hours, including weekends, as necessary for your duties or the needs of the business. No extra payment will be made for this additional time; instead, it will be provided as time off in lieu.
For monthly-paid staff, the pay month aligns with the calendar month. Basic salaries and wages are paid by the last day of the current month, while overtime and adjustment payments are paid one month in arrears. You will receive a payslip showing how your total pay has been calculated, including any deductions such as Income Tax and National Insurance.
Salary and Performance Review Safer Sphere reviews salaries annually based on employee performance, inflation rates, and industry standards. However, the company is not legally obligated to increase salaries and may choose to do so at its discretion.
Being part of Safer Sphere At Safer Sphere, we place a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive entitlements and allowances to our employees.
Holidays
Travel and Subsistence
You are entitled to 25 days of holiday each year, in addition to bank holidays. Holidays are calculated proportionally during your first and last year of employment. The holiday year runs from January 1st to December 31st. After 5 years of service, you will receive an extra day of holiday, and another day after 10 years, up to a maximum of 27 days per year. Note that 3-4 days of these holidays may be reserved for the company closure between Christmas and New Year.
You are entitled to claim back all reasonable expenses incurred while travelling or conducting business on behalf of the Company. Ensure you provide receipts and bills for these expenses.
Car Allowance Safer Sphere offers a 10% car allowance for staff required to use a car for work.
IT / Tech We employ various technological solutions to support our Hybrid Working approach. All staff requiring IT devices or mobile phones will be issued them subject to relevant policies, including the IT Policy, Social Media Policy, Password Policy, and wider HR policies. Please note that monitoring of email and internet usage at work is standard practice.
How have you found the transition into your role at Safer Sphere so far?
In my first 6 months with Safer Sphere, it is clear that the company prioritises employee wellbeing from the top down. Thanks to the attentive HR department, supportive colleagues, and senior management, the transition into my new role has been a smooth and engaging experience.
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Chris Rutter Intermediate Building Safety Consultant
Employee C.A.R.E Safer Sphere is pleased to be able to offer a range of initiatives and schemes in line with our C.A.R.E Values. Flexible Working We work a 37.5-hour week, with flexibility to help you balance work with life outside of work. Annual Leave Employees receive 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays. Holiday Buy Scheme Purchase up to five additional days of annual leave, with the cost spread through salary sacrifice. Birthday Leave Enjoy an additional day of leave to use during your birthday month. Holiday Lodges Employees have access to our company holiday lodges in Cornwall and North Wales, providing an affordable option for time away. Electric Car Scheme Access an electric vehicle through our salary sacrifice scheme, providing a taxefficient way to move to an EV. Cycle to Work Scheme Access a tax-efficient salary sacrifice scheme to help with the cost of purchasing a bike and cycling equipment. Career Development We support ongoing learning and career progression through regular development reviews, supportive managers and opportunities to build your skills and experience. Healthcare Employees can access enhanced healthcare cover, with options for family members as well as dental and optical support.
Wellbeing Support Our wellbeing support includes Mental Health First Aiders, enhanced medical cover and access to a 24-hour stress counselling helpline. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, included and able to contribute as themselves. Volunteering Employees have opportunities to give back and support causes that matter to them through volunteering initiatives. Pension Scheme Our pension scheme includes a 5% employee contribution and a 5% employer contribution, with the option to increase your personal contribution. Life Assurance Employees receive life assurance cover equivalent to three times their annual salary. Professional Memberships We provide support to maintain and gain up to three relevant professional memberships, helping employees continue their professional development. Shared Ownership Following successful completion of probation, employees may be eligible to participate in our profit-sharing scheme, giving our people the opportunity to share in the success of the business. Some benefits are available following successful completion of your probation period.
Employee C.A.R.E At Safer Sphere, our policies are designed to promote equality, health, and wellbeing, ensuring that all staff members have the opportunity to thrive both professionally and personally.
People Approach
Paid and Unpaid Time Off
Safer Sphere is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
Employees are entitled to various forms of paid and unpaid time off. The HR Policy outlines the company’s approach around:
We are an equal opportunities employer and do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, development, promotion, training, pay and dismissal.
Statutory Sick pay
Everyone has a role to play in supporting this approach. Employees are expected to treat colleagues and others fairly and respectfully and to help us maintain a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
Confirmation of Dismissal
Self-Certification Statement of Fitness to work Medical Examination Notice and Holidays Annual leave Adoption Enhanced maternity and paternity leave Armed Forces service
In what ways has the team supported you during your first few months?
I’ve found all members of the CDM Team & the wider Safer Sphere teams all approachable, willing to listen, willing to give advice & show what is required. The Safer Sphere of today is already positively different to the Safer Sphere I joined 6 months ago – we are moving forwards in the right direction.
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Jon Webster Senior CDM, H&S Consultant
Together we make a world-class team