Case Studies

When did you decide you wanted to work in health and safety, and how did you know it was the right career for you?

My interest in Health and Safety began during my BTEC studies in Engineering, where I recognised the vital role it plays in protecting people and supporting business performance. I was drawn to the profession because it offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across all industries while driving continuous improvement. As a highly motivated individual, I enjoy researching best practices, interpreting regulations, and working collaboratively with teams to strengthen safety culture and promote compliance. The dynamic nature of the field, combined with the opportunity to influence positive change and help ensure people return home safely each day, confirmed that Health and Safety was the right long-term career for me.

In 2025, you completed the NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction (UK) Certification. Why did you choose this qualification and how did achieving this qualification help your career?

I proactively chose to undertake the NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction (UK) qualification in 2025 to strengthen my technical competence and further specialise in my chosen profession.

At the time, I was working as an Assistant Project Manager and drawing on previous experience with both civil engineering contractors and housebuilders, where I recognised the value of formalising and expanding my health and safety knowledge. Achieving this qualification has enhanced my ability to contribute effectively to policy development, review and improve health and safety documentation, support risk management activities, and drive innovative solutions that strengthen safety culture, compliance, and operational performance. It has also increased my confidence and credibility when collaborating with stakeholders to promote best practice and continuous improvement across construction projects.

What was the best thing you learned through your NEBOSH studies?

One of the most valuable aspects of my NEBOSH studies was learning how to translate health and safety theory into practical, risk-based solutions that deliver tangible outcomes in complex construction environments. The qualification strengthened my ability to assess risks, interpret legal requirements, and apply best practice principles to real-world scenarios.

In my current role, this has enabled me to provide robust advice and second-line assurance across key areas such as CDM compliance, risk assessment processes, and occupational health management. The knowledge gained through NEBOSH has enhanced my ability to collaborate with project teams and stakeholders, challenge existing practices constructively, and influence positive change that improves safety performance, strengthens compliance, and supports the successful delivery of construction projects.

You’re currently the Group Health & Safety Advisor at Orbit. Can you tell us a little bit about your role?

I act as the health and safety advisor for Orbit Development (Construction), one of the UK’s leading housing associations, providing advice and assurance to senior leaders, managers, contractors, and key stakeholders. My role includes overseeing compliance with health and safety legislation, monitoring CDM performance, supporting safe systems of work, and conducting audits, inspections, and investigations across the Group. I also support the review and update policies and procedures, the delivery of in-house and accredited training, and promote a positive health and safety culture across the organisation. By working collaboratively with internal teams, contractors, and regulatory bodies, I help drive continuous improvement and ensure health and safety is embedded in both operational and strategic decision-making.

What are some of your ambitions for the future?

My ambition is to continue to develop and become a specialist Health and Safety Advisor. I want to gain broader experience and deepen my expertise across risk management, assurance, and compliance, so I can influence strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement.

I am passionate about fostering a proactive safety culture that goes beyond compliance and supports sustainable business performance. A key goal is to mentor and support the next generation of health and safety professionals as they enter the industry.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the health and safety profession?

The opportunity to positively influence decision-making and contribute to meaningful improvements across the organisation.

I value working collaboratively with operational teams to embed practical, effective solutions that enhance safety performance and support successful project delivery. The role also allows me to build strong, trusted relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, which is essential to driving engagement and shared ownership of safety outcomes.

No two days are the same, and I find the variety, challenge, and ability to make a difference across the business highly rewarding.

How do you see health and safety evolving in the future?

In my opinion, I think health and safety will continue to evolve into a more proactive, data-driven discipline, with increasing use of AI and digital technologies to better predict, identify, and control risks at an earlier stage. I also believe there will be a stronger focus on pre-construction planning and design-led risk mitigation, where hazards are reduced or eliminated at source.

What would your advice be to other young people who are looking to build a career in health and safety?

Focus on building a genuine passion for making a difference and positively influencing how people work and stay safe. It is a profession that requires curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning, as well as the ability to engage and collaborate with people at all levels.

Take every opportunity to gain practical experience, develop your technical knowledge, and understand how theory applies in real-world situations. Most importantly, be confident in your ability to add value, challenge constructively, and contribute to creating safer, more effective working environments.