At Brisant Secure, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of security and innovation. But behind the scenes, ensuring the safety and well-being of our team is just as critical. That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate Neil Davies, our Financial Controller, who has recently graduated with a NEBOSH qualification.
Though Neil’s background is in accounting and financial control, his passion for Health and Safety developed through years of working in SME businesses. In those roles, Neil handled everything from finance to HR and legal compliance, but Health and Safety was the area that resonated with him the most.
“For me, Health and Safety provided the most personal sense of accomplishment,” Neil explains. “It’s not just about following regulations, it’s about actively ensuring that our team members come to work and go home safely every day.” With this passion driving him, Neil knew he needed to expand his expertise to the highest level, and the NEBOSH qualification, widely regarded as the ‘diamond standard’ in occupational safety, was the natural choice.
Neil’s journey into Health and Safety didn’t start overnight. Over the last 15 years, including his time at Brisant Secure, he’s been involved in shaping and implementing Health and Safety protocols. However, he felt the need to formalise his skills with a NEBOSH qualification to bring even more value to Brisant Secure.
“Being involved in Health and Safety on an operational level for so long gave me a solid foundation, but NEBOSH pushed me to understand the complex science behind it,” Neil says. From evaluating risks like machinery hazards and forklift safety to understanding the impact of workplace exposure to noise and chemicals, Neil’s NEBOSH journey has broadened his expertise in every aspect of workplace safety.
Achieving this qualification wasn’t easy. “NEBOSH is an incredibly demanding course that requires an in-depth technical understanding across a wide range of topics,” Neil shares. However, he had strong support from Brisant Secure along the way. “The fact that Nick and Steve allowed me to dedicate time during working hours for this course speaks volumes about Brisant’s commitment to safety,” he notes.
Balancing work, personal life, and studies was a challenge for Neil, but one he was willing to take on. “During the 6-7 months of exam preparation, my personal life took a backseat, but I knew the result would be worth it, both for me and Brisant Secure.”
Now equipped with his NEBOSH qualification, Neil is already putting his new knowledge to work at Brisant Secure. “Having a deeper understanding of risk management allows me to evaluate our current processes and make meaningful improvements,” he explains.
One of the key changes Neil has introduced is improving worker consultation during risk assessments. By involving employees more directly in safety protocols, Neil believes Brisant can create a more engaged workforce, with employees taking ownership of Health and Safety risks. In addition, regular safety toolbox talks have been enhanced, focusing on raising awareness and encouraging proactive identification of potential hazards.
“We’ve also implemented more proactive H&S monitoring techniques,” Neil says. “This allows us to spot areas that need improvement before they become safety concerns, helping us stay ahead of any potential issues.”
Neil’s NEBOSH qualification isn’t just a personal achievement, it strengthens Brisant Secure’s position as a company that prioritises the safety of its employees. “We are now preparing for the ISO45001 Health and Safety accreditation, which is the pinnacle of international H&S standards,” Neil adds. Achieving this certification will further demonstrate Brisant Secure’s commitment to ensuring that every employee can come to work, perform their duties safely, and return home without harm.
Beyond Health and Safety, Neil’s commitment to professional development continues. He’s enrolled in an MBA program with the Open University, starting in October 2024. “While my heart is in Health and Safety, I’m also passionate about helping businesses succeed in all areas. The MBA will allow me to formalise my knowledge in management, operations, and beyond, bringing even more value to Brisant Secure.”
Neil Davies’ NEBOSH achievement marks a significant step forward for Brisant Secure. His dedication to Health and Safety, supported by our leadership, reflects the company’s core values, ensuring that every employee is safe, valued, and equipped to thrive. As we look forward to achieving ISO45001 certification and beyond, Neil’s expertise will play a key role in making Brisant Secure not only a leader in security but also a leader in workplace safety.
We congratulate Neil on his outstanding achievement and look forward to the positive impact his NEBOSH qualification will have on our business and our people.