About BHSEA

Where and when did you start your career in health and safety?

I started my career in Health and Safety in 1974 as a trainee to become one of HM Factory Inspectors, before the Health and Safety at Work etc Act came into force. I started in Sheffield North District, inspecting everything in my small urban patch - multi-occupancy factories using ancient machinery, some still using line shafting, but also large modern bakeries (Fletchers and Sunblest), Bassetts Allsorts factory, and Union Carbide.

How did your career progress from then on, and where have you worked?

When the various stand-alone inspectorates were brought together under the Health and Safety Executive, the small districts were re-organised into 21 much larger Areas. I worked in South Yorkshire and Humberside Area, initially in the Foundries group and then in a group dealing with paper and printing and all the new workplaces and activities that were brought under the HSW Act, including schools, universities and hospitals.

In 1987 I moved to Birmingham on promotion to Principal Inspector, working in an operational policy unit and specialising in robotics and automation. I was promoted to Superintending Specialist Inspector in 1993, running a team of specialist inspectors covering the Midlands, and later also Wales and the Southwest. I then became head of the Engineering and Utilities operational policy unit, and then Head of Operations for Midlands, Wales and Southwest in the newly created Construction Division in 2002. In 2009 I became Regional Director for the Midlands, Wales and the Southwest.

I left HSE in 2013, taking up a post as Non-Executive Director at Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (2013-2021) and then at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust (2022). I don’t have a health and safety role now, but use the experience gained assessing organisations’ ability to manage risk to determine how well the organisation I now work in is doing so.

How valuable has being a member of BHSEA been to you in recent years?

During my time in HSE in the Midlands I was aware of BHSEA as a very active occupational health and safety group, and as Regional Director, I took over from my predecessor in providing an annual update on progress with HSE’s previous year’s plan and what would be going into the next year’s plan. There has been a longstanding commitment in HSE of supporting groups such as BHSEA, who are able to communicate important health and safety messages to their members, share experiences of complying with legislative demands, and also, when necessary, providing feedback to HSE.

If you were recommending BHSEA to someone else, what would you say?

I have recently recommended BHSEA to a newly formed small business in the metal fabrication sector, stressing the benefit of sharing good practice and keeping up to date with legislative demands - something that isn’t easy for a small business to do on its own.

What do you consider the most important skills for someone working in health and safety?

I consider the most important skills for someone involved in health and safety to be curiosity and proportionality: ask the questions, find out what happens when things are not going to plan, or when it’s maintenance or trouble-shooting time, listen to what people on the shop floor say. And take a proportionate view: how serious is the issue you’re faced with, and what are the potential remedies. And this is where colleagues met via BHSEA can help you.

What is your secret/hidden talent?

One particular skill I’ve developed is mushroom hunting. I’m only interested in edible mushrooms, but that means I need to know a lot about all the other mushrooms you come across in woods and fields. My particular favourite is chicken-of-the-woods.

What is the mantra you live by?

This would be the Nolan Principles: honesty, integrity, openness, objectivity, accountability selflessness, and leadership in applying these principles. They work in private life as well as public life. And I also go by a line from the 17th century poet George Herbert (a favourite of my great grandmother’s): “Who sweeps a room as by thy laws makes that and the action fine” - in other words do your job, whatever it is, with good grace and diligence, and enjoy doing it.

Where and when did you start your career in health and safety?

My first involvement was in 2002 assisting the H&S manager at a company called Pipe Supports. Previously, I was aware of H&S from an Indentured Engineering apprenticeship with the National Standard. I specifically recall my induction and an explanation of the duty of care associated with the 1974 H&S at Work Act.

How did your career progress from then on, and where have you worked?

During my time at Pipe Supports, I received formal management and H&S training, including NEBOSH.

In 2003 a career change saw me enter the construction sector with a roller shutter company, followed by work with a demolition contractor.  My duties were varied throughout, but included all aspects of H&S management. 

