Case Studies

COVID appears to have been a catalyst for career change for you. Can you explain?

According to my family, I’d dreamt of being an air hostess since I was about three years old, and I was incredibly fortunate to achieve that dream almost straight out of sixth form. I started with Airtours and then spent 23 years with British Airways. It was a career I loved, and one that shaped so much of who I am today. Looking back, health and safety was always an integral part of that role, whether it was looking after colleagues or keeping customers safe at 35,000 feet. That mindset stayed with me and definitely helped when I later transitioned into a new profession. When COVID hit and I was placed on furlough, like so many others, I was forced to pause and reflect. That ‘what next?’ moment came quickly and unexpectedly and nudged me toward something entirely different. Having the time to reassess my path and throw myself into study marked the beginning of a brand-new chapter. In the end, furlough didn’t ground me, it gave me direction. I traded boarding gates for safety gates, and I haven’t looked back since.

You had already started studying the NEBOSH General Certificate before COVID, so had you always aspired to work in health and safety?

Don’t laugh, but it all started with our housing estate’s sewage treatment plant (STP) issues… glamorous, I know! As a volunteer director, I’d been wrangling estate problems on and off, for the best part of 20 years (more on than off), usually with minimal support and maximum drama. One day, mid-STP chaos, I thought, “I can do this better,” and that’s when I started digging into health and safety… turns out, it was the beginning of something much bigger. When I signed up, I had no idea what NEBOSH was. I genuinely thought I was enrolling on a local health and safety course to help with my volunteer duties. Who knew that dealing with sewage treatment would become the stepping stone into a whole new profession? Later, when I was furloughed, I already had something that truly interested me and that focus helped carry me through an uncertain time. Almost by accident, I NEBOSH’d my way into a new career path — and it fit better than I ever imagined.

How did completing the NEBOSH General Certificate help you?

It was a real eye-opener. The case studies were fascinating and relatable, and I was amazed by the breadth of topics that were packed into the world of health and safety. When I received my results, I had no idea what a ‘credit’ even meant, I honestly thought it was just a polite nod! It wasn’t until a brilliant friend explained it to me that I realised what I had achieved. I was genuinely proud. I’d only started studying in 2019 and earning that certificate was the first time I thought, “Maybe this is what I’m meant to do.”

You clearly have a love of learning, as you’ve now completed five more NEBOSH qualifications, including a Diploma! Can you share your thoughts on each of them?

• NEBOSH HSE Award in Managing Risks and Risk Assessment at Work - A great course that helped me understand the why behind risk management, it taught me to step back and look at the bigger picture.
• NEBOSH HSE Introduction to Incident Investigation -This reinforced how crucial it is to uncover the causes behind an accident. Even one small insight that you act upon can potentially prevent future harm.
• NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate - Provided a solid foundation in environmental issues, essential now that environmental responsibilities are embedded in most health and safety roles.
• NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety - Fire safety is one of those non-negotiables and I now feel confident I can manage it effectively.
• NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety -There were moments where my Diploma studies nearly broke me — but I emerged stronger, smarter, and ready to own my role. It gave me the self-belief to step up and lead.

How did you find your NEBOSH studies overall?

I really enjoyed it and kept signing up for more NEBOSH courses because I was learning lots. Fortunately, I have had the privilege of studying with brilliant groups of people, and that really helps. My fellow learners brought a wealth of experience, were generous with their knowledge, and supported me wholeheartedly as someone new to the field.

My NEBOSH tutors at Gold Learning Partners Cambridge Safety and RRC International, along with several incredible mentors, were  also absolutely phenomenal. Their guidance, encouragement, and patience helped me stay the course and honestly, I think a few of them might be saints in disguise! It still feels surreal that in just five years, I’ve gone from no experience to achieving my Diploma and being asked to share my journey with others.

Looking back to the start of your health and safety career, how did you secure your first opportunity in the profession?

I believe my passion for health and safety spoke louder than my CV. I may not have had a long track record, but I had genuine enthusiasm, and I wasn’t afraid to show it. British Airways also helped shape me. The company is known for its high standards, and I carried that mindset into my next chapter.

Something my manager said to me after I joined Fold Hill Foods really stayed with me: “I knew from speaking with you how passionate you are about health and safety as a whole subject. Most people speak about it as a system, but you spoke about it from a people perspective. That, combined with your enthusiasm and dedication, made it an easy decision. You had to be dedicated to take on a NEBOSH Diploma on your own. And as for experience, how do you gain it without being given an opportunity?”

You’ve been in your current role as SHE Manager at Fold Hill Foods Ltd since July 2024. Can you tell us a bit about the company and your role?

Since July 2024, I’ve been proud to serve as SHE Manager at Fold Hill Foods, the UK’s leading farm-to-bowl pet food manufacturer. Their passion for the countryside and care for animals shines through in everything they do, including their approach to safety, health, and the environment. It’s not just a box-ticking exercise, it’s a culture that truly values SHE. I have been supported from day one by a manager and team who encourage me to trust my judgment and develop my skills. Honestly, it feels like I hit the job jackpot. It’s a place where even small wins are celebrated, and that kind of recognition makes a real difference. When people believe in you, you start believing in yourself too.

Another comment really struck a chord: “From my point of view, I thought you'd be great for the role because you genuinely care about people and aren't afraid to show that. In my experience, many in health and safety focus solely on compliance and not on creating a culture where people feel safety is truly valued. Your approach stood out as being rooted in empathy and a desire to make a real difference.”

What do you enjoy most about being a health and safety professional?

I love being part of a cultural shift. It’s incredibly rewarding to see colleagues who might never have considered health and safety before, start to factor it into their decisions as second nature.

Watching people grow in confidence, speak up more, and collaborate across departments makes me feel like we’re building something meaningful. And, of course, there is no better feeling than hearing, “Go ask Monica… SHE knows!”

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in health and safety?

Be proud of your achievements and every step you take, no matter when they come. Whether you’re 20 or 60, it’s never too late to do something brilliant. Your background doesn’t define you; your passion and persistence does. And remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out on day one… just be brave enough to take the first step. When I took that first step, I was met with encouragement and belief and that meant everything.

The words my managers shared after I joined Fold Hill Foods still motivate me today: “You spoke about health and safety from a people perspective not just a system. That, alongside your commitment and drive, told us everything we needed to know.”

If I ever needed a sign that I could do this, that was it.