What it means to me to be an IOSH volunteer

It all started when I attended a continuing professional development (CPD) session, eager to expand my knowledge and connect with other health and safety professionals. By the end of the session, I had a clearer understanding of CPD. I had also agreed to attend the next meeting of the IOSH North-East of Scotland Branch and see what being on the committee really meant.

I took on the role of communications co-ordinator. In 2017, that was all about ensuring event information was shared with IOSH in plenty of time and planned events were advertised and communicated to our intended audience.

Not long after, I was presented with an opportunity to step in as communications co-ordinator for the Offshore Group – a role I eagerly embraced. It gave me the chance to support a group whose work is vital to the safety of offshore industries – sectors that are no stranger to high-risk environments and complex challenges. Balancing communications for both required careful co-ordination, but it also presented a unique opportunity to strengthen the ties between these two vital committees.

Building bridges 

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering with both committees was identifying and fostering synergies between them. Although the two groups serve distinct audiences, their core mission – promoting excellence in health and safety – unites them. I quickly saw how bringing them closer together could benefit our members and amplify our collective impact.

For instance, the offshore sector often pioneers advanced safety measures due to the inherently hazardous nature of its work, while the North-East of Scotland Branch offers a diverse membership base with expertise across various industries. Sharing insights and best practices between these groups created opportunities for cross-pollination of ideas. Offshore professionals could benefit from learning about broader health and safety innovations, while branch members could gain insights into cutting-edge offshore safety practices.

I worked to ensure that key learning points from offshore-specific CPD events were made accessible to branch members where relevant, fostering a wider understanding of safety challenges and solutions. Similarly, general health and safety strategies discussed within the branch often found a new audience among offshore professionals.

I championed the organisation of joint events and webinars that united members from both committees. For instance, we held sessions addressing shared challenges such as emergency response, fostering collaboration and bridging the gap between offshore and onshore safety practices. 

Eventually, I had the honour of stepping into the role of Chair for both the North-East of Scotland Branch and the Offshore Group. Chairing these committees has allowed me to work towards strengthening the link between them. Now, I can ensure that collaboration is not just occasional but embedded into the DNA of how we operate.

For example, following a recent recruitment campaign for the group, I am now working on how both groups of volunteers can support each other, ensuring we focus on shared goals such as member engagement, professional development, and promoting IOSH's global vision. 

Impact of volunteering

Being an IOSH volunteer is up there as one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It has allowed me to do the following.

• Build a network
  I’ve connected with professionals across industries and geographies, learning from their diverse experiences.
• Grow as a leader
  Managing two committees has strengthened my leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Make a difference
  Most importantly, I know the work we do – whether it’s planning an event, sharing safety insights or advocating for collaboration – has a real impact on improving workplace safety and supporting our members.

To anyone considering volunteering, I’d say this: you might start with a small role, as I did, but the journey could take you further than you ever imagined. Volunteering isn’t just about giving back – it’s about being part of something bigger, building connections, and creating a legacy of safety excellence.