From a kitchen table in 2005 to a global leader in HSEQ and sustainability, a journey of people, passion and purpose.
2025 marks 20 years since Shirley Parsons was founded, two decades of growth, innovation, and commitment to improving the world of HSEQ.
From a kitchen table in 2005 with just two people and a big idea, Shirley Parsons has grown into a global business with over 130 colleagues across the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. What began as a passion for connecting great people with great opportunities has evolved into a trusted name in HSEQ talent, consultancy, and leadership.
Following our latest Rethink HSEQ event in September, we raised a glass to celebrate this incredible milestone. It was a wonderful evening to reflect on how far we’ve come, to thank the many people who’ve been part of our journey, and to look ahead to an even brighter future.
A huge thank you goes out to our amazing team, our loyal clients and candidates, and, of course, to Founder and Brand Ambassador Shirley Parsons, whose vision and passion started it all. Here’s to the next 20 years of growth, innovation, and impact in the global HSEQ community.
“It’s still hard to believe that it’s 20 years since we started Shirley Parsons! From two people in 2005 to over 130 staff with a global presence, I’m proud of what we’ve built together. A big thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey and continues to support us with events like Rethink HSEQ. It was great to celebrate – here’s to the next 20 years! Thanks to our many clients and candidates across the globe who have supported us, and to all my colleagues at Shirley Parsons. It’s been an amazing journey with your help.”
20 years of partnerships and purpose.
As we celebrated, long-time partners and colleagues shared their reflections on the journey.
Global HSQE Director Martin Bardle captured the moment perfectly:
“Congratulations Shirley Parsons. It’s been great to be a part of your journey.”
James Pomeroy said,
“Amazing to think that we’ve been working together throughout your twenty years.”
And Kevin Barr summed up the sentiment shared by so many in the profession:
“I’m sure it’s been a roller coaster 20 years, and the HSEQ profession wouldn’t be the same without the iconic Shirley Parsons. Always great to catch up with the SP team and everyone in the profession that makes it such an amazing one to work in.”
These words echo what has always driven Shirley Parsons forward — the relationships, trust, and shared purpose that make the HSEQ community so special.
Expanding across borders.
Over the past two decades, Shirley Parsons has gone from strength to strength, evolving from a UK-based start-up into a truly international organisation.
By 2014, we opened our first US office in Boston, followed by our West Coast office in Los Angeles in 2017. As our global footprint expanded, so too did our services, from recruitment into consultancy and leadership solutions.
Between 2019 and 2021, we built a global reputation for quality, trust, and people, while strengthening our Consultancy Services and international teams. Today, with offices across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, the UK, and the USA, Shirley Parsons has become synonymous with excellence in HSEQ and sustainability.
