Ms Sharon O'Connor
MSc, PGDip, FCILT, FIIRSM, FIEMA, FIFST, Tec
Overview
With 28 years of risk management expertise, I excel in compliance, strategy, and leadership across diverse sectors. I'm a transformative force, pioneering safer and more efficient operations. My recent collaboration with CITB aims to fill a critical training gap in the racking industry, targeting a reduction in injuries and occupational diseases like silicosis and white finger.
Specialisms
Industry | Years Experience |
---|---|
Construction | 8 |
Warehousing | 2 |
Local government | 5 |
Manufacturing | 10 |
Topic | Years Experience |
---|---|
Risk management | 28 |
Corporate responsibility | 28 |
Business benefits | 28 |
Leadership | 28 |
Human factors | 28 |
Managing for health and safety | 28 |
Work History
Role | From - To | Job Title / Description |
---|---|---|
Head of Compliance | 05.2021 - today | As the Head of Compliance at Nene Group, I oversee risk management for eight diverse sectors, ranging from property to Green Tech. I've established and manage multiple SSIP schemes and conduct ISO audits, while providing expert advice to our Board on safety and sustainability. I excel in harmonising risk assessments as we transition from in-house to outsourced operations. A pioneer in sustainability, I've achieved significant savings in our supply chain and set the blueprint for the green warehouses of the future. I've also launched e-training systems, carried out human factors audits, and led initiatives to create training academies and materials, elevating both our organisational culture and safety standards. |
CEO | 11.2017 - 05.2022 | As CEO of Green Steps Consulting Ltd, I've championed risk and environmental management, transforming SMEs and large organisations alike. From leading multi-million-pound projects to steering ISO accreditations, my work has delivered tangible results across sectors. I've also innovated in sustainable education, both as a training lead and public advocate for green initiatives. My efforts extend to mentoring the next generation, making sustainability a cornerstone of future business practices. |
CEO | 12.0013 - 12.2016 | As Director and Co-owner of The Party Guide Ltd, I provided top-tier consultancy on everything from risk management to environmental sustainability. My innovative approach to green procurement not only shattered market expectations but also resulted in significant cost savings. I was also instrumental in promoting sustainable consumer choices in the events and hospitality industry. |
Freelance Consultant and Auditor | 06.2006 - 11.2009 | I developed and audited Integrated Management Systems for diverse industries, aligning them with ISO and OHSAS standards. My actionable reports guided leadership decisions, while my audit management and training initiatives optimised internal processes and team skills. My work directly supported business expansion and elevated safety standards. |
Corporate Risk Manager | 06.2002 - 11.2006 | In my role within a County Council, I not only drove sustainability and risk management initiatives but also focused on occupational health within educational settings. I developed and implemented transport safety plans and driver improvement schemes specifically tailored for schools. Additionally, I conducted workshops for teachers and staff to enhance awareness and practices around occupational health and safety. These efforts were part of a broader strategy to create a safer, more sustainable environment across all council-managed establishments. My multi-faceted approach won us several awards and had a measurable impact, including reduced absenteeism among staff and improved working conditions. |
Lead Auditor | 08.1997 - 05.2002 | I conducted more than 600 Management System Assessments across the UK, Europe, and Asia, focusing on high-risk environments like cable manufacturing and warehousing. I partnered with senior leadership to drive improvements in safety, sustainability, and corporate governance. My work also included 300 desktop audits, leading to the creation and delivery of risk-based training programs. |
Membership of Professional Bodies
Professional Body | Membership | Member since | OSHCR Eligible Since |
---|---|---|---|
IIRSM | Fellow (FIIRSM) | 09.2021 | 09.0021 |
Qualifications
Accrediting Institute | Type | Qualification | Date passed |
---|---|---|---|
Other | Degree or Above | Master Degree of Environmental Management | 07.2001 |
APS | Certificate | Principal Designer & Design Risk Management | 03.2023 |
Other | Degree or Above | PGDip Land Resource Management | 07.1997 |
Other | Diploma | HND - Rural Environmental Management | 02.1997 |
IOSH | Certificate | Principal Designer & Design Risk Management | 03.2023 |
NEBOSH | Certificate | Fire Safety | 08.2023 |
NEBOSH | Certificate | Health and Safety Management for Construction | 05.2022 |
CITB | H & S Test for Managers and Professionals | 09.2021 | |
Other | Other | Prof Body: Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology | 04.2018 |
Other | Other | Prof Body: Fellow Membership of IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) | 02.2019 |
Other | Other | CSCS White Card: Professional Qualified person | 02.2022 |
CSCS White Card: Academically |Qualified person | 01.2022 | ||
Other | Other | Prof Body: Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport | 02.2023 |
Other | Diploma | Executive Diploma in Leading with Motivational Intelligence | 08.0023 |