Hi All, I am one of the quiet members for posting but log on a couple of times per week to try and keep up to date.

So just heard back today that I was not being taken through to the 3rd interview stage with a major energy supplier (Australia), the only feedback I got was centred around leadership and management and how the lead professional was needing to have these skills more so than HSE knowledge. In fact the group safety manager does not hold any safety qualifications either (holds an MBA), so this has led me to spending this afternoon thinking about this situation.

I have not much thought in the past about group / business safety leaders not having a background in HSE, really thought it was just an expectation but now thinking that the skills of leading, engaging and influence can possibly trump HSE.

The ability to have all skills is surely a better situation but is this something to expect in business as they years roll on?

Would be good to hear thoughts and possibly others experiences in this?

Chris

Most Health & Safety Policies are signed by.... the CEO, MD or whoever is the most senior manager within a business / location.

Occasionally I have encountered such signatories who have been on the Directing or Managing Safely courses but these individuals have been very few and far between.

The first Safety Manager I ever encountered was incredibly knowledgeable and well educated in H&S matters but unfortunately his interpersonal skills were woefully lacking. In consequence there were exceptional documents and well designed controls that sat in files gathering dust whilst the workforce carried on regardless due to the inability to engage.

As the business movers and shakers pick up on terms such as behavioural safety it is inevitable leaders and influencers become better suited to heading up a business H&S function and in consequence recruitment specifications will head in such a direction

I believe you have picked up on something that people on this forum and other safety professionals seems to miss, especially when job hunting.

Safety knowledge, qualification and experience are about 50% part of the role as crazy as it seems; leadership, being able to influence, management skills, IT etc are all what companies want.

I have never once been asked specific H&S questions at a job interview.

Ha oh I've had some of those interviews!

You have to love the whole 'what would you friends say about you if they were asked' question!

But i've also been interviewed by Group Safety Managers and other safety Managers and its not all about safety qualifications!

Hi guys, I am medical doctor, I am new to this forum, really wanted to know the prospect for doctors as health and safety officer. I would appreciate your insight.

I can see where this company is coming from. I think its good they are not just looking at filling a role with some qualifications.

What we need from our H&S practitioners is an ability to drive H&S and engage with workers at all levels.

Your CV will show your quals and experience, which is why you got the interview; now at the interview you need to show how you will fit the organisation and manage H&S at all levels.