Health and Safety Professionals: are they the leaders of tomorrow?

A study into the leadership potential of Health and Safety professionals has revealed a nuanced picture, challenging the common perception that a lack of leadership skills is one of the main barriers to their ascent to senior leadership positions.

The Health and Safety profession has experienced significant growth in recent years.  Membership in organisations like the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has surged, reflecting the increasing importance of Health and Safety in the business world. 

While Health and Safety has gained recognition as a vital technical expertise, a notable gap remains in research focused on the professionals themselves.

Most studies in the Health and Safety field concentrate on organisational safety measures, leadership commitment, and the financial benefits of a healthy workforce. 

However, with the rising emphasis on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks and triple bottom line strategies, there's a growing need for business leaders to demonstrate their ethical commitment.

While many large UK organisations have Directors of Health and Safety on their executive teams, there's a striking absence of Health and Safety professionals at the pinnacle of corporate leadership. 

Despite the extensive knowledge of business operations required to excel in Health and Safety roles, a glass ceiling seems to limit their ascent to the CEO position.

The research conducted explores the following questions:

• Leadership Traits, Behaviours, and Characteristics:  What are the leadership traits, behaviours, and characteristics exhibited by Health and Safety professionals?

  
  

• Leadership Readiness:  To what extent are Health and Safety professionals prepared for senior leadership roles and where should they focus their development?
  

Contrary to popular belief, it's not a deficit in leadership ability that's holding them back. Instead, the study points to a combination of other factors, including a lack of motivation to pursue senior leadership positions and other external barriers.

The data, gathered through a survey, reveals that a significant portion of Health and Safety professionals are content in their current roles or aspire to positions with less accountability. Only a small percentage expressed a desire to climb the corporate ladder to the top. This suggests that while Health and Safety professionals have the potential to be effective leaders, many may not see the CEO role as a desirable or achievable goal.

The study also highlights the importance of developing both adaptive and innovative leadership qualities. Successful Health and Safety professionals must be able to navigate complex and rapidly changing environments, while also driving positive change within their organisations.

In conclusion, the research challenges the notion that Health and Safety professionals are inherently ill-suited for leadership roles. While there is room for improvement in certain areas, which will be explored in further articles, the data suggests that many have the potential to excel in leadership positions. However, addressing the underlying factors that limit their aspirations and opportunities is crucial for unlocking their full potential.

While many Health and Safety professionals possess the necessary technical expertise, the research suggests that a greater emphasis on developing leadership abilities and business acumen is needed.

This series of articles aims to explore the reasons behind this disparity and investigate the factors that hinder Health and Safety professionals from reaching the highest levels of corporate leadership. By understanding these limitations, we can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive business environment.