Posted By Neville Costain I have been involved in health and safety for nine years now. I have been a union health and safety officer for the past eight. I am qualified with the Nottingham Trent University Diploma in occupational safety, health and environmental management, and have gained CMIOSH, but still have the age-old problem of trying to get on that first rung of the health and safety ladder. At present , i am working for a local authority in the North-west, but there are no positions available. Does anybody have any ideas as to what my next step could be?

Posted By Darren J Fraser Neville, have you considered contacting local business to see if there is a market for your skills. Consider contacting a few consultants and asking if they would allow you to shadow them, or even work for them on a freelance basis. Contact your present/old union, they may be able to assist or advise. I assume you are registered with all the relevant agencies and other online providers, and you are scanning the relevant trade magazines. Hopefully the above will give you a few ideas. Good luck, do not become despondent, it takes time but is worth it in the end.

Posted By Linda Blackie Hi I am a consultancy in the south & North of England, and may be able to help contact linda@systemsassured.co.uk