In 2005 I had my first dedicated H&S role with Thomas Vale Construction, followed by transfer to Bouygues when Thomas Vale was part of acquisitions to form BYUK. These positions allowed me to gain experience in a wide range of construction sectors and methods, and allowed me to achieve Chartered membership of IOSH, having previously joined the Institute of Chartered Managers in 2003.

How long have you been responsible for health and safety in your current workplace?

I joined SpellerMetcalfe in 2017 as a H&S Manager.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role?

Meeting and supporting H&S teams from inception of tenders and contract, through to the finished building. I find it rewarding to look out for people and do all that is practicable so that they have the opportunity to live a long and full life, unaffected by avoidable accidents or occupational health issues.

How valuable has being a member of BHSEA been to you in recent years?

BHSEA has provided invaluable support and development opportunities, particularly during my early years in H&S.  BHSEA offers free presentations from expert speakers, CPD programs, together with networking and practical experience opportunities.

If you were recommending BHSEA to someone else, what would you say?

Come sample a monthly meeting and see for yourself. BHSEA meetings are friendly, and always start with a free buffet lunch, facilitating networking and support discussions before a main presentation. Meetings seek to cover a broad range of SHEQ subjects of interest across sectors

What is your biggest career achievement to date?

It was an honour to have been voted Chair of BHSEA.  Gaining Chartered Status was also a career milestone.

What do you consider the most important skills for someone working in health and safety?

Soft skills are critical; such as the ability to actively listen and understand individual’s needs while also finding practical and workable solutions to satisfy Statutory requirements.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the health and safety sector?

Seek out any opportunities to assist with H&S matters within your current role, while undertaking formal training. This can provide practical experience and mentoring while studying/training. BHSEA is able to actively support and advise new or trainee H&S practitioners.

What is your secret/hidden talent?

I used to be a very keen windsurfer and kite surfer.

What is top of your Bucket list?

Travel, travel, travel, so many places and not enough time!

What super-power do you wish you had?

To be able to heal the sick and suffering.

What is the mantra you live by?

Take reasonable precautions but don’t live life in fear. Live an active and full life to the best of your abilities and resources. Find the courage to take the next step!

Where and when did you start your career in health and safety?

It all started in 1994 at Rumenco Ltd, a manufacturer of animal feed supplements based in Burton on Trent. At that time, I was told that all I had to do was keep the accident book up-to-date!  Luckily, my line manager booked me on a NEBOSH Certificate course, I loved the subject and haven’t regretted it since.

How did your career progress from then on, and where have you worked?

After obtaining the certificate, I then studied for the NEBOSH Diploma. 

I moved into a facilities management company (CFSM & then ISS) supporting teams working on others’ sites across England & Wales. I then moved to the public sector (Derbyshire County Council), progressing further to retail (Midlands Co-op), logistics (Unipart) and automotive (PJM).  I am currently health & safety support at MHA (Methodist Homes Association), helping our service users live later life well.

How long have you been responsible for health and safety in your current workplace?

I joined MHA in 2020, and strongly advocate that everyone has responsibility for health and safety. Overall responsibility, however, sits with the employer/senior team, with support from those in health and safety advisory roles.  

What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role?

Empowering colleagues to challenge those who attempt to use health and safety as a barrier, by sharing the knowledge and experience I have developed over almost thirty years.

How valuable has being a member of BHSEA been to you in recent years?

Having been a member since 2008, I have found BHSEA to be an invaluable resource. Creating a safe forum where fellow members can share their experiences and challenges is invaluable. It is reassuring to be able to talk to other individuals who are already persuaded by the importance of persisting and devoting time to maintain and improve health and safety.

If you were recommending BHSEA to someone else, what would you say?

BHSEA strives to help all those who strive to improve health and safety within their business areas, not just health and safety practitioners. The association actively encourages members to share their knowledge and experience as well as the challenges they are facing, to gain help and support.  

