Posted By Ram I hope some of you experts out there can help me. I have been a manager in retail for the last 12 years, and have vast experience in people management (recruitment, training and development, disciplinary and grievance), but am now looking at changing my career and moving into H & S. I am in the process of completing my NEBOSH National Diploma (due to finish next Spring), and really would like advice about how to get into a role within H & S, whilst still using my previous management experience. I live in the East Midlands, and have started to contact recruitment agencies (as I need to give 12 weeks notice in my current position). I do manage H & S to a lesser degree in my current role, as well as many other key result areas. Is there any advice anyone can give me of where to start, or anyone who can throw me a rope to get me out of this dreaded retail rat race?? Thanks in anticipation - Cheers - Ram.

Posted By Steve M Granger Hi Ram Good luck etc If you have a good deal of experience in retail I would look for openings there. That way you are only gaining H&S experience and competence in one area - whilst still on home ground so to speak. I would develop a 5 year plan where you consider the first couple as an addition to gaining the quals. Sort of mature student approach to the work place. You'll probably need to do this en route to full membership etc anyway but it may be difficult dealing with your own expectations and of course the financial situation. Only you can determine an acceptable pathway but look out for opportunities (even at a lower level to start with) as I suspect most of the major league retailers have a team of practitioners which of course means staff churn and openings. Might also be worth asking the Retail Group (or at your local Branch meetings)for local contacts outside your own organisation?

Posted By A Campbell Hi Ram, A lot of retail orientated companies employ H&S advisors to cover regions. In addition some companies do enjoy awareness in retail areas due to focus of H&S liability issues that can occurr and burden the company. So apart from possible retail environments direct it could still be in your favour to show you have awareness of the retail environment. I used it in my interview and think it may have helped! good Luck Tony

Posted By DP Ram - dito with chris. I'm too a retail safety mamager. Drop me a line.

Posted By Chris Jerman Mike, always happy to help. PM me if you wish and we can get a discussion going. Chris

Posted By Ram Just wanted to say a huge 'thanks' to everyone who has replied and offered support/advice so far for my new career. I have to say, I feel very reassured that I have made the right career choice, knowing that I have such a great support network to call on. I have got many starting points now, and any further advice will also be appreciated. Thanks again - Ram.