Hi, Is there anyone who can point me in the right direction. I am looking for the odd day here and there in Consultancy work. Just seem to be at a standstill within my current employment, dragging my heels and scrapping my knuckles on the floor, require stimulation!! I obtain the relevant experience and qualifications within Health and Safety. Areas I would be able to cover are Lincolnshire & Yorkshire.

window cleaning may be a better bet right now. Part-time H AND S. wow

It is true that life is tough for everyone at the moment but I applaud your enterprise in looking for ways to extend your skills and knowledge. I cannot help specifically but I would suggest you also talk to your IOSH branch people. You never know what may come from it. I would think that most opportunities like those you seek would come because people know you personally or have met you. Certainly those that I have been able to offer in the past have been to people that I nknew or who were referred by IOSH branch members. Consultancy is a word that can describe any manner of working contracts and it is true that setting up a consultancy business or working as a self-employed consultant is not something to embark on lightly. However, these are not the only way to acheive what you want. Good luck. I hope someone will read your post and be able to help you more directly. p48

Clairel, It is a shame that people like yourself seem to have a negative approach towards others that want to get on. Maybe it might be worthwhile remembering where you were before you managed to obtain yourself in no doubt at all that high position. This forum site is for all members to use and to seek advise. Note: I have carried out consultancy work before, have over 7 years in the Health and Safety sector at TechIosh level within Steel, Gas and Oil Industries. Mainly funded myself through courses to obtain the qualifications Over the next few months I will have completed the final 2 units for the NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and will then be seeking GradIosh status.

Ok, I’ve not been on the forum for ages, so please bear with me. Firstly, as part of trying to assist in the decision making process, let’s look at the areas you need to cover: Competency – although a national register is online (OSHCR) and many practitioners on this register don’t get any work a benchmark has been set, do you believe you meet this basic benchmark? Worth noting a quote from the Association of British Insurers “It is important to note that many organisastions (including small businesses and those in the voluntary sector) will not need to use external consultants. However, where external expertise is required only those registered with the Occupational Safety & Health Consultants Register should be utilised. Insurers will be reluctant to accept the opinions of a consultant not on the register”. Next, as Clairel rightly says you need more than some knowledge on H&S. Bookkeeping; accountancy fees (because it will interfere with your current pay); Insurances (suggest you get some quotes, I currently pay just under £2000 per year for all three insurances); setting up contracts with clients; invoicing; are you going limited (the majority of clients want this these days?) the list goes on and on! Worth noting that if you have a company car and insurance you probably will have to get another insurance for undertaking this work, as you probably won’t be covered. IT and stationary and ancillary equipment e.g. computers; mobiles etc. Just as an example, I have a friend who has dipped-in to this field whilst in an employed role. Following an investigation that was done for a client (1days work). A year later, they have been told to attend court, client won’t pay, my friend does not have suitable insurances and the case may go on for weeks! Her employers are absolutely furious, quite rightly so. There can be MANY issues like this which can then interfere with you employed role and you can become compromised, so do think this through carefully. I suggest you are upfront and discuss this with your current employers and gage and opinion. I’m definitely not saying don’t do it however, I suggest you contact the consultancy group within IOSH and get some good advice first. Feel free to contact me directly (via PM) if you wish and I will try and help you steer the right path. Either way, good luck.

Berm, freelance safety and clairel have both made good points. I would add that your off-shift time is for recovery, both mental and physical. Undertaking another (always) mentally and (sometimes) physically demanding job may not be in your best interests, nor your main employer's nor your potential clients. Clients demand, expect and deserve high quality service, particularly from an IOSH member. If you can consistently deliver that then you will succeed as a consultant. Otherwise, don't attempt to do two demanding jobs.