What do you do for your day job?
I’m the Safety, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Wellbeing Advisor for JTI UK. My career journey has taken me through roles as a Health and Safety Advisor in both manufacturing and food retail. Recently, I’ve added Inclusion and Wellbeing to my expertise, adding more strings to my bow.
What is a typical dayās work for you?
Thereās never a dull moment in my role because there is no such thing as a typical day! One day I might be fine-tuning the working at height procedures in our logistics warehouse. The next, I could be in our London office, delivering fire warden training and assisting the facilities manager with risk assessments for roofing contractorsāexplaining they cannot climb the scaffold with their PPE in their backpack and they must have it on before they head up there.
Next week, I’m gearing up to review risk assessments and send out fun and engaging communications to all our employees ahead of our UK Conference. And on another day, I could be providing support on a wellbeing call with an employee returning to work after a long-term absence or coordinating with our Mental Health First Aiders.
Every day is a new adventure, and I love being part of such a diverse team that makes a real difference in people’s lives!
How did you become a member of the London Safety Group committee?
My lovely Manager Tanya introduced me to the group in 2023, when it was mentioned that they were recruiting for members of the committee I Co-Opted on straight away. Iām always looking for ways to expand my network š
What benefits do you feel that the Group bring for you?
I’m at the exciting start of my safety career, and this is my first real job. The biggest benefit of being part of this group is the wealth of knowledge that fills the room. The variety of experiences and advice available is invaluable for a new safety professional like me. Plus, I love the opportunity to connect with fellow Health & Safety professionals and discuss issues that are important to all of us.
What do you find the most interesting part of your role within the Group?
Iām not sure yet, ask me next yearā¦. I donāt know what Iām going in for yet.
What presents the most challenges?
Balancing the new role, trying to upskill in all three areas and my own poor time management. There are quite a few days where I suddenly find myself in the same document at 8PM as I was at 2PM.
Whatās your health and safety āsoap-boxā subject?
Overly jargoned and complicated policies and emails that aren’t written for the target audience really get me going. Having studied law at university, I know first hand how painful it can be to wade through hefty documents. Just tell me in plain English what you need me to do! š
What is your one piece of advice for a practising safety professional?
Lose the clipboard and become a friend, not the health and safety police. Break the stigma of safety being just a tick-box exercise. Make it about people, not paperwork!
One piece of advice for someone thinking of becoming a health and safety professional?
Donāt be afraid to say āI donāt know, Iāll get back to youā. We arenāt expected to be the encyclopaedias of health and safety laws and regulations… but that’s where the London Health and Safety Group shines, with its diverse range of professionals ready to support and share knowledge.