What is your biggest career achievement to date?

Overall, I consider my persistence to ensure that others apply a pragmatic approach to health and safety in the workplace brings true benefits including that individuals always ask the question ‘why do we do it this way?’.

What do you consider the most important skills for someone working in health and safety?

The ability to see issues and concerns from another’s points of view and adapt advice appropriately. Maintaining a risk-based and pragmatic approach.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the health and safety sector?

To be willing to learn from those with hands-on experience of doing a task and who is likely to be best placed to highlight hazards and challenges.  Armed with this, you can work together to agree on appropriate controls to ensure appropriate health and safety measures and culture are in place.

What is your secret/hidden talent?

I used to be able to fly a flex wing microlight plane.

What is top of your Bucket list?

To leave a positive legacy

What super-power do you wish you had?

The ability to fly – I envy ducks who can fly and dive.

What is the mantra you live by?

To treat people and see people treated fairly.

Coming soon

Where and when did you start your career in health and safety?

My career in this sector started out in 1979, in the role of Trainee Safety Officer based at Birmingham City Council.

How did your career progress from then on, and where have you worked?

For more than three decades I predominantly worked within the public sector, in West midlands-based councils, in health and safety roles. Firstly, I was a Safety Officer with Walsall Council. Then I moved to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Actions (RoSPA) as a Safety Training Officer, based in Acocks Green, and then took up the role of Health and Safety Enforcement Officer at Wolverhampton Council.  In 1989 I moved back to Walsall Council to head up their Health and Safety Team and then thirteen years on I moved to Sandwell Council where I led the Health and Safety Unit, which eventually included the Council’s Occupational Health Team.  In 2012, I then joined BHSEA as the Secretary, a role which I retired from in 2021.

How long have you been responsible for health and safety in your current workplace?

Although retired I still take an active interest in and get involved as much as possible in BHSEA’s activities and events.

How valuable has being a member of BHSEA been to you in recent years?

As I have been involved with and even worked for BHSEA for many years, I know first hand what value members get from their involvement. The connections and interactions you make with people from different businesses across the region is one of the key benefits.

If you were recommending BHSEA to someone else, what would you say?

I would say that BHSEA is one of the best forums for health and safety networking and learning. It provides opportunities for learning, sharing, developing skills and much more.

What is your biggest career achievement to date?

Setting up a successful, in-house occupational health facility for Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.

What do you consider the most important skills for someone working in health and safety?

To be able to listen to others; to have empathy; to be determined; to persevere; to have a sense of humour.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the health and safety sector?

Join BHSEA to find out why, where, and how.

What is your secret/hidden talent?

I have always been a bit of a rock chic!

What is top of your Bucket list?

Seeing the gorillas in Uganda.

What super-power do you wish you had?

To make people laugh.

What is the mantra you live by?

No one is better than me and I am no better than anyone else!

Where and when did you start your career in health and safety?

Formally in the year 2000 whist working for a shopfitting contractor working with MFI, but had carried out the role in various management positions prior to this.

How did your career progress from then on, and where have you worked?

Moved on to John Davis Interiors who were brought by Shaylors, JLR, E-on then to Keepmoat who were then brought by Engie , who created Equans (now owned by Bouygues Group).

How long have you been responsible for health and safety in your current workplace?

11years

What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role?

Working with like-minded people and keeping others safe

How valuable has being a member of BHSEA been to you in recent years?

I have been involved with BHSEA since 2006 as a member, then asked to join the Construction Committee and then becoming Chair of the Construction committee (recently passing this on  to others due to business commitments).

If you were recommending BHSEA to someone else, what would you say?

A family like organisation with someone always willing to help.

What is your biggest career achievement to date?

Growing with the company and becoming a respected professional across the projects that fall under my control.

What do you consider the most important skills for someone working in health and safety?

Communication and understanding

What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the health and safety sector?

