28th July, 2025
English Language Partners is a not-for-profit, education provider with NZQA category 1 status, that has been providing English language programmes and settlement support to adult migrants and people from refugee and asylum backgrounds throughout New Zealand for over 40 years.
With 21 centres spanning from Whangārei to Invercargill, our dedicated team of 380 staff and 850 volunteers annually support over 8,000 learners. We are passionate about supporting former refugees and migrants participate successfully in all aspects of life in Aotearoa New Zealand and we are looking for your help to achieve this. Our National Office, located in a great office space on The Terrace in Wellington, serves as our head office.
About the role
This is a unique opportunity to shape and embed a mature, values-led Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) culture across a national organisation that’s deeply committed to its people and purpose.
The foundational project work is complete. Now, the focus is on embedding practice, building culture, and driving continuous improvement. You’ll lead the transition from project to business-as-usual, ensuring that HSW is not just a system—but a lived experience across the organisation.
You’ll report directly to the Board and Senior Management Team, giving you visibility and influence at the highest levels. This is not a routine compliance role—it’s dynamic, strategic, and full of unexpected challenges and opportunities to innovate. You’ll have the freedom to shape processes, bring practical solutions to everyday activities, and leave your mark on a culture that’s ready and willing to evolve.
Who you are
- You bring 3–5 years of experience in the health, safety and wellbeing field, ideally at a senior level, and hold a relevant qualification and professional grading (e.g. NZISM, HASANZ).
- You’re a pragmatic problem-solver who thrives on making things work better—simpler, smoother, and more effective.
- You’ve developed and maintained HSW policies, systems and reporting frameworks, and you know how to embed these into business-as-usual in a way that sticks.
- You’re confident providing expert advice to senior leaders and the Board, and you understand how to translate risk and compliance into practical, day-to-day solutions.
- You’re a confident communicator who can engage across all levels of the organisation, from frontline staff to governance committees.
- You’re curious, adaptable, and forward-thinking—someone who can challenge the status quo and bring fresh ideas to the table.
- You understand the importance of inclusion and cultural responsiveness in HSW systems, and you’re committed to supporting diverse communities. You are values led and work to make a difference in the community and have fun doing so.
- This is a permanent role, ideally full time 37.5 hours per week but open to negotiating a 30 hour a week role for the right candidate.
What we offer?
ELPNZ is a friendly and inclusive workplace with a culture of continuous improvement. There is no shortage of interesting and engaging work to do and your work will make a real difference to communities all around New Zealand – Aotearoa.
You'll work in a small collaborative team at an organisation with staff engagement rates that are off the charts. People love working here and are passionate about our work.
Position description: The position description for this role can be found at the link below. Please copy and paste it into your browser:
https://Englishlanguage.org.nz/JobDescriptionSeniorAdvisorHealthSafetyWellbeing
To apply:
To be considered applicants must apply via our website. Click "Apply For Job" now! Applications close Wednesday 13 August 2025. We are likely to conduct interviews with successful candidates from 20 August 2025 in Wellington.
To make a confidential inquiry and learn more about this position, call Annette Fitzpatrick on 04 471 7803
Applicants for this position must be based in New Zealand and have the right to work in New Zealand, with NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
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