So far in 2025, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in organisations resourcing their health, safety, and environment (HSE) with more flexible resource. In fact, we’ve already seen more part-time Contract and Interim HSE roles this year than we did in the whole of 2024.
Roles offering 2, 3, or 4 days a week have moved from being the exception to becoming very common, and they’re proving incredibly effective for many organisations.
At Irwin and Colton, we’re working with organisations across the UK who are rethinking the traditional, full-time hire and instead opting for agile, expert-led interim support to meet their needs.
What’s driving the trend?
Several interlinked factors are contributing to this surge in demand for part-time interim professionals:
Budgets are tighter, but workload isn’t
Organisations are under pressure to manage costs while still delivering on critical safety and compliance objectives. Hiring a senior professional on a part-time or project basis allows businesses to get the experience they need without a long-term financial commitment.
Flexibility
Clients have shared that this approach allows them to scale resources up or down as needed. Whether it’s dealing with peaks in audit activity, project launches or regulatory reviews, being able to tap into specialist support quickly and flexibly is making a real difference.
Outcomes over hours
Organisations are hiring interim professionals not just for their time, but for specific outcomes. We’re seeing a shift away from task-based roles to results-driven engagements. Interim experts are being trusted to lead, deliver and exit once the goal is achieved.
Some examples: How businesses are using interim HSE support
Here are recent examples from in our network:
Interim HSE Director (3 days/week): Brought in to provide leadership and continuity during a period of organisational change while a permanent hire was being secured
Audit and policy backlog (3 days/week): A seasoned HSE manager engaged to clear a large volume of outstanding audits and update health and safety policies across multiple sites
ISO gap analysis (2 days/week): An expert consultant hired to review and advise on ISO 45001 and 14001 implementation strategies following a recent internal review
These assignments demonstrate how targeted, technical experts can deliver progress quickly without the lead time or cost of a permanent hire.
Where demand is growing
We’re currently seeing high demand for interim professionals with expertise in:
Fire safety (especially across residential portfolios)
CDM compliance (particularly within manufacturing and live construction environments)
Building Safety Act interpretation and implementation
ISO management systems across 45001, 14001 and 50001
Client-side HSE leadership on complex infrastructure and engineering projects
Whether it's project-based support or backfilling a role temporarily, the common thread is that businesses need specialists who can hit the ground running.
Contractors like it too
The rise of flexible working isn’t just helping organisations. It's working well for professionals too.
Many experienced HSE contractors tell us they enjoy the ability to run a portfolio of clients, blending different assignments and industries in a way that keeps their work fresh and engaging. It also gives them more control over their time, which is becoming a bigger priority across the workforce.
What hiring managers should consider
If you’re a leader currently:
Facing increased compliance demands
Struggling with backlogs or project bottlenecks
Waiting to secure a permanent hire
Unsure whether to hire full-time or outsource
Then, part-time interim support could be a smart, cost-effective option.
At Irwin and Colton, we work with a network of highly qualified, proven professionals ready to step in and add value. Whether for a few days a week or a fixed-term engagement, we can help you find the right skills quickly.
Get in touch
If flexible interim resourcing is something you’re exploring or curious about, we’d be happy to share insights from the market and examples of how others in your sector are approaching it.
Explore our website: www.irwinandcolton.com or get in touch today.
Michael Colton, is a Founding Director of Irwin and Colton, the specialist Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability recruitment business.