Afternoon, Just to give you a bit of background on me I am 30 years old working as a health and safety manager for medium sized Asbestos consultancy in Northamptonshire. I have to date completed NEBOSH Construction Certificate, NVQ level 4 in occupational health and safety and have attained Grad IOSH status. My query is, what is the general consensus as to what I do next. I am currently working towards attaining my BOHS "p" certs for asbestos (surveying, etc) but want to keep working towards chartered status for IOSH. Can someone give me some guidance. I am in the fortunate position that my employer will sponsor me for anything I want to do and have asked me to advise them, but I am having trouble deciding what to do next? Any ideas?

Jamie, Funeral directors? There will always be a need there unfortunately; although perhaps a move out of safety is one you should also consider in the long term? No seriously, go for Chartered membership first - get that under your belt and then look at where you want to go with your career. Will there always be a need for asbestos specialists? Given that there is, or should be a phased (admittedly this maybe over along period of time) removal of asbestos; and as such the field may in time become over crowded with specialists who are unable or unwilling to change. What about renewables? This seems to be a growing sector at present, maybe look at getting a Masters degree and concentrate on this sector (especially if you can get your employers to support you) maybe there is a business opportunity for them to branch out into this field using your newly gained expertise and research? Short term plan - complete Chartered membership. Medium term - Masters degree Long term - only you can decide there??? HTH Best wishes in whatever you decide to do. Stuie