Never a dull moment
I deal with all things health and safety, whether that’s physical slips, trips and falls, or psychological well-being. I also provide safety assurance to ensure we are legally compliant while conducting our business. Because safety is always evolving, there’s a constant requirement to manage change.
As the health and safety point of contact at a Defence Munitions site, there’s never a dull moment. I provide support across munitions, material handling equipment, fire safety, radiation, first aid, explosive licensing, environment, resilience, conservation, and workplace wellbeing.
From motor trade professional to defence OHSE advisor
My previous roles have included working within the motor trade, being a community educator promoting nutrition, a director of a go-kart track and the most challenging role – a single parent. I’d reached a stagnant point of working in the private sector and I was trawling recruitment sites looking for inspiration when I noticed a DE&S advert. I’d never considered becoming a civil servant before because I hadn’t realised that I could transfer my skills, however after researching the organisation and the opportunities available, I saw there was a place for me at DE&S. The main thread throughout my career has been people and processes, so a role in health and safety felt like a good fit.
I joined DE&S in an administrative support role, before gaining promotion as an OHSE Advisor within six months. I’m still continuing to learn and develop every day.
“I’d never considered becoming a civil servant before – I hadn’t realised that I could transfer my skills.”
– Wendy, DE&S Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) Advisor
Challenging the status quo
I thrive in a varied environment and enjoy the challenge of changing behaviours to influence a positive culture. I’m a natural analyst and always enjoy challenging the attitude of “we have always done it this way”. I firmly believe that because something has always been done a certain way, it doesn’t mean it should be. Coordinating developments and looking for ways to become efficient in tasks keeps the role fresh and stimulating. I really enjoy conversations with colleagues that challenge health and safety, so I can respond and break down barriers.
Support for career development
When I joined DE&S, I had an inspiring Functional Development Officer. This is someone dedicated to support me throughout my career here, to help me reach my goals. My team always encouraged internal development too. For the first time in my working life, I began to realise a potential in myself I had not seen before. Whatever pathways open to me, I know that I can train, develop, and progress. There are often re-deployment opportunities to broaden my knowledge and experience too, which is something I would consider in the future. I’ve also become a mentor with the aim of inspiring others.
“For the first time in my working life, I began to realise a potential in myself I had not seen before. Whatever pathways open to me, I know that I can train, develop and progress.”
A rewarding career
My contribution to the organisation is clear, both locally and as a whole, which gives me a real sense of satisfaction. The feedback and performance reviews are a great process to get a sense of achievement and set goals. There are often reward and recognition opportunities which help create a supportive co-worker culture.
Balancing work and personal life
Here I can intelligently find a way to do my best at work while being flexible around my personal life commitments – that’s what makes DE&S really stand out as an employer.
I’m a carer and the support I receive is unlike any I’ve experienced anywhere else. In particular, my line manager, our Employee Assistance Programme, and our staff networks have always ensured I feel supported, without judgement. This helps me thrive at work without the stress of fitting a demanding personal life into a rigid work schedule.
“I’m a carer and the support I receive is unlike any I’ve experienced anywhere else.”
Part of a community
I’m a member of lots of staff networks, all of which are open to everyone. I’m part of the Women’s Inclusive Network, which led to me joining the Menopause Network, and I really enjoy the empowering talks, forums, presentations and personal skills development sessions that they run.
I also joined the Defence Green Network, which nurtures my personal interest in this area, and enhances knowledge that I can transfer to my role. I’m also part of the Volunteers Network and the Defence Disability Network, and I’ve joined other networks to seek support for colleagues too, such as the Defence Hearing Network. I really value belonging to a community that aims to improve the workplace and can make a real difference.
An inclusive organisation with lots of benefits
When it comes to our benefits, the support around diversity and inclusion means that I can be my best self at work. Of course, the discounts are a bonus! I’ve also used the Employee Assistance Programme to support me through a difficult time. However, the pension is one of the most valued benefits to me: for the first time in my career, I feel like I can truly plan for my future. I wish I’d joined DE&S years ago.
“For the first time in my career, I feel like I can truly plan for my future. I wish I’d joined DE&S years ago.”
Join the team
I champion DE&S to anyone, whether they’re looking for a new job or not! If you want to be valued as an individual, while contributing to a bigger picture, then this is the place to be.
