Case Studies

Health and safety success is nothing new for the Browns from the North East of England. Both Clark and Simon’s parents are professional practitioners who hold Masters Degrees in occupational health and safety. In fact it was during the time their mother and father were studying that the two brother’s health and safety education really began, before the pair were even teenagers.

“We would be sitting at the dining table and instead of your typical family conversation, ours would be more like ‘what’s the definition of a hazard?’ or ‘what’s the definition of a risk?’”, explained Simon. “Both our parents were really into their studies at the time and because Clark and I were so young, I guess it all just rubbed off onto us.”

Despite this early knowledge acquisition, neither Simon nor Clark took up health and safety roles at the outset of their careers. Simon, the younger of the two, found work as a joiner, while Clark became a careers advisor. Their work experience stood them in good stead. Simon gathered further health and safety knowledge through working in construction and ship-building industries, while Clark became a trade union safety representative.

Separately, both took their NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety in the mid 2000s as a possible career option in case of a downturn. It was a wise move. The downturn came in 2008 and thanks in part to their NEBOSH Certificates, each found entry level health and safety positions at separate local authorities.

It was then that Clark and Simon discussed taking the NEBOSH Diploma together. Both were aware that in order to progress in their new roles they would need to move on to the next level and gain professional level qualifications and status. They were also aware that they could support each other in their studies.

“It was never about competing, for either of us,” Clark told us. “However, we certainly motivated each other and it was great to have the support of our parents as well. It took over three years of study and we passed at the same time.”

Through their Diplomas they are progressing well in their careers. Simon is now a Health and Safety Co-ordinator at Newcastle College, while Clark is a Health and Safety Advisor at Sunderland City Council. They both say they “love” the variety and challenge of their jobs and the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained.

“One thing I sometimes do is I go back to the NEBOSH revision notes, if ever I am thinking ‘maybe I’m missing something here’ or if I quickly need to brush up on something,” said Clark. “Of course there is always Simon or our Mam and Dad to turn to as well,” he laughs.

As for the Graduation, both brothers agree it was an extra special family occasion. “It was a proud moment to walk on that stage and shake hands with the Health and Safety Executive Chair Judith Hackitt, and then even better to watch our Clark do the same,” said Simon. “And then when your partner listens to the speeches and says ‘I never realised you two had such important jobs’, you know the work you’ve put in has all been really worthwhile.”