Irwin and Colton have partnered with NEBOSH on a series of articles looking into questions from their alumni.
Question: How can I improve my knowledge and become more confident and successful in HSE?
No matter what stage of your health and safety career you’re at, there are always steps you can take to improve your knowledge of the sector and become more confident in your role.
Whether you are early in your journey or have several years’ experience, it is natural to want greater confidence, deeper knowledge, and a clearer sense of how to progress successfully in the profession.
From our experience as specialist HSE recruiters, confidence and success tend to come from a combination of technical skills, relevant qualifications, practical experience, and the ability to influence others.
Build a strong foundation
For most professionals, confidence in HSE starts with a solid understanding of health and safety principles. NEBOSH qualifications remain the most widely recognised benchmark and provide a great way to build credibility.
Many people begin with the NEBOSH General Certificate and then progress to qualifications such as the NEBOSH Diploma or NVQ Level 6 as they move into more senior roles. These qualifications do more than meet employer expectations; they help professionals understand risk, legislation, and best practices in ways that build confidence when advising leaders and colleagues.
Importantly, learning should not stop once a qualification is completed. Continuing professional development, whether through refresher courses, IOSH CPD, or staying up to date with current legislation, is essential in a profession that continues to change.
Consider specialist and industry‑specific qualifications
As careers progress, many professionals choose to improve their knowledge by specialising. This might include additional qualifications in areas such as fire safety, process safety, occupational health or wellbeing.
Industry‑specific knowledge can also be hugely valuable. Professionals working in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, or logistics often benefit from qualifications or training that help them better understand the operational risks and commercial drivers of their industry. This not only strengthens competence but also improves credibility with senior stakeholders.
Taking a targeted approach – aligning further qualifications with the type of role or sector you want to move into, tends to deliver the greatest confidence and career impact.
Develop broader skills
The most successful HSE professionals are those who combine their core expertise with broader skillsets. Employers frequently tell us they are looking for people who can manage change, influence leadership, and deliver improvement programmes effectively.
For this reason, qualifications outside traditional HSE routes can also add significant value. Project management qualifications, for example, can help professionals structure and deliver complex safety initiatives. Similarly, learning more about business, data analysis, or technology can support more strategic and evidence‑based decision‑making.
These skills can be developed through formal qualifications, but also through experience – taking ownership of projects, leading initiatives, or working cross‑functionally within an organisation.
Focus on soft skills and personal development
Confidence in HSE is often less about knowing the regulations and more about being able to communicate, influence, and challenge.
Soft skills such as communication and stakeholder management are key, particularly as roles become more senior. While some organisations offer formal training in these areas, a large bulk of personal development happens through experience.
Reading widely, seeking feedback, learning from more experienced colleagues, and reflecting on what has worked (and what has not) can all contribute significantly. Mentoring and coaching, whether formal or informal, can be particularly valuable in helping professionals build confidence and gain perspective on their careers.
In our experience, larger organisations are often more likely to invest in structured leadership and personal development programmes, though smaller businesses can also offer excellent opportunities for hands‑on development and exposure.
Final thoughts
Improving knowledge and confidence in health and safety is not about following a single path. The most successful professionals tend to take ownership of their development, combine recognised qualifications with hands-on experience and commit to gaining new skills.
By continuing to learn, seeking opportunities to grow, and investing in your development, your confidence will grow naturally… and with that will come career success!
At Irwin and Colton, we see time and again that those who progress furthest are not just technically competent, but curious, adaptable, and proactive in their development.
If you would like advice on qualifications, career planning, or your next move in HSE, our team would be very happy to help. You can contact us at info@irwinandcolton.com or call 01923 432 633.