Ike Christopher Okonta

I am a confident and experienced Health & Safety professional with a NEBOSH General Certificate and extensive multi-sector experience across healthcare, the Civil Service, education, and the voluntary sector. I am currently a Health & Safety Advisor within North East London Foundation Trust, where I provide an efficient, professional and effective advisory service to senior leaders, operational managers and frontline staff, supporting the delivery of safe services for staff and service users.

I have strong experience in providing clear health and safety advice and guidance and am skilled at translating complex technical and legal requirements into practical, common-sense solutions. I regularly advise managers on the application of health and safety legislation, ensuring proportionate and pragmatic decision-making. A recent example includes advising managers on the appropriate application of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations to patient education spaces, balancing legal compliance with operational need.

I routinely undertake health and safety audits, inspections and review visits across multiple sites, producing clear reports with recommendations and following up actions to ensure timely completion. I also conduct DSE assessments and provide coaching to staff on hazard awareness, dynamic risk assessment and safe systems of work. I have experience working to agreed Service Level Agreements, escalating high-risk issues appropriately and ensuring prompt resolution.

I regularly review incident data to identify trends and proactively address areas of concern. This includes supporting accident and incident investigations, recommending control measures and contributing to organisational learning. I am particularly mindful of staff wellbeing following serious or traumatic incidents and ensure appropriate support and escalation where required.

I understand the importance of a positive health and safety culture and work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to embed good practice rather than focusing solely on compliance. My approach is underpinned by strong communication skills, partnership working and the ability to influence at all levels.

I actively maintain my CPD through continuous professional practice, audit activity, incident investigation, training delivery and ongoing application of current health and safety legislation. I am motivated, adaptable and thrive in diverse and changing environments, and I am keen to bring my skills and experience to this role.