Posted By Linda Crossland-Clarke Hi Living up north I can't recommend any agencies down south. However, from the tax side of things, maybe you should get your H&S training paid for before you wind up your own business. Also, check out for any funding via the RDA's. Regards. Linda. SHE Knows.

Posted By Bill Bircham Gary, Welcome to IOSH! To address your Qu. re Recruitment Agencies, the major players will be found in SHP, the Magazine you’ll get on a regular basis thru the door once you join, alternatively look at the website (follow the links on the left of the page as you read this!) Re your future career, you’re probably better off getting into a larger firm if you can. These generally have a diverse range of areas in which OSH plays a part (or should do). Play up the fact that you have experience (the cert course will jog your memory as to your previous responsibilities), plus that fact that your have the determination, etc to self fund will be seen as a big plus with HR Professionals found in larger firms. When looking for a company, two things spring to mind. Firstly, a highly regulated industry (rail / air / petrochem etc) will be more inclined to support further development simply because they come under more scrutiny on a regular basis. The problem with these industries is getting in the door without experience, so maybe consider a non H&S role just to get in and gain experience, of the industry, also gives you an advantage when the opening does come up in your firm as internal applicants (assuming they’ve done a good job) get the chance to speak to those involved. Secondly, look for a firm that proudly displays its IIP (Investors In People) badge as again these generally have internal mechanisms to support development. Hope it helps. R Bill

Posted By Jonathan Carrick Gary, Welcome! Bearing in mind Bill's comments about large organisations, etc., you would appear to be moving in the right direction with your choice of the Highways Agency. My advice (for what its worth) is to be persistent - stick at it and you'll ultimately achieve what you want, even if your first choice of employer doesn't work out. Also, keep logging onto the chat forum, as it can be very helpful in times of need and light relief in times of crisis! Jon

Posted By Gary Maher Thanks for the comments. The position is actually with the Highways Agency and not contractors although I have had another invite today to have a chat with a large contracting firm next week. Fingers crossed that I will get an offer from one or both and get my foot firmly on the H&S ladder. I would just like to add as well that the comments and response I have had to my posting, both in this thread and via email, has given me added confirmation that deciding to change careers to H&S is the right choice for me. And although I have only just barely scraped the surface I feel that there is a great community spirit in here and I am sure it will be the same in the non-cyber world. It has certainly given me a lift when I needed it most and so anyone else who is in the same boat as me, take heart that there are loads of people out there willing to help and offer advice. But, as I read in another thread from someone who has been in the H&S industry for a long time, the best bit of advice they received was something like "if you dont know, ask". Thanks and kind regards.... Gary