"I use a variety of techniques to facilitate learning and particularly enjoy teaching practical skills, being able to explain the theory, demonstrate technique, and then coach delegates to improve to the standard required."
What led you to work for PETA?
Having studied for an HND in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management, and then further studying for a degree in Facilities Management, and gaining my health and safety qualifications, I approached PETA with an interest in occasional work as an associate tutor. I was invited to apply for a vacancy in the Health and Safety Department which offered the opportunity to develop as a tutor, advisor and auditor.
What is your role at PETA and what drives you to do what you do?
My principal role at PETA is to deliver health and safety training on both open and sponsored courses. It's a very suitable job as it involves working with people from a variety of backgrounds and occupations and allows me to visit many different commercial and industrial sector companies and experience a variety of health and safety management styles.
What knowledge and experience do you draw upon for your role?
Over 25 years of experiencing health and safety in a variety of industry settings and working with a wide variety of people from various occupations, I draw on the knowledge I have gained on a daily basis. This enables me to help customers develop their health and safety management systems and to improve and grow a positive health and safety culture.
How do you approach your role on a day-to-day basis? What skills are required?
It's all about the three P's. Planning, preparation, and performance. Thinking ahead about what needs to be done to achieve a successful service to customers, and then having the correct resources available to deliver the service are essential to successfully completing the job to be done. Being well organised, and good interpersonal skills are essential, and the most important skill, without a doubt, is communication.
What's your teaching style?
I prefer face-to-face classroom teaching positioning myself on the same level as my target group of learners. I use a variety of techniques to facilitate learning and particularly enjoy teaching practical skills, being able to explain the theory, demonstrate technique, and then coach delegates to improve to the standard required.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work I am a keen volunteer holding two main volunteer positions. The first is as an expedition supervisor and assessor with the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Hampshire which sees me supporting young people to be successful in gaining their awards. My second role is as a volunteer with St. John Ambulance in the post of health and safety officer for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and other roles as required such as event command and control, event manager, logistics, driver and advanced skills first aider.
What are your personal values and what is important to you?
To give your talents to serve the community and to help others.