Posted By Brenda H
Hi,

I'm interviewing for a post of H&S officer soon and would like for the candidates to give a presentation on something rather than just answering a load of questions.

Any ideas on topics that will give them scope to bring out and present on a range of different issues?

Posted By peter gotch
Brenda. If you give us an idea of your organisation and what it does, together with the nature of the position, it would be easier to respond constructively to your question.

Regards, Peter

Posted By stephen d clarke
Hi,
I'd choose some safety issues relevant to your organisation and ask questions on how these topics might be addressed and how any required changes in policy/procedures/operations might be successfully implemented across the organisation, how would they help management to develop and implement an action plan and follow up to monitor progress etc. If you are an LA typically H&S annual reports and plans are available on the internet.
Steve

Posted By Penfold
For my interview I had to do a powerpoint on "the legal and economic consequenses of not managing Health & Safety" I had to include 2 case histories under Criminal Law and Civil Law.

Got me the Job!!

Posted By jervis
Brenda what environment do you work in!

Posted By Tony abc jprhdnMurphy
Ask them what comes first money or safety. If they say safety they are out of touch If they say money you have a realist.
The choice is yours?

Posted By Merv Newman
Frank,

as "a member of IOSH" I lump you in with those "on the way" I'm sure that won't offend.

Tabs, thanks.

The "car park" question comes from some of my initial training as a consultant, paired with one of the old hands. Over a pint or two of bitter the evening before we started our first job together, he said that "the on-site work starts at the gate. Take a good look at the parking. The rest of the week is just confirming your first impressions"

Someone tell me that not all consultants work like that. Please

Merv

Posted By Robert K Lewis
Merv does actually make a relevant point. A CMIOSH should not need questioning re technical abilites. The ongoing CPD should demonstrate this also. You should be more concerned about the person and what they have unique to offer. Unfortunately I still witness many interviews for jobs stated as requiring Chartered status and they still have a H&S knowledge test as part of the interview.

Bob

Posted By Brando
I don't think a presentation tells you very much about a person - apart from their presentation abilities. Most people can research a good set of Powerpoint slides, even on subjects which they are not familar with.

Confirm their qualifications and ask how they maintain their knowledge of health and safety. Any recent training courses? Attend group meetings? Do they sound like they have an active interest in the subject?

I always think a good question is "What can you do for us?" and "Where would you start?"

After that try and get someone whose personality fits your current team.Opposites may attract but they can also clash - and that might end up being your problem.

Brando

Posted By Brenda H
Yep the presentation is to see how they present, as one of the roles is training!

I think the turn up and get them to take a look at an area is a good idea, and i've just the thing!

Regarding the getting to know the candidate, very difficult in just an interview time; but does anyone have any good questions?

Posted By john thos 147
I would ask for a presentation which would cover the important parts of the job decription.

nerves are going to be a factor as well i believe. i do regular presntaions that are very comprhensive in regards to H&S i find them extremely easy as the audience are new starters(normally)

i have nothing to fear from them so therefore i am in control of the situation.

If i was doing it for an interview i would not be so comfortable. I find that a lot of H&S research.

i am also of the view that there a lot of H&S jobs that are available put to much emphasis on CMIOSH etc.

I gained my NEBOSH cert through neing a Union rep.

i am now employed as a HR and Safety Adviser.
I am in a catch 22 my employer wont pay for a HR qualification because in their words there is no benefit to them and i will pass it anyway.

In regards to H&S my qualification in their view is that i dont need it.

Im low paid in comparison because of this i cant afford to apy for them myself.

What gets to me the most is when you read the forums only having a cert in a lot of peoples views is looked down upon.

So when you are recruiting take this on board and give the candidate the chance who turns up like i have in the past with the presentation,The documnets showing what policies they have implemented,how they have managed the situations,How they have made the H&S culture proactive.

Again too much emphasis is put on the academics in H&S i have bit the bullet and applied for Affiliate membership and expect to be Tech IOSH in June,Hopefully that status may lead to better things

Posted By Merv Newman
John,

welcome to the forum. We don't, or very very rarely mention qualification levels. Unless relevant to a particular discussion. Such as yours. Which means we cannot automatically "look down" upon those who have cert. Nor, equally automatically, do we look up to those who are CMIOSH. Mainly because we don't know unless you tell us.

I sympathise on your job position but I believe you are far from alone.

Merv