At IPSL, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of continuous growth and development, supporting our colleagues to invest time in refining their skills through training and acquiring new qualifications.
A shining embodiment of this commitment to continuous growth is one of our long-standing colleagues, Tom Burton, our Deputy Head of Safety, Health, and Environment. Tom’s journey within IPSL highlights a remarkable trajectory, as he joined the organisation with a wealth of experience, achieving his current position through dedication and hard work.
Tell us a bit about your journey and how you got into the health, safety and environment industry.
“After finishing college I went straight into doing a year in industry in a management and consultancy firm. After that year was over, I went on to study Business Studies at the University of Huddersfield for 3 years.
“After graduating I found myself bundled into the safety team at my management and consultancy firm, and although health and safety wasn’t my initial plan, the more I started to learn about it, the more I really enjoyed it.
“In 2012 I moved to another Health and Safety consultancy to be part of another health and safety team, and it’s also during this time when I first crossed paths with Semperian doing the CDM-C role on a number of projects.
“While at the Health and Safety Consultancy, I began distance learning at the University of Hull for a master’s in health and safety, which I would go on to finish at Semperian. The juggle between academia, marriage, having a child, changing job and professional responsibilities was a challenging but enriching experience.
“By 2017, I had made the move to IPSL, seizing the chance to finish my master’s in health and safety. Joining IPSL at its inception, I was tasked with initiating a new service line as the CDM Principal Designer in the SHE team.
“My primary role was to develop a new team for construction projects that were typically subcontracted to other businesses. It was an exciting challenge to contribute to the company’s growth and innovation.
“I’ve been working at IPSL for 6 years now and have been lucky to be promoted twice in that time. I became the Technical Compliance Lead in 2021 and most recently in February this year became Deputy Head of SHE.”
How have you enhanced your skills and knowledge in the safety, health and environment sector?
“My commitment to enhancing my skills in the safety, health, and environment sector has been a cornerstone of my professional journey.
“I’ve achieved the pinnacle of recognition within the Health and Safety industry by attaining Chartered IOSH status (CMIOSH), a testament to my expertise and dedication in this field.
“I’m also a Certified Member of the Association of Project Safety (CMaPS), solidifying my competence in overseeing safety aspects within construction project environments.
“These steps have not only broadened my skill set but also underscore my commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in health and safety, ensuring that I bring the highest level of expertise to my role as Deputy Head of Safety, Health, and Environment at Imagile Professional Services, not only for the business but also for the customers that we work with.”
What does your new role as Deputy Head of Safety, Health and Environment involve?
“In my role as Deputy Head of SHE, my primary responsibility is overseeing the entire group’s safety, health, and environment system. This encompasses a broad spectrum, including the well-being of employees, visitors, and ensuring the safety of diverse work environments, particularly those associated with Semperian, IPSL, and affiliated businesses. The intricate nature of this responsibility involves not only safeguarding offices but also extends to visitor to our sites.
“Beyond this, a significant aspect of my role is the maintenance of ISO standards within IPSL, ensuring that our practices align with industry benchmarks.
“The intriguing part of my position is that there isn’t a standard routine. Each day brings unique challenges, making the job dynamic and interesting.
“Beyond crisis management, my role involves managing a team of three, and providing mentorship to another. This daily juggle between addressing immediate concerns and nurturing the professional growth of my team adds an extra layer of complexity, making my role both challenging and rewarding.
“Being a successful Deputy Head of SHE involves hard work, motivation and being able to work with a range of different people such as NHS employees, project managers and admin staff, and being able to understand each of their individual requirements and the importance of these to each person.”
Is there a project or achievement that stands out as a significant highlight in your professional life?
“One standout achievement in my professional journey was my involvement in NHS PS, where I served as the Technical Compliance Lead. This venture marked uncharted territory, pushing the boundaries of what had been done in the industry before. Taking charge of the compliance survey, I embarked on something entirely new, working with a diverse group of individuals to achieve a goal that was a company priority at the time.
“Another notable accomplishment was the development of the CDM team when I first joined IPSL. This was a particularly significant task as it involved establishing a team in a new company, untested waters for both myself and IPSL. However, through strategic planning and effective leadership, the initiative proved successful, resulting in the recruitment of new team members.
“Presenting at two conferences, despite the reluctance, stands out as another achievement. These experiences not only challenged my personal confidence but also contributed to the continuous growth and success of the projects I’ve been involved in throughout my career.”
What skills are most in demand for the safety, health and environment sector?
“The safety, health and environment industry is a tricky one to break into because you get a lot of your skills from experience in this profession.
“While going to university for a health and safety qualification is helpful, the real learning happens when you put it into practice.
“That being said, to succeed in this industry, it’s important to be pragmatic, especially regarding safety. It’s crucial to consider the broader perspective and avoid making hasty decisions.”
How has the Professional Services industry changed since you started your career?
“The Construction Health & Safety industry has undergone significant transformations since the inception of my career, with a notable shift towards prioritising building relationships and competence over purely cost considerations.
“In the past, the emphasis was largely on securing the cheapest options, but now there’s a balanced focus on both cost and the right expertise. While cost remains a crucial factor, there’s an increased understanding that the value provided by the right people is equally essential.
“There was a perception in the industry that Health and Safety was just a bolt on that had to be done to tick a box but offered little value to the project. Now there’s been a massive push for compliance, with individuals and businesses alike recognising the need to demonstrate adherence to regulations at both individual and organisational levels.”
Do you have any future goals or aspirations in your role as Deputy Head of Safety, Health & Environment?
“Looking ahead in my role as Deputy Head of Safety, Health & Environment, one primary goal is the continued ascent up the career ladder within IPSL, aiming for professional growth and increased responsibilities.
“I’m also driven to assess and enhance our historical achievements, believing that while our past efforts were commendable, there’s always room for improvement. My aspiration is not just to maintain but to continually elevate the standards within our field, ensuring that IPSL consistently exceeds expectations.”
