Gemma Benson
Carnforth,Lancashire
Summary
Experienced SHEQ Advisor with a robust background in risk assessment, compliance auditing, and safety training. Demonstrated expertise in conducting thorough investigations to identify root causes and implementing measures to mitigate future risks. Proven track record of achieving ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and CHAS accreditations through meticulous auditing and policy writing. Skilled in ensuring efficiency and legal compliance, using a proactive and positive approach towards promoting workplace safety.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SHEQ Advisor
Orian Solutions
10.2023 - Current
- Assisted in conducting risk assessments to identify workplace hazards.
- Completed thorough investigations for all accidents, incidents, and near misses, identifying root causes and implementing necessary measures to eliminate future risk. .
- Updated safety policies to ensure alignment with current legislation and changes.
- Designing and leading training initiatives for team members through toolbox talks and structured sessions.
- Work towards creating safety manuals for compliance standards, and sharing this information
- Actively observe and identify trends to reduce accident rates.
- Supported implementation of training programmes aimed at reducing incident rates.
- Performed routine audits to ensure adherence to ISO 9001 standards and identify improvement areas.
- Coordinated training courses for management teams across the organisation.
- Participated in incident investigations to uncover root causes and enhance safety culture.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing among staff to encourage safety awareness.
- Auditing internal systems, achieving ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and CHAS accreditations.
- Liaise and collaborate with external stakeholders to achieve safer solutions for colleagues and the wider community.
Fleet Coordinator (Temporary Role)
Orian Solutions
09.2025 - 03.2026
- Developed supplier relationships to manage fleet procurement, servicing and maintenance.
- Executed maintenance plans according to work schedules to keep vehicles operational.
- Organised vehicle replacements and returns, adhering to any lease agreements and company policy, whilst observing operational needs.
- Resolved operational issues promptly, minimising downtime and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated communication between departments to address operational challenges and improve service delivery.
- Managed fleet operations, overseeing maintenance, repairs, and safety compliance for over 60 vehicles.
- Maintained records of fleet drivers, and performed relevant documentation checks aligned with company policies.
- Revitalised and streamlined existing processes, ensuring efficiency, legal compliance, and financial savings, whilst optimising operational activity.
- Decision making across all divisions and subsidiary companies, including the implementation or improvement of processes in relation to the fleet.
- Liaised with insurers and other external parties, ensuring accurate records were developed and maintained.
- Conducting robust vehicle incident investigations. Gathering and sharing information promptly and accurately.
- Facilitate meetings with external suppliers, with the aim of improving driver behaviour by purchasing safety devices for fleet vehicles.
- Produce relevant documents, including the Driving Policy, Handbook, and Procedures.
Quality and Training Co-Ordinator
Orian Solutions
11.2019 - 10.2023
- Cultivated long-term client relationships through proactive communication strategies.
- Collaborated with departments to develop company-wide client satisfaction initiatives.
- Supervised team operations, optimising workflows, and boosting efficiency across departments.
- Trained and mentored employees to enhance productivity and engagement levels.
- Promptly resolved customer complaints, restoring trust and safeguarding company reputation.
- Directed recruitment and training processes, building a motivated and skilled operations team.
- Effectively scheduled staff shifts, balancing workload with personnel availability for continuity.
- Created comprehensive onboarding programs to facilitate rapid integration into company culture.
Nursery Practitioner
Playbase Nursery
11.2007 - 12.2019
- Monitored progress of children and maintained detailed records.
- Communicated developments effectively to parents and guardians during scheduled meetings.
- Facilitated transitions for children entering and moving up within nursery, assisting adaptation to new settings and routines.
- Designed educational activities to promote learning in line with the early years foundation stage framework.
- Ensured high levels of care and support for children, maintaining safety through close monitoring of activities.
- Oversaw daily operations of nursery, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.
- Maintained positive relationships with parents and ensured adherence to company policies and procedures.
Education
NVQ Level 3 - NEBOSH General Certificate
IOSH
2025
SVQ Level 3 - Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
CIPD
2024
NVQ Level 2 - Counselling Skills, Level 2
Kendal College
Kendal2023
NVQ Level 3 - CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education
Kendal College
Kendal2005
GCSEs -
Cartmel Priory School
Grange-over-Sands, CMA01-2003
Skills
- Risk assessment and compliance auditing
- Safety training and incident investigation
- Policy writing and ISO standards
- Problem solving and process improvement
- Attention to detail in reporting
- Effective communication strategies
- Empathetic communication and reflective thinking
- Employee training and development
- Decision making
Certification
- IOSH Managing Safely (Jan 2024)
- FDQ Auditing Skills (Jul 2024)
- Member of CIPD
- Member of IOSH
- Enhanced DBS and Police Vetting
- Pristine Manual Handling Assessor
- UKCPAS Cleaning Proficiency Assessor
- Emergency First Aid at Work (Apr 2024)
- Fire Warden Certificate
- Pregnancy Risk Assessments Certificate
- Cyber Awareness Training (Internal)
- Train the Trainer - Lakes Training Solutions (Mar 2021)
- Future Leaders (Internal Leadership Program, all 12 modules completed)
- Personal Effectiveness at Work - 5 day course (Florence Madden Associates) June 2021
- Public Speaking - Taking Your Place in the World - (John Dawson) Nov 2023
Timeline
Fleet Coordinator (Temporary Role)
Orian Solutions
09.2025 - 03.2026
SHEQ Advisor
Orian Solutions
10.2023 - Current
Quality and Training Co-Ordinator
Orian Solutions
11.2019 - 10.2023
Nursery Practitioner
Playbase Nursery
11.2007 - 12.2019
NVQ Level 3 - NEBOSH General Certificate
IOSH
SVQ Level 3 - Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
CIPD
NVQ Level 2 - Counselling Skills, Level 2
Kendal College
NVQ Level 3 - CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education
Kendal College
GCSEs -
Cartmel Priory School