Definitely the NEBOSH diploma, its a highly recognised and highly regarded professional safety qualification. Its very tough, but worth the effort once you pass.

Thanks Stonecold and SHV, your advice is greatly appreciated.

Hi Piobaire Many thanks for taking the time to offer advice. Yes, i agree that my lack of experience in that "dedicated" HSE role is most likely holding me back in terms of securing even an interview and I am very conscious of trying to match my experience with qualifications. Unfortunately in my current role there are no opportunities to work in a direct HSE capacity however i do have lots of experience of developing and reviewing risk assessments from my time in the Fire Service. I also participated in equipment failure investigations, working with equipment suppliers/implementing solutions. I also developed risk assessments for new equipment that was introduced and did a fair bit of project management in terms of evaluating new fire service equipment and developing the necessary RA's. So I do have a relatively good main body of experience in my CV (I also paid to have professionally written) but as you say, any potential employer then looks at my work history and this is where it is most likely that I am not getting past the initial sift of candidates. I will keep what you have said in mind regarding getting involved in any more direst she work. My current role is only a 6 month contract, so difficult in terms of that because I have been brought in for a very specific task however maybe in my next role there may be better opportunities. Thanks again for your advice, much appreciated.

Its very tough, but worth the effort once you pass.