Supporting and guiding the next generation of Women in Safety

The Women in Safety programme, with its initial one-day training course alongside a small group of likeminded women and the subsequent mentoring sessions I received for the 6 months that followed, was instantly beneficial. The psychological safety provided by the reflective discussions in small breakout groups opened a trusted space for sharing that instantly boosted my confidence, threw my imposter syndrome to one side and made me realise my experience and views were valid. 

The words of encouragement from everyone involved in the programme, and the gentle challenge to think bigger, were invaluable. Just being a part of it showed me an incredible network of allies I didn’t know existed – allies who helped me find the doors I needed to open to get where I wanted to be.

What changes have you implented following completion of the Women in Safety leadership programme? 

From day one, I started posting more on LinkedIn, sharing my own thoughts and ideas, and boldly stepping out of my comfort zone. I signed up as an IOSH Northern Ireland committee member and a STEM ambassador for Safety, and I networked with other women on the Women in Safety course who were able to act as informal mentors and help me with different objectives and challenges I had for my own career progression. 

I put myself forward for new roles and opportunities, securing myself a new safety role, and even started working as a mentor myself on the Women in Safety programme. I also took up opportunities to join working groups as my wider work network noticed my ideas, and the topics I was passionate about. I am now much more confident in my own abilities as a direct result of the programme, and my increased visibility and thought leadership has grown my network, and my opportunities, exponentially.    

What vision do you have for the future of women in safety?

For me, the global movement created by the ‘Women in Safety programme’ demonstrates to other women in safety what is possible, and I am proud to be a part of this role modelling effect. The change we need in the industry to give women in safety both the opportunities and visibility they deserve may take some time, but working as a collective, and encouraging each other, makes anything possible. 

Going forward, I plan to be the change I want to see in the industry – acting as a role model for other women in safety and continuing to show up, speak out, and be ambitious for myself, my career and the legacy I want to leave.