Geoff Ritson
Southwell,Notts
Summary
Professional Health and Safety Manager, First Aid and Lifeguard Trainer with background in health and safety and teaching first aid and lifeguarding. Strong understanding of first aid, CPR and AED protocols and skills to teach clearly and concisely. Accomplished at conducting training sessions for both individuals and groups.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Health, Safety and Training Manager - Retired
Nottingham City Council
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
1987.06 - 2023.09
- Worked with department heads to implement safety protocols tailored to specific work environments.
- Investigated and documented workplace accidents, near misses and incidents, proposing corrective actions.
- Improved workplace safety through regular compliance assessments.
- Responded to enquiries and concerns of employees by providing safety instructions.
- Implemented necessary staff training to improve health and safety standards in different scenarios.
- Facilitated safety committee meetings, fostering culture of continuous improvement.
- Created training needs assessments to identify skills and knowledge gaps.
- Presented training information via role playing, simulations and team exercises.
Swimming Instructor
Cotswold District Council
Cirencester, Gloucestershire
1985.02 - 1987.06
- Delivered fun, practical swimming programmes to meet class objectives.
- Coached young individuals to refine specific techniques and enhance confidence.
- Understood and observed safeguarding policies to maintain student safety during and outside of swimming lessons.
- Prepared lesson plans and comprehensive work schemes in alignment with Learn to Swim Programme requirements.
- Followed current swimming instruction frameworks to meet certification standards and best practices.
- Maintained safe training environments for minimised risk of injury.
- Used signals and hand gestures to direct participants during events.
- Supported smooth running of events by arriving on-time and well-equipped.
Leisure Attendant
Wigan Borough Council
Wigan, Greater Manchester
1982.06 - 1985.02
- Proactively promoted leisure centre activities, memberships and current offers to customers.
- Addressed group behavioural issues and promote fun, safety and inclusivity.
- Advised customers of rules and regulations to maintain safe facilities and activities.
- Performed lifeguarding duties and supervised classes in swimming pool.
- Greeted customers and provided friendly, professional service to uphold company standards.
- Maintained visitor and personnel compliance with rules and safety procedures, minimizing liability and injury risks.
- Created safe, fun environments to improve swimmer engagement whilst maintaining safety.
- Planned and delivered swimming lessons to learners.
Leisure Attendant
Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
Horwich, Lancashire
1980.09 - 1981.09
- Addressed group behavioural issues and promote fun, safety and inclusivity.
- Advised customers of rules and regulations to maintain safe facilities and activities.
- Performed lifeguarding duties and supervised classes in swimming pool.
- Greeted customers and provided friendly, professional service to uphold company standards.
- Maintained visitor and personnel compliance with rules and safety procedures, minimizing liability and injury risks.
- Monitored customer activity to maintain safe, secure leisure environments.
- Performed basic first aid as required, prioritising patron care, safety and wellbeing.
- Prepared equipment ahead of classes to enable prompt start times.
Administrative Assistant
Gateshead Borough Council
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
1976.08 - 1977.08
- Kept adequate office supplies on hand to support staff and business requirements.
- Classified physical and digital documentation with correct codes.
- Opened and routed business parcels and letters.
- Processed new customer orders, coordinated related documentation and adjusted account balances.
- Supported staff with administrative needs for photocopying, faxing and filing.
- Handled incoming calls for staff, answering questions, directing calls and documenting messages.
- Assisted managers in compiling and organising materials for meetings.
- Arranged filing systems for easy use and retrieval by personnel.
Education
NEBOSH Diploma in Health and Safety - Health and Safety
North Nottinghamshire College
Worksop 09/1997 - 06/1999
Diploma - Institute of Baths and Recreation - Sport and Recreation Management
South Nottinghamshire College of FE
Nottingham 09/1989 - 06/1990
Post Graduate Certificate of Education - Physical Education and Geography
Padgate College of HE
Warrington 09/1981 - 06/1982
Bachelor of Arts - Physical education and Geography
Chester University
Chester, Cheshire 09/1977 - 06/1980
A-Levels - History and Geography
Saltwell Senior High School
Gateshead 09/1974 - 06/1976
Skills
- Communication skills
- Safety inspections and audits
- Training programmes
- Time management
- Safety awareness
- Leadership
- Customer-focused
- Training Delivery
Affiliations
- I have been involved in local football club (Southwell City) for many years, since 1999, managing youth teams both boys and girls. I am currently club secretary coordinating a club with 41 teams ranging from under 6 to Veteran and with over 500 members
- I enjoy walking in the countryside with my dog
Accomplishments
Whilst with Nottingham City Council I gained for the section the RoSPA Gold Leisure Safety Award for 5 consecutive years from 2019-2023. In 2020 and 2023 I was awarded the RoSPA Leisure Safety Trophy for the best national submission in those years.
In 1994 my Lifeguard Team were crowned champions of Great Britain and Ireland in a National Competition (Top Team). We were regional (Midlands) Lifeguard Champions consecutively from 1991 - 1994
In 1990 I gained the National highest mark in the IBRM Diploma examinations winning the LF James Award
I have walked the Pennine Way, Coast to Coast path and Cleveland Way (twice)
I've cycled the Sea to Sea (C2C) route, the Trans Pennine Trail and Hadrian's Cycleway
Certification
1st aid Tutor since 2009
National Trainer Assessor with RLSS (UK) since 2015
Qualified Football Coach at Level 2
Advanced Swimming Instructor
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Health, Safety and Training Manager - Retired
Nottingham City Council
1987.06 - 2023.09
Swimming Instructor
Cotswold District Council
1985.02 - 1987.06
Leisure Attendant
Wigan Borough Council
1982.06 - 1985.02
Leisure Attendant
Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
1980.09 - 1981.09
Administrative Assistant
Gateshead Borough Council
1976.08 - 1977.08
NEBOSH Diploma in Health and Safety - Health and Safety
North Nottinghamshire College
09/1997 - 06/1999
Diploma - Institute of Baths and Recreation - Sport and Recreation Management
South Nottinghamshire College of FE
09/1989 - 06/1990
Post Graduate Certificate of Education - Physical Education and Geography
Padgate College of HE
09/1981 - 06/1982
Bachelor of Arts - Physical education and Geography
Chester University
09/1977 - 06/1980
A-Levels - History and Geography
Saltwell Senior High School
09/1974 - 06/1976