5 Minutes With Sharon Smith
In our continuing “5 Minutes with” series, we’re delighted to introduce Sharon Smith, Health and Safety Manager at Corps Security. With experience in the Royal Navy and a decade in construction before joining Corps, Sharon brings a wealth of health and safety knowledge to her role. Her passion for developing a robust health and safety culture throughout the organisation reflects Corps Security’s commitment to the wellbeing of all staff.
What does your role entail?
As Health and Safety Manager for the business, my responsibilities oversee both guarding and monitoring operations. I conduct site visits and audits, investigate accidents and near misses, and develop training and risk assessment programmes. All of this while ensuring regulatory compliance.
What makes the role unique is the diversity of environments I operate in. One day I might be assessing risk in an educational setting, the next might be at a power station. This way of working requires comprehensive knowledge of regulations and the ability to identify specific risks at each unique site.
What roles have you worked in prior to joining Corps Security?
Before joining Corps Security almost two years ago, I spent a decade in construction focusing on health and safety. Prior to that, I worked in logistics, and my career began in the Navy.
My roles have always been people focused. This experience has been invaluable in developing my ability to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels across the business. Health and safety can sometimes be perceived as a dry subject, so making it relevant and engaging to everyone is essential.
Tell us about your journey within the company
When I joined Corps Security, a dedicated Health and Safety Manager role didn’t exist. This presented both a challenge and an opportunity. Moving from construction into security was a major change with a steep learning curve.
I’ve been given remarkable freedom to use my experience to develop initiatives throughout Corps. It’s been a dream opportunity—not often do you get the chance to shape a role from the ground up.
I didn’t join Corps because I wanted to move into security. I joined because of what Corps stands for—being a social enterprise with a strong association to our veterans. I love that my career has purpose, and the move into Corps was a wise choice.
What steps has your development taken and how has Corps supported you in this?
I’ve been wholeheartedly supported when identifying and reporting health and safety improvements within the business, both at strategic and operational levels. Since joining Corps, I’ve achieved my IOSH chartered status and have been encouraged to engage in networking opportunities that enhance my professional development.
The leadership team has given me the freedom to develop and learn, understanding that my expertise wasn’t initially in security. I’ve never been expected to know everything immediately, which has allowed me to grow organically in the role.
What’s been your biggest highlight in your role?
My greatest highlight has been the privilege of meeting our dedicated and inspiring security teams across our broad range of customer sites. These professionals go above and beyond every day. Their professionalism and care towards others have truly motivated me to support them. It’s been eye-opening to witness the outstanding work they do, particularly in settings like education.
When you don’t work in the security sector, it’s easy to overlook these professionals. Seeing the work they do first-hand has been astounding.
What do you love most about working at Corps?
Without question, it’s the people I work with, as well as the trust placed in me to develop health and safety programmes. Having this level of responsibility and support has been a gift—challenging but immensely rewarding.
What are the key ingredients to finding happiness at work?
Having a clear purpose is essential, alongside being supported and having trust in your colleagues. It helps create an environment where everyone can thrive and have meaningful contributions.
What helps you create a good work/life balance?
Planning is the magic word. As my role requires extensive travel, I ensure that I plan ahead to avoid missing family activities. When not working, I deliberately take breaks from technology and focus instead on being present. Balance is about being disciplined and making sure you carve out time for yourself.
At Corps Security, we’re proud of our people who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our organisation and the clients we serve. If you’re interested in working for us, or becoming one of our cherished customers, please get in touch.
