CPD has been a cornerstone of my career

How did I get here?

Reflecting on my career, I often wonder how I arrived at this stage. My journey into HSE management was not a straightforward one, but rather a path shaped by a commitment to safety, leadership and continuous improvement.

From the early days of my career in Spain, every step has reinforced my belief in the power of ongoing learning. This has included working in industrial safety roles, leading environmental health and safety services (EHSS) for major multinational projects in the UAE, Switzerland, Mexico and Venezuela. I have managed health and safety for projects worth billions of dollars, with workforces exceeding 7,000 people. All this has shown me that safety leadership requires not just technical knowledge but also strategic thinking, adaptability and effective communication.

Why CPD matters to me

CPD has been essential to my success. Staying updated with the latest regulations, technologies and best practices has allowed me to lead projects safely and efficiently. Whether implementing new safety strategies, managing contractor HSSE programmes or training multinational teams, CPD ensures I am always equipped to tackle emerging challenges.

My CPD journey

I take a structured yet dynamic approach to CPD, ensuring that I am continuously growing as a professional. Here’s how I integrate CPD into my career.

• Industry conferences and networking events: engaging with global HSE experts helps me stay ahead of industry trends.
• Webinars and online training: given my demanding project schedules, virtual learning provides flexibility and accessibility.
• Podcasts and technical reading: keeping up with publications from IOSH, IIRSM and regulatory bodies enhances my technical knowledge.
• Formal qualifications: I have pursued certifications such as NVQ Level 6 and 7 in Health and Safety, IOSH Certified membership, FIIRSM, and various ISO lead auditor credentials.
• Reflective learning: after each CPD activity, I assess its impact on my work and identify areas for improvement.
• Sharing and learning: I strongly believe that sharing knowledge and experiences with others is just as important as personal development. Engaging in discussions, mentoring and learning from peers has played a significant role in my CPD journey.

How I structure my CPD

I treat CPD as a continuous cycle rather than a checklist. My CPD plan is aligned with my professional objectives and includes a combination of technical training, leadership development and mentoring.

Each year, I set specific goals based on the following.

• Blueprint activities: IOSH CPD activities that help me refine my competencies.
• Professional development in key areas: recent focus areas include environmental, social and governance (ESG), digital transformation in HSE and crisis management.
• Practical learning: applying knowledge from CPD activities to real-world projects and sharing insights with my teams.

My advice

For those looking to enhance their careers through CPD, my advice is simple – be proactive and intentional. Here’s what has worked for me.

• Define your learning goals: identify areas for improvement and growth.
• Make CPD a habit: incorporate learning into your daily routine through reading, attending webinars or engaging in discussions.
• Utilise available resources: IOSH and the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) provide excellent CPD opportunities – take advantage of them.
• Apply what you learn: theoretical knowledge is valuable, but its real impact is in how you apply it.
• Engage with the community: CPD is more effective when shared. Learning from peers, mentoring others and exchanging experiences strengthen professional growth.

Final thoughts

For me, CPD is more than a professional requirement – it is a way of life. Every new insight, skill or strategy I acquire contributes to my ability to lead safer, more efficient projects. Having worked across multiple industries and regions, I have seen first-hand how a strong CPD culture transforms not just individuals but entire organisations.

I encourage all professionals to embrace CPD as a tool for success. Whether you are just starting your career or are a seasoned professional, there is always more to learn. Sharing and learning from others is what makes CPD truly impactful.

So, how do you do your CPD? I would love to hear your experiences – let’s keep the conversation going.