“Shirley Talks To…” is our interview series where Brand Ambassador Shirley Parsons sits down with influential voices in Environment, Health, Safety, Quality and Wellbeing to hear their stories, insights and views on the future of the profession.
In this episode, Shirley speaks with Roslyn Perkins, an experienced HSEQ leader and mentor, about her career in health and safety, the role of mentoring in developing future leaders, and why health and safety should always be practical, human and engaging.
Shirley and Roslyn first met in 2010 and, a shared passion for people, culture and meaningful health and safety practice has kept them connected ever since.
Roslyn’s career has spanned housing, charities, construction and the public sector. With an academic background in economic history and politics, her early work in housing and the charity sector sparked a lasting interest in prevention, social justice and long-term wellbeing. This led to senior leadership roles, board-level work, and the completion of an MBA to strengthen her ability to influence at a strategic level. Today, Roslyn focuses on mentoring individuals and leadership teams, helping them build confidence, capability and perspective rather than simply providing solutions.
Highlights from their conversation include:
- Finding purpose in health and safety through prevention, culture and wellbeing
- The value of collaboration and learning from excellence rather than working in isolation
- Why effective mentoring is about listening, questioning and challenging thinking
- The importance of business skills for HSEQ professionals who want to influence at senior level
- Making health and safety relatable, engaging and never boring
“Culture trumps everything. This is about people and their wellbeing. Health and safety is a noble profession – we prevent harm before it ever reaches the front door.”
We’d like to thank Roslyn for sharing her experience and insights. Her reflections highlight the value of mentoring, strategic thinking and human connection in building safer, healthier and more effective organisations.
