Rank: Forum user 
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I have had an interview for a H&S position. However I a having a dilemma as to whether to accept the position or not.
The problem I have is that the company is offering £15000pa for a H&S Assistant. For that they are expecting the assistant to provide risk assessments for three sites, with advice from a manager who is doing the role just now, but intends to hand the role over to the assistant. They are also not keen on funding any courses to update or improve skills.
IMO I feel that they are only wanting to offer lip service to safety, and that they offering the posiiton because the manager no longer wants the role. I would be intersted in opinions as to whether my doubts seem justified.
Mike.
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Rank: Forum user 
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Mike,
First of all, congratulations on a succesful inteview and job offer.
Based on your comments, I would have to agree that there could be cause to question the organisations commitment to H&S, however also take note that they are prepared to have 2 H&S professionals maybe just can't realistically afford it or not aware of the market value for such a position.
Lots of positives can be taken from this position, only you can decide if the salary is acceptable to you based on your personal requirements. I'm sure many more H&S professionals reading this thread will agree with me that at some stage in our career paths we have taken a role for the experience and what it can offer in terms of cutting our teeth in the job rather than the financial rewards. These are the things you need to consider, you could always try and negotiate with them but remember multi-sited experience is priceless in the right environment.
Good luck with your decision, I'm sure it will be the right one and enjoy the experience on the way.
Solo!
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Rank: Super forum user
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I entered the wonderful H&S world on a relatively low wage many (many) years ago.
A few things to consider:-
Q. How do you feel about the company?
Q. Do you feel you will get on with your potential new manager?
Q. Can you afford to take this role, monetary wise?
Q. Have you done any homework on the company in relation to staff retention and H&S issues?
Q. Are they in a specialist sector and if so have you looked at the wage scales for a similar role?
Q. Do you need career development?
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Rank: Forum user 
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Just curious Mike,
is this your first H&S job?
Have you waited long to get a H&S job?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Mike
I think it is all of the above...only you can judge whether the role is suitable, but I have to say an employer who offers such a low wage and is not prepared to assist someone in furthering their career does not deserve a good employee.
Ray
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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Honestly???
It depends how much you need the work mate!
Beggars can't be choosers. If you need the work take it and then move on when you find somewhere better.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Good luck, whatever you decide!
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi there
its good that you will have 2 h&s professionals in the organsiation. Remember - that if take the position and dont like you can always leave. it really depends upon the job - is it your first safety role? if it is you could gain alot of experience from the role especially if you have a mentor working with you for guidance.
Good luck with your decision
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi
What is the value of mentoring to you from the other safety practitioner?
Also you could spend the time there collecting evidence for the NVQ 4, if thats your bag.
Regards
Linda
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Rank: Super forum user 
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The experience will be very valuable to you (especially if this is your first full time H&S role); and will look good on the cv even if the role is not your 'ideal job' (is there such a thing?). However as others have said only you know your personal circumstances and whether the remuneration is acceptable to you/yours. You could view the role as a 'stopgap' until something better/more rewarding comes along. However it seems that h&s roles seem to be as abundant as hen's teeth at the moment? Good luck in whatever you decide. Stu
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Rank: Forum user
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I agree with Stuie. If H&S is the career you want to follow, you can take this post with the view that it'll be easier to get another H&S job once you're in one.
Good luck
N
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Rank: Super forum user
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There plenty of people out there looking for that first lucky break, grab this with both hands, build up your experience and add everything you do to your CV.
Stepping stone my friend...good luck!
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Rank: Forum user
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I agree with guru accept the job if only to gain experiance and put it on your cv if this is your first post in h&s im still looking for that first break into h&s if i was in your position i would accept
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Rank: Forum user
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Mike,
I agree with all of the previous.If you're out of work and looking to break into H&S then in my opinion it's a no-brainer. We all know employers are holding the trump card at present and salaries offered reflect this. I started my first H&S role just 4 months ago after being jobless for 6 months. The amount I've learnt in that short period easily outweighs the deflated salary (though I have to say £15,000 really is taking liberties of the current situation) and the fact that I look after the H&S of 32 SME's working in the construction industry will do my C.V. no harm at all in the long term.
Ask yourself these questions: What have I got to lose?
What have I got to gain?
And there is your answer.
Good Luck
DNW
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi there Mike I was wondering if you accepted the role?
I like youself applied for a job as a H&S assisstant, I got the job which only lasts for several months but it has given me great insight and by the end great experience, it also looks good on my CV. I have to leave the house at 5-15am 2.5 hour drive there and same back home for 7-30pm approx. It costs me over £100 fuel a week so not much left to give the wife!,(£9 hour x 40hour) but i am enjoying it and have had several responses to other jobs I have applied for. Up until this job I never recieved one response.
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Rank: New forum user
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Hello Mike
What have you decided?
Is the position in Merseyside? If it is i also applied but did not get offered an interview. I am also trying to get into H&S or CDM after completing my NEBOSH Const and Fire/Risk.
The money is poor, but if you have no other H&S option then snap it up. I would.
Good Luck
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Rank: Super forum user
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Afternoon Mike,
Congratulations on the offer.
You obviously have big reservations about this position or you wouldn't have asked for opinions.
Not knowing your circumstances but if you are unemployed I believe there is a scheme where you can trial a job for a period without you having to start from the beginning with a new benefit claim if you don't like it. So this could be an option.
Do you know what H&S competence the current manager has and could he prove to be someone you can learn from, or was he saddled with safety and just wants to get rid of it?
I would look on the HSE website at prosecutions/notices served against this company just in case they have a poor record.
If you feel that this is a good chance then take it, if you think it is not going to provide something good in your development & for your CV then leave it.
Good Luck and all the best whatever you decide
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