A career with impact
I’m the Policy and Implementation Lead in the Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) team. I lead my team to ensure DE&S complies with UK law and MOD regulations across three distinct pillars: safety, workplace health (including psychological health), and environmental protection. We cover a vast spectrum of topics and it’s been really interesting in recent years to watch how both psychological health and the environment have grown in prominence across DE&S.
Everyone has the right to return home safely at the end of the working day and my contribution to that being a reality is really rewarding – as is playing my part to protect the environment.
“Working in defence has provided me with a raft of opportunities and has supported me in building a fulfilling career.”
– Liz, DE&S Policy and Implementation Lead
Flexible work where no two days are the same
Our headquarters in Filton is home to some rare types of bees
My role is busy and very varied – no two days are ever the same! My team’s work includes developing and publishing OHSE policy, providing expertise on safety and environmental legislation, leading on fire safety management, managing the Mental Health First Aid network, and running our Conservation Working Group to protect and enhance species across the DE&S estate.
I’m a big ‘outdoors person’ and I never fail to be amazed by the diversity of flora and fauna on our sites, which means that acting as Chair to the DE&S Conservation Working Group is a particular pleasure.
I work flexibly in terms of my hours and when I’m on site – which helps me to better balance my work and personal life and gives me extra variety in that sense too.
“Everyone has the right to return home safely at the end of the working day and my contribution to that being a reality is really rewarding – as is playing my part to protect the environment.”
The path to a fulfilling career
As one of the largest local employers, I joined the Ministry of Defence to benefit from the chance to work in a variety of areas while gaining skills along the way. Working in defence has provided me with a raft of opportunities and has supported me in building a fulfilling career. I worked across numerous areas including finance, business management and training, before ‘falling’ into safety!
Developing myself and others
Early in my career I was fortunate to be supported by a number of experienced mentors. Today this is still the case, but my progression allows me to turn the tables and take others under my wing too. I’m involved with the technical aspects of training, recruitment, and career development and it’s hugely rewarding to see the team grow in capability.
I’m also a Functional Development Officer (FDO) which involves supporting others with their career development, and I find this really fulfilling. I enjoy the opportunity to help others within the OHSE specialism grow their expertise and advance within DE&S.
This is a brilliant place to grow a career without moving employers. The range of work is so vast, which means the opportunities are numerous and varied. DE&S has funded and supported me to attain my professional qualifications, which has allowed me to further my career in an area I’m passionate about.
“Very few employers can offer the wide range of working environments, underpinned with access to professional qualifications and memberships, that DE&S does.”
Top tip for starting a career in OHSE
If you see yourself working in occupational health, safety or environmental protection – I say just go for it!
Many people start their careers in this area via a backdoor route and I was no exception. There was an opening in the team and I was up for trying something different. And that is how the safety bug was caught! Very few employers can offer the wide range of working environments, underpinned with access to professional qualifications and memberships, that DE&S does. Working here definitely provides you with lots of opportunities to develop your career.
