Lynn Maitland works in the Asset Management division of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. She talks to nijobfinder and describes how she became a Corporate Health and Safety Advisor.
Here’s how she became a Health & Safety Advisor for the Housing Executive
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
My first job when I was straight out of university was Personal Secretary to the Health & Safety Manager at Musgrave Park Hospital and my interest started here. I was then Health & Safety Administrator for Schlumberger Oilfield Services, completing my IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety & Health) Managing Safely Certificate and my NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety, while in post.
I then moved to HR and became a Training Administrator and began training to be a HR Representative, but my job ended due to the global recession in 2009.
Craigavon Borough Council recruited me as a Health & Safety Administrator/ Trainee Health & Safety Advisor and this included obtaining a Health & Safety qualification allowing me to become a Graduate Member of IOSH. I completed a Master’s degree in Occupational Safety & Health, progressing to become a trained Health & Safety Advisor. I stayed with the Council for seven years before being appointed as a Corporate Health & Safety Advisor for the Housing Executive. I’ve been here for three years and I’m in the process of getting my Chartered Membership of IOSH.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I attended Ballynahinch High School and I had a great time. I loved school. My favourite subjects were English and English Literature. I carried English Literature to A-Level, Middlemarch sticks in the mind because of the size of the book, but I also enjoyed dipping into Chaucer.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so what did you study and where?
Yes, I gained a BSc in Business, Finance & Investment at the University of Ulster, Coleraine. I progressed to UUC through a HND course in Business and Finance at Belfast Met. So if anyone is going through this route – keep going!
How did you get into your area of work?
It was through my very first job – I was placed by an employment agency into the role of Personal Secretary to the Health & Safety Manager at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast. That lady’s name was Karen Cunningham and she encouraged me to pursue health and safety as a career. Despite heading off to other companies and organisations, our paths crossed again and I’m delighted to say she is now my Assistant Director at the Housing Executive.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
No, I’d no idea what I wanted to do when I was at school or university so don’t worry if you are unsure about your career path – I’m proof that you really can find employment in an area that interests you.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Yes, a National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health Diploma (NEBOSH) or equivalent – MSSc Occupational Safety & Health. I’d always encourage people to keep up to date with trends or tech in their chosen field – never be afraid of some extra training.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
Yes, usually via Environmental Health. In terms of skills, there would be some crossovers and you sometimes find people in these roles moving between these disciplines.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Multi-tasking, attention to detail, initiative, organisational skills and excellent verbal and written communication – all of these are essential. Honestly though, common sense plays a huge role in health and safety and often the most difficult problems have the most simple solutions. Your training will play a role in helping identify and solving issues.
While I was working in Craigavon Council, I had a brilliant mentor called Danny Dugdale and he was a great guide into the world of Health and Safety. He now works with me as a Health and Safety Manager at the Housing Executive.
What does a typical day entail?
I provide Health & Safety advice and guidance to senior managers and colleagues on a range of Health and Safety issues, in particular, risk assessments to prevent and reduce the risk of injury from hazards. I also conduct incident investigations, train staff across multiple locations and write health and safety policies. It’s a busy role for such a big organisation, with offices located across the Housing Executive’s South Region, which extends from Bangor to Belcoo.
Why is what you do important?
I help keep our staff safe at work – when our staff come to work, we want them to do their jobs in a safe and healthy environment
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
I think people should source careers in organisations that provide you with the qualifications and training required for your role. The Housing Executive also provides a brilliant Graduate Trainee programme which attracts applicants from lots of different disciplines and is a great way into the world of housing. Also, ask for a mentor to guide you – the importance of someone who already knows the role in helping you to become a more effective employee is so important.
If you could go back, what is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Relax and don’t worry so much!
Describe your ideal day off.
Going up to the North Coast for a walk along the beach and then out for a nice lunch or dinner.
Do you want to work for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive?
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