Posted By jeanne fairbrother I decided on a career change after many years of running my own small business. I took the Certificate and am now funding myself to do the Diploma. As an employer of four or five staff my health & saftey experience isn't huge. I am realising I really need to get "hands on" experience and wondered if shadowing a H&S professional might be one option. I am more than willing to give my time to this end as I do other volunteer work with the Countryside Rangers locally. Can I ask more experienced professionals out there how they would advise the best way to go about this? I have written to local compaines offering just this but so far have drawn a blank. Jeanne Fairbrother

Posted By jeanne fairbrother Hello Lilian, Thank you for your response and good advice. I agree it's hard but I will persevere. I have checked the Merseyside IOSH meetings and will definitely attend and try to network. Or alternatively beg someone to let me shadow them! Thanks again, Jeanne

Posted By Liesel "Voluntary work" is another option. I've been a H&S officer for a small Heritage railway for 3 years. I had H&S experience in other areas before, but the (steam) railway context has greatly broadened that- especially as all staff are volunteers and the past 3 years have seen major new regulations coming in. In fairness, when I took on the role I also had experience in the organisation- been volunteer staff myself for 7 years- but in general terms, if you pick the right voluntary org the experience can be excellent, I have been able to develop my skills much further with the extra and different type of H&S experience than otherwise would have been the case.

Posted By sarah myatt Hi Jeanne Thanks for your response to my post and I'm right there with you. It can be very depressing and down right frustrating, but hang on in there and you will succeed. I have found that even though I have not yet completed all parts to my diploma agencies and other potential employers are giving me more time of day now that I have passed two of the exams. Self funding is hard, have you contacted the Learning Skills Council for some help and support, branch meetings are also a great way to go in terms of meeting people as mentioned. Also the Princes Trust are great, know its a bit unheard of but through them I have a great contact at Carillion who passes on possible jobs and advice. She is responsible for getting women into construction. The Princes Trust as a charity may also be able to put you in touch with organisations that may let you do H&S on a voluntary basis... Good luck and don't give up-you can do it! All the best, Sarah.

Posted By jeanne fairbrother A HUGE thank you to everyone who replied to me directly or to this posting. The response was amazing, full of great advice, websites and support. But best of all...work! I start work in December because of this posting and I would urge anyone who wants advice or help to use this Forum to ask. IOSH members are a truly helpful, supportive bunch. Thank you all.