Secondments
I am currently an inspector with the HSE and am considering a secondment to broaden my experience/knowledge. I am unsure of where to look for secondment opportunities – can you help?
Steven Bryan of Hays Health and Safety Division writes:
This is an interesting situation because under any other circumstances I would advise candidates to focus on opportunities within the same industry to ensure that potential vacancies are in line with industry specific knowledge. In your case, it is important that your secondment does not create a conflict of interest with your role as an HSE Inspector, so you should look for a position within a related (but distinct) industry. Few companies offer secondments as such, so I would advise you to consider taking on a fixed-term contract to meet a specific need within your chosen industry (this could be covering maternity leave, sickness or a specific project). This will provide an excellent opportunity for you to gain direct experience of the implementation of legislation and the day to- day issues faced by H&S advisors/managers. Suitable vacancies can be found through your own industry contacts or via a specialist agency.
Shirley Parsons of Shirley Parsons Associates writes:
The first thing to do is to let your boss at the HSE know that you are interested in a secondment, as they will normally receive enquiries from companies and be asked to select suitable employees. It is likely to be the larger companies who may be interested in this concept. A good example would be major construction projects that have a finite life and would find your expertise useful. It’s worth keeping in mind that some companies may be rather hesitant to do this, because there could be a conflict of interest, particularly if they are being investigated by the HSE for any reason. If you are contacting companies directly, make it clear when you first contact the company that you are looking for a secondment, and you are not applying for a particular vacancy .Other government/local government departments may be a better bet if you feel they would be able to give you the experience you are seeking.
Nicola Dawson of HSE Recruitment writes:
Firstly, before looking for secondment opportunities you will need to check with your current employer if there are any companies/industry sectors that you are unable to have a secondment with. Secondly, take a look at market sectors that have a shortage of good HSE skill sets within them, i.e. construction, manufacturing, utilities and consultancy sectors, as these will be able to give you a broad spectrum of skills. Once you have identified your chosen sector, put a plan together to make sure you achieve it. You can do this by careful planning, research and networking. The more people you speak to, the more advice and guidance you will gain. By studying your chosen sector, you will be able to demonstrate a degree of knowledge and credibility. Working towards this project shows that you have a proactive approach to progressing your career through a secondment opportunity.
Mark Burton of Principal People writes:
This is a challenging problem and in my experience there are not many of these opportunities available. I have seen very few of these opportunities advertised, and I think a proactive approach is the only way you’re going to get a positive result. Networking is almost certainly the key to your success. Take the opportunities, through IOSH branch and other meetings, to network with fellow professionals and see how they can assist you. As an experienced recruitment professional, I have seen very few secondments, so the more people who know about what you’re trying to do the better. It is certainly worth talking to established recruiters who will be able to discuss clients that may be willing to help you. There could well be ethical issues in doing so, but is there any way that you can work with businesses that you’ve been exposed to in your present role?
