Interim Health and Safety roles are about pace and stability. The difference between “a good interim” and “a great interim” is what happens after you leave.
Here’s a focused checklist to make sure the organisation is in a strong place when your contract ends.
1 - Set the finish line in week one
Agree on 4 to 6 outcomes with your sponsor (not vague “culture” goals) - keep them operational and measurable, eg:
Critical risk controls are defined and being checked
Corrective actions under control (ageing reduced, repeat findings down)
A simple HSE dashboard that leaders actually use
Contractor controls tightened at the point of work
A site leadership cadence running without you
2 - Stabilise first, then improve
Identify the top 2 to 3 critical risks most likely to cause harm
Fix the immediate weak controls before launching broader programmes
Prioritise what could:
• Drive a serious incident
• Fail assurance or audit
• Break workforce trust fastest
3 - Build an operating rhythm that survives you
Have regular meetings in diaries and keep it consistent:
Weekly 15 to 30 min actions and risk review (ops led)
Monthly leadership review (critical risks, trends, decisions)
Quarterly assurance check (tests controls, not paperwork)
4 - Move ownership into operations (not the HSE inbox)
Assign named operational owners for:
Each critical risk standard
Contractor control at the point of work
Closing corrective actions
Agree on escalation points when actions are late or controls are weak
Make it visible, so it does not revert after you exit.
5 - Make reporting decision-grade, not report-grade
Use a small set of measures leaders can act on, eg:
Critical risk verification results (quality over volume)
Action, ageing, and repeat findings
High potential near misses and what changed as a result
Contractor compliance where the work happens
If it drives decisions, it gets sustained.
6 - Transfer capability as part of the deliverable
Coach managers to run safety conversations and reviews
Leave simple, usable tools:
• Checklists for critical risks
• Templates for audits, inspections, and investigations
• A short “how we run HSE here” playbook
Build confidence in supervisors, not reliance on you
7 - Start the exit plan early
By mid-contract, have:
A clear “in place / in progress / not started” list
Named owners for every open item
A 30/60/90 plan for after you leave
A final sponsor review that confirms decisions and priorities
8 - The final test
If you left tomorrow, would the business still:
Know the top risks?
Close actions on time?
Challenge weak controls?
If yes, you’ve done more than deliver quick wins. You’ve left a safer, stronger operation.
How Irwin and Colton Can Support You
At Irwin and Colton, we work closely with interim and contract HSE professionals across construction, manufacturing, property, infrastructure and other high-risk environments. We know that successful assignments are about more than technical fit. They are also about how contractors build trust, support clients effectively and create value once on site.
If you are considering your next contract move or want to discuss how to position yourself more strongly for interim opportunities, feel free to get in touch.
Contact Tom Hewat at tom.hewat@irwinandcolton.com or call 01923 937110 to discuss upcoming opportunities.