Mentoring helped me achieve CMIOSH

Throughout my career, IOSH has played an important role in my professional development. When I first joined as an IOSH Member, I had a clear goal: to progress from Technical Member to Chartered Member. Achieving CMIOSH was an important milestone, but mentoring helped me gain far more than a professional status.

When I reached Certified Member stage, someone suggested I explore the IOSH mentoring platform. At the time, I wasn't aware it existed and didn't fully understand what it could offer. Looking back, that recommendation became an important part of my development journey.

Mentoring gave me more than a route to Chartered status

IOSH membership opened the door to valuable opportunities, resources and professional connections. Mentoring added something different.

It gave me direction, structure and a greater understanding of the wider occupational safety and health profession. It provided a space where I could ask questions openly, challenge my own thinking and learn from experienced professionals who were willing to share their knowledge.

Rather than focusing solely on achieving Chartered status, mentoring helped me develop a broader perspective. It encouraged me to explore different approaches to health and safety, understand IOSH more deeply and connect with people committed to supporting the development of others.

Learning from shared experiences

One of the most unusual aspects of my experience was having two mentors.

Both were incredibly supportive and generous with their time and knowledge. The relationship wasn't simply about me asking questions and receiving answers. The conversations worked both ways, with all three of us sharing experiences and learning from one another.

Many of the discussions centred on professional development, but just as many focused on practical workplace challenges. We explored topics such as audits, DSE assessments, investigations and approaches to engaging management teams effectively.

These conversations helped me see situations from different perspectives and gave me greater confidence when applying what I'd learned within my own organisation.

Developing skills that matter every day

One of the biggest surprises was discovering that mentoring is not limited to achieving a single objective.

Of course, it supported my Chartered journey, but it also helped me develop skills that I continue to use every day. Some of these were technical, while others were less tangible but equally important.

Through mentoring, I strengthened my ability to listen, ask better questions, build trust and have more effective conversations with colleagues and stakeholders. These skills influence how we work with people, solve problems and create positive outcomes across organisations.

Why I'd recommend mentoring to others

Having experienced the benefits myself, I want more members to be aware of the mentoring platform and the opportunities it creates.

Whether you're looking to progress your membership grade, gain a better understanding of IOSH, navigate your next career step or even explore becoming a mentor yourself, the platform can provide valuable support and guidance.

Mentoring isn't about having all the answers. It's about sharing experiences, listening to others and helping people realise their potential.

For me, mentoring helped me achieve Chartered status. More importantly, it gave me confidence, valuable professional relationships and lessons that continue to influence my career today.