Ensure they fully understand what role they will be taking on, within that specific company.

What is your secret/hidden talent?

According to my children and grandchildren the ability to ‘fix’ anything

What is top of your Bucket list?

To visit Canada on an extended holiday to catch up with friends who live there.

What super-power do you wish you had?

The ability to keep all of my family and friends healthy and financially comfortable.

What is the mantra you live by?

Treat others as you would wish to be treated.

Where and when did you start your career in health and safety?

Having spent the first 34 years of my career in the logistics industry it wasn’t until 2010 that I obtained my professional health & Safety qualifications.

Although health and safety features heavily in Transport Management roles, at that stage I had very little exposure to health & safety outside of logistics.

During 2010 I went to work for a waste management company, and it was there that I got the opportunity to expand my knowledge of health and safety.

I decided that I needed to obtain for professional qualification and obtained the NEBOSH General Certificate in October 2010.

I was then asked to undertake audits on the construction’s sites for the waste management company which led to me obtaining the NEBOSH Construction Certificate in February  and the NEBOSH Fire and Risk Management Certificate in March 2012. I was then advised to complete the NVQ Level 5 in Health and Safety Practice, which I obtained in Sept 2014.

How did your career progress from then on, and where have you worked?

Since then, I have worked with sub-contractors on smart motorway projects, the construction of student accommodation including a 33 story high structure in Manchester, and major building refurbs.

How long have you been responsible for health and safety in your current workplace?

Currently I am the external competent person for two Scrap Metal companies and an End of Life Vehicle facility. I am self-employed so for the last 13 years I have been working for several clients in the Waste Management and Construction industries.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role?

One of the benefits of working in health and safety and most satisfying is developing systems to keep people safe, and in the long term helping to change the attitudes of colleagues which isn’t always easy.

How valuable has being a member of BHSEA been to you in recent years?

I am a Graduate Member of IOSH and a Fellow of International Institute of Risk and Safety Management along with fellowship of three other professional institutes. However, I have found membership of BHSEA has helped the most with my career development. The topics are relevant, and they put the presentation slides on the website for future reference.

I find the people at BHSEA are more accessible, and you can quickly get support from other members.

If you were recommending BHSEA to someone else, what would you say?

 One of the main benefits of BHSEA is that they really are a friendly bunch that genuinely welcomes new members and put on presentations that help members develop their health & safety knowledge right across the many varied industries and service sectors.

What is your biggest career achievement to date?

I feel my biggest achievement to date has been developing my skills over the years and moving into different industries and roles. I have qualifications in Transport, Health and Safety and the Environmental sectors along with Training, Assessing and Internal Quality Assurance and Auditing. I feel this is important these days as you need to have flexibility and be able to work in different sectors.

What do you consider the most important skills for someone working in health and safety?

I believe the most important skills required to be successful in health and safety is the ability to listen to people and try to understand their point of view. They may be wrong but only by showing them respect by listening to them can you hope to change their viewpoint. Quoting regulations will rarely get the change in behaviour you are seeking. I think its important to remember that human beings can be forgetful and that coming down heavy handed when people forget little things is counterproductive. Yes, we want people to follow safety rules and it can be frustrating when they don’t, there is a difference between the deliberately breaching safety rules and being forgetful. Both are equally dangerous. However, people respond in different ways, and we are here to help to influence our colleagues’ behaviour and make them act safer. Going down the disciplinary route will not always get the change in behaviour we need to keep the individual safe.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the health and safety sector?

It can be a very rewarding career and you can develop your skill set as your progress through your career. The industry has a well-defined qualification pathway, and you can expand into different area such as quality and environmental management. You can transfer into different industries such as manufacturing, construction, waste management, service sector.

What is your secret/hidden talent?

Many years ago I use to play Drums in a couple of bands and was interviewed on Radio WM.

What super-power do you wish you had?

Greater ability to influence others.

What is the mantra you live by?

