I established Puffin Valley in 2018 after a fantastic career in both the chemical and media industries.
My passion for H&S began nearly 20 years ago when I was asked to develop and write fire risk assessments for a chemical site in Solihull. From that point on, I became dedicated to expanding my knowledge and improving safety performance wherever I worked.
Media experience
During my 12 years at ITV I was the northern H&S Risk Manager, working between the main production hubs in Salford, MediaCity (Dock 10 Studios) and Leeds. I had the pleasure of starting my career in television at Granada and fondly remember the studios at Quay Street, Manchester.
My experience is varied and covered productions in Studios, Location Drama, Continuing Drama, Entertainment and Factuals. I provided day to day H&S advice, contributed to strategy development, as well as the delivery of IOSH certified and ITV tailored training courses.
Some productions I’ve worked with more recently:
Continuing Drama: Emmerdale, Coronation Street
Location Drama: Vera, Beowulf, Little Boy Blue, Moorside Estate, Cold Feet
Studios: Ninja Warrior, Jeremy Kyle, Judge Rinder, Countdown, Take Me Out
Factual: Ade in Britain, Tonight, Countrywise, The Dales
During filming I worked on a range of more complicated shoots, including plenty of stunts, SFX, animals on set, scaffolding, rigging, large set builds, boats, planes and automobiles!
Chemical experience
At the beginning of my career I worked for 5 years as a HSE Manager for Total Petrochemicals at a Polystyrene Manufacturing plant, in Stalybridge, Cheshire. I learnt an incredible amount on this site and most importantly I expanded my knowledge of certified Management Systems and the chemical industry. The site earned an Integrated Management System Certification – ISO 14001, OSHAS 18001 and ISO9001/2000, additionally I project managed the development of the site’s DNV – ISRS (International Safety Rating System).
My background originally was environmental, and my role at this time encompassed the management of the site’s IPPC authorisation. Working heavily with the local Fire Service on emergency planning, I established excellent relationships with all external stakeholders.
Travelling was a key element of my work at Total therefore I spent plenty of time in France and Belgium, in addition to trips to America and China. All of which expanded my knowledge of the business and supported my understanding and experience of safety and culture in other countries.
Qualifications
I am a registered Consultant on the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR), and continue to develop my education and training with Continual Professional Development (CPD).
I have been a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, (IOSH) since 2006.
Summary of key qualifications:
- Nottingham Trent University Diploma in Safety, Health and Environmental Management: MANCAT, 2002-2003
- NEBOSH General Certificate with Credit, 2001
- MSc in Environmental Science, Policy and Planning, University of Bath, 1997 – 1998
- BSc (Hons) Applied Environmental and Resource Science (2:1) University of Salford, 1993 – 1997
Over the years I have attended a range of additional training and seminars so please get in touch if you require further detail.
This is me…
I live in a beautiful valley in a stone built house in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Sitting on the house is a puffin shaped weather vane inherited from the previous owners… Puffin Valley….. you got it!
I’m originally from a small place called Creswell, an old mining village, home to prehistoric man and some really cool caves.
I have a partner, two children and a garden that I adore. I love my wood burning stove, the British coastline, sunshine and jam doughnuts.