Hi Everyone,
I wonder if you could help with this enquiry please.

I am thinking of moving back to the UK after living abroad for 13 years. A lot has naturally happened since then in both my career and personal life. In 2007 I trained as a health and safety representative while continuing in my role in the entertainment industry. I’d worked for 15 years in entertainment at that stage and although I enjoyed the challenges of being a rep. making improvements, undertaking incident investigations and rectifications and generally learning more about the Safety business, I really needed a change of direction.

In 2011 I found my chance and took a career change, going from entertainment into a full time role as a safety manager, sub contracting to a corporate real estate agent and the biggest telecommunications company in Australia. I’ve been in this role now for over three and a half years, and grown immensely not only as a H&S manger but also as an individual.

Naturally I have a million questions about making the transition; however I’ll keep to the basics for now:

1. Would my Australian diploma qualification be recognised in the UK? It is not a NEBOSH certificated but rather a government approved online course in Australia.
2. Has anyone made the move back to the UK from Australia and continued work in safety. Do you have any advice, or experience you are willing to share, on making the move?
3. I’m concerned about my knowledge, or lack of, of the UK system. Although the two systems appear to be similar I’d need to get up to speed with legislation. I have been following the UK HSE website and bulletins for a couple of years, and making myself familiar with requirements. Do you think that an employer would be willing to take me on at the level (and pay grade) I’m at now, given I’ve no previous experience in the UK?
4. Ideally I’d remain in corporate real estate or telecommunications, any advice on cracking into these two areas?
5. Looking at job advertisements recently the market appears to be good, any advice on the state of the current market?
I’m prepared to do the necessary work to make the transition a smooth as possible, however I need to do some research about the industry and work out whether the move back is a viable option.

I’d appreciate any input or assistance, especially from those who have made the move from a different country or had a significant career change.

Thanks,

David

There does seem to be more opportunities of late especially "down south" but as walker says theres an election next may and whoever gets in has a big job on their hands.
construction does seem to be picking up steadily but how long is this gonna last? thats the 64 million dollar question.

given the choice n if i was you i would be staying in australia!

I'll 'swap' with you David???
Just don't tell the wife.
LOL
Stu

David, speak to IOSH to see what level of membership you may be able to achieve.

Whilst a lack of familiarity with UK law may be a drawback, it is worth remembering that a fall from height, exposure to lead, asbestos, dust noise, radiation etc, losing an eye, back injury and lung sensitisation are occurring, regardless of what the law may say. Thus a good H&S practitioner who can recognise these potential exposures and has the ability to do something about them will be a valuable resource to an enlightened employer.

Sadly, the barriers to employment here put in place by some may be significant.

Good luck.

In my personal view after talking to many friends and family who are in Aussie and evaluating things myself on balance and overall a better life can be had in Aussie especially for your children which are your priority and whilst I think that the UK is the worlds most fantastic country in many many ways for a day to day working family Aussie still comes out on top for the fundamentals in ones personal life

As somebody said who lives there "U can be on the dole in both countries but in Aussie U are on the dole in the sunshine!"

Best of luck with your decision noting that the grass always looks greener in the other field until U get there