Be honest with people, even if painful.

Where and when did you start your career in health and safety?

After the decision to take voluntary redundancy, in 2009, I decided to pursue a new career path in the Health and Safety sector, where I could help people and utilise my skills better,  which had largely been motivated by working as a volunteer co-ordinator for the Fire Support network.

How did your career progress from then on, and where have you worked?

My career has been centred within the West Midlands. I started at Bridgnorth

Aluminium, where I worked for 8 and a half years, and then moved onto Monks & Crane Industrial retail for more experience. My desire for challenges within heavy industry led me to work for Wieland Metals Birmingham, before pursuing consultancy work with Safety Forward, but then subsequently returned to Wieland. 

I became a chartered member of IOSH in 2021, and was appointed a HSE lead role in 2022. 

How long have you been responsible for health and safety in your current workplace?

4.5 years

What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role?

Working with the team on site to enable change and seeing real improvements.

How valuable has being a member of BHSEA been to you in recent years?

It is constructive to be able to discuss issues with other BHSEA members. We all have similar issues and in the world of HSE we are happy to share the challenges and explore the solutions together.

If you were recommending BHSEA to someone else, what would you say?

BHSEA is a very supportive organisation with excellent speakers at their events that assist with CPD.

What is your biggest career achievement to date?

Surviving all the challenges of COVID 19. A topic we all did not know anything about and had to really work hard to support our teams to ensure everyone was as safe as they could be.

 What do you consider the most important skills for someone working in health and safety?

• Communication, listening and being supportive.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• A good range of skills from the IOSH competency framework.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the health and safety sector?

• To not race through qualifications and get some good work experience
• To attend CPD events and network to learn more
• Help your teams at work to develop skills to keep themselves and others safe even when you’re not there because they understand why it’s important.

What is your secret/hidden talent?

I can do casualty simulation make up

What is top of your Bucket list?

To be happy and to travel more

What super-power do you wish you had?

To be able to stop time before people hurt themselves or others, so they can choose to do the right thing.

What is the mantra you live by?

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Where and when did you start your career in health and safety?

In 2012 I worked for a business called Southall’s in Solihull in a business development role, helping businesses achieve health and safety compliance.

How did your career progress from then on, and where have you worked?

In 2018, I acquired Hudson Health and Safety, a construction biased H&S Consultancy business, working mainly in the Midlands. I then subsequently merged and migrated this business into a HR and General H&S business based in Cannock to form HELPGB.com, in 2020.

How long have you been responsible for health and safety in your current workplace?

When I look back at the time when I first started working at 18 years of age, it was clear that this was a responsibility then. Now, as a director since 2018, when I acquired Hudson Health & Safety, it remains a primary responsibility.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role?

Getting a client to a great place, after having to win them over, and support the lead consultant in the team with the strategy and approach to get the best outcome.

How valuable has being a member of BHSEA been to you in recent years?

I love BHSEA – the events are well run and relevant. There are likeminded individuals to network with, share ideas and experiences.

If you were recommending BHSEA to someone else, what would you say? 

Get involved – you’ll make some good contacts, and you will certainly improve your knowledge and understanding.

What is your biggest career achievement to date?

Running my own business with 12 hardworking and engaged colleagues and over 300 (mainly) happy clients.

What do you consider the most important skills for someone working in health and safety? 

Listen, look, understand, consider, and then suggest a solution. So, the skill is being pragmatic and understanding your audience.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the health and safety sector? 

Get involved – don’t be afraid to ask questions, and remember you’ll never know it all, so just get started and enjoy the process of helping to keep workers from harm.

What is your secret/hidden talent?

I have been slowing improving at playing the guitar since about 1985

What is top of your Bucket list?

To tour Europe in a campervan, with my wife, before we are too old and creaky to appreciate it.

What super-power do you wish you had?

Photographic memory.

What is the mantra you live by?

