Food Health and Safety Team Leader

I joined the council from a neighbouring authority and have worked here for more than 20 years. I’ve worked my way up through the ranks from being a front-line environmental health officer focusing on noise issues, to now managing a sizable team of officers covering a wide range of environmental health issues. These include food safety and food standards, health and safety at work, infectious disease control and accidents at work.

New challenges

My team carry out premises inspections, investigate infectious disease cases and accidents at work, responding to over 2,500 support requests each year. I try to provide the team with guidance and advice to help them provide a first class service, resolving enquiries quickly and effectively.

Managing such a talented team is a privilege and I take my responsibilities seriously, ensuring reasonable caseloads and supporting, supervising and motivating them to achieve their best. We certainly never know what challenges each day will bring, but it’s rewarding knowing that our work is always making a difference with every response or intervention we make.

Making a difference

Working in environmental health means I can make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing. I take pride in helping to ensure that the food we eat, the water we drink and the places we work in are safe.

We’ve resolved long-standing noise disputes helping people recognise the impact they can have on others, helping neighbours enjoy their homes again. Because of the tough approach we’ve taken investigating and prosecuting fly-tippers, incidents of rubbish being dumped in South Gloucestershire are now rare. But we also have an important longer term role working with our planning teams to minimise environmental impact of future development.

Teamwork

I really enjoying working with colleagues and my team. Working here has provided the opportunity to develop a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience. More importantly however, it’s provided me with both the challenge and reward of being part of a team delivering excellent and very worthwhile work serving the residents, businesses and communities of South Gloucestershire.