Martin Little
Preston,Lancashire
Summary
A disciplined and highly collaborative Lead HSEQ Advisor combining extensive expertise in large-scale construction and telecommunications infrastructure with a robust foundation from seven years in the British Military Airborne Forces. As a veteran of two operational tours of Afghanistan and a recipient of the Mention in Dispatches (MID) for gallantry, bringing absolute focus, strategic risk mitigation, and exceptional calm under pressure to high-stakes operational environments—ensuring business continuity and protecting critical commercial assets.
Recognised for building impactful relationships across all levels, effectively bridging the gap between strict regulatory compliance and the people on the ground to drive operational efficiency and support sustainable business growth. A dedicated advocate for workforce wellbeing, actively championing mental health awareness and psychosocial safety to build a trusted, resilient, and highly productive workplace culture.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work history
Lead HSEQ Advisor
John Henry Group
2019.09 - 2026.06
- HSEQ Compliance: Drives safety performance across high-profile contracts (Virgin Media, Vodafone, BT Openreach) by conducting rigorous compliance audits, tracking safety KPIs, and implementing targeted corrective action plans.
- Regional Oversight & Project Delivery: Successfully maintains and manages HSEQ requirements across Scotland, Northern England, and the Midlands for major projects, encompassing complex new builds, infrastructure diversions, BAU, FTTH, and FTTX network deployments.
- Proactive Field Auditing: Conducts daily multi-site inspections, rigorous safety tours, and compliance audits across various regional locations, utilising advanced digital platforms and diverse reporting formats to ensure real-time risk mitigation.
- Training & Competency Delivery: Developed and delivers critical safety and corporate training, including Mindfulness, First Aid, Qualitative Face Fit Testing, structured Toolbox Talks, comprehensive company inductions, and core value presentations.
- Client & Stakeholder Collaboration: Acts as a key point of contact for client representatives, leading joint on-site inspections and fostering collaborative relationships to ensure mutual alignment on safety standards.
- Incident Investigation Leadership: Leads detailed incident and near-miss investigations, identifying root causes, compiling comprehensive reports, and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Health, Safety & Training Officer
Kiernan Construction Ltd
2017.07 - 2019.09
- Multi-Site OHS Management: Implemented Occupational Health and Safety operations across three high-value KCL commercial construction sites.
- Rigorous Site Auditing: Executed weekly inspections and comprehensive monthly audits to ensure absolute compliance with company policies and safety procedures.
- Performance Monitoring: Deployed proactive and reactive safety monitoring measures to identify risks and prevent workplace incidents.
- Documentation & Compliance: Reviewed and updated site-specific health and safety documentation, providing critical advisory support on risk mitigation.
- Incident Investigation: Led root-cause investigations for incidents, accidents, and near-misses, implementing immediate corrective actions.
- Safety Training Delivery: Delivered accredited training courses, including First Aid, Manual Handling, Fire Marshal, Face Fit Testing, and Abrasive Wheels.
Field Agent
Orbit
2016.07 - 2017.07
- Financial Resolution: Resolved complex financial and billing issues for residential customers on behalf of United Utilities.
- Lone Working Safety: Maintained strict safety compliance during lone working, performing frequent dynamic risk assessments.
- Customer Excellence: Delivered expert advice and high-quality service across a diverse customer base.
- Performance Tracking: Contributed to weekly team meetings, analysing performance metrics, logistics, and individual results.
- Team Mentorship: Mentored and upskilled new team members to accelerate competency and performance.
Team Leader
Britannia Maritime Security
2013.01 - 2016.07
- Maritime Security Leadership: Led specialized armed security teams globally, protecting commercial vessels and high-value transit lines from piracy.
- Dynamic Risk Management: Conducted comprehensive risk assessments for high-stakes transits, implementing real-time control measures to mitigate threats.
- Emergency Readiness: Designed and delivered high-intensity emergency procedure drills, ensuring client crew readiness for critical incidents.
- Contract Representation: Served as the primary on-board representative for BMS, safeguarding multimillion-dollar asset contracts.
- Intelligence & Briefings: Delivered actionable threat briefs and intelligence presentations to clients, advising on tactical safety improvements.
Team Leader
MAST
2012.01 - 2013.01
Sapper
9 PARA SQN RE British Army
2005.07 - 2012.01
- Elite Counter-IED Operations: Deployed on high-threat operational tours (Afghanistan), supporting the detection and clearance of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines; awarded the Mention in Despatches (MID) for gallantry.
- Emergency Trauma Care: Provided combat medical support and administered lifesaving first aid during critical operational incidents.
- Tactical Infrastructure & Clearance: Executing route clearance operations and constructing critical base defences under high-pressure conditions.
- Physical Training Instructor (PTI): Qualified instructor capable of designing and delivering high-performance fitness, conditioning, and discipline programs.
- (P-Company): Completed P- Company selection and the British Military Parachutist training demonstrating peak physical robustness, mental stamina, agility, and determination.
- Technical & Engineering Qualifications: Qualified B3 Combat Engineer and holds an NVQ in Fabrication, combining technical proficiency with hands-on mechanical skills.
Education
NEBOSH National General Certificate - Occupational Health and Safety
CITB Temporary Works Coordinator - undefined
NEBOSH Incident Investigation - undefined
Education, Training and Assessing
QCF L3
NRSWA Supervisor -
Skills
- Strategic Relationship Building
- Mental Health Advocacy
- Occupational Health & Wellbeing
- Safety Leadership
- Process Improvement
- Staff Mentoring
- Conflict Resolution
References
References available on request
INTERESTS
Family, Yoga, Cooking, Physical training, Mindfulness, Nature
Timeline
Lead HSEQ Advisor
John Henry Group
2019.09 - 2026.06
Health, Safety & Training Officer
Kiernan Construction Ltd
2017.07 - 2019.09
Field Agent
Orbit
2016.07 - 2017.07
Team Leader
Britannia Maritime Security
2013.01 - 2016.07
Team Leader
MAST
2012.01 - 2013.01
Sapper
9 PARA SQN RE British Army
2005.07 - 2012.01
CITB Temporary Works Coordinator - undefined
NEBOSH Incident Investigation - undefined
NEBOSH National General Certificate - Occupational Health and Safety
Education, Training and Assessing
QCF L3