Life is a journey not a destination – so enjoy the scenery and appreciate the process.

Where and when did you start your career in health and safety?

I started my career in 2010 in my previous organisation, National Crime Agency. I have always been interested in the power of looking after and protecting your people and the business benefits that brings. My previous role was that of an Intelligence Officer and Investigator. A very big change from one to the other!

How did your career progress from then on, and where have you worked?

I worked as an employed H&S Advisor for 4.5 years then decided to take redundancy. I set up my own consultancy as I felt it was time I gave myself complete autonomy of my career path. I achieved chartered status with IOSH within the first few months of setting up my business which was such a huge achievement for me.

How long have you been responsible for health and safety in your current workplace?

I work strategically with businesses now so I wouldn’t say I’m the one responsible. However, I’d say I empower people to be responsible in their organisations.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role?

My team definitely! I love hiring new talent and enjoy mentoring. I love watching people grow in their roles. It gives me such huge job satisfaction.

How valuable has being a member of BHSEA been to you in recent years?

Very valuable. I loved BHSEA so much that I became the co-chair of the BHSEA Construction Group. Our events are well attended and engaging.

If you were recommending BHSEA to someone else, what would you say?

I’d say that the group has great heritage, is well established, makes a positive impact and above all is driven with purpose.

What is your biggest career achievement to date?

Setting up my own business and cultivating a team of great professionals. We have something special that can’t be replicated.

What do you consider the most important skills for someone working in health and safety?

Listening and influence. Without them is there even a purpose to your role?

What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the health and safety sector?

Understand what time of business you want to start your career in. Ask yourself, are then invested in me and is this a place I can make impact. If the answer is “Yes”, you are in a great place to start your career.  

What is your secret/hidden talent?

I cook the perfect rice. I also cook a great steak. It might sound 2 simple things to cook but believe me, I have developed perfection on both foods.

What is top of your Bucket list?

Go and round cattle up and a working ranch in Montana. I love horse rising and the outdoor. I just need to work lasso rope technique.

What super-power do you wish you had?

Eat nonstop without putting on weight.

What is the mantra you live by?

“Jump first. Figure out after.” People spend too much time planning stuff and waiting for the right moment. The moment is now!

Coming soon

Coming Soon

Where and when did you start your career in health and safety?

My career in health & safety started at Compass Group UK &IRE in 2015.

How did your career progress from then on, and where have you worked?

Since then, I have worked for a logistic and transportation company and a manufacturing and construction company.

How long have you been responsible for health and safety in your current workplace? 

I joined Excelsior Panelling Systems, based in Dudley, in April 2021, as their SHEQ Manager

What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role?

When people understand how important it is to have a good housekeeping regime and they challenge other colleagues to keep the safety standards set together

How valuable has being a member of BHSEA been to you in recent years?

 It has been invaluable, as I have had the opportunity and continue to meet people with experience, and different backgrounds. Furthermore, the different events have enhanced my understanding of safety and the complexity of it.

 If you were recommending BHSEA to someone else, what would you say? 

You will have the chance to learn about different safety topics and interact with people with different experiences and backgrounds. In addition, you can create relationships which will be beneficial for your current, and future career.

What is your biggest career achievement to date?

Change in the perception of safety. Moved from “safety is boring to safety is actually interesting”.

What do you consider the most important skills for someone working in health and safety?

A safety person should be approachable, ready to listen, slow to judge, enthusiastic and flexible. Those skills will help any safety person to exceed in their career.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter the health and safety sector?

Come along to BHSEA because you will find a lot of professionals than can point you in the right direction. Furthermore, start with IOSH Managing Safely and take an active role as Health and Safety Champion or representative in your company.

What is your secret/hidden talent?

Writing poems and quotes in Italian & English

What is top of your Bucket list?

Learn how to play acoustic guitar.

What super-power do you wish you had?

Ability to give inner peace to people.

 What is the mantra you live by?

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)