Breaking into health and safety shouldn't feel like hitting a brick wall. Yet so many talented people, from career-changers to those looking for a fresh start, are being shut out by the age-old "no experience, no job" cycle. In this conversation, I sit down with Kev Robins and Ben Pollard to uncover the mission, the momentum and the movement behind The Safety Net Foundation: a new not-for-profit social enterprise designed to open doors, level the playing field and support the next generation of safety professionals.

We get into the story behind the foundation, the gaps it fills, and how each of us can actively support this much-needed step forward for our profession. If you care about the future of safety, this one is well worth a listen.

Highlights

• Why the Safety Net Foundation exists: creating structured pathways into safety for first-starts and fresh-starts
• What makes it unique: focus on soft-skills, confidence, communication and real-world experience
• How mentoring works: personalised pairings, relatable lived experience, safe-space support
• Helping charities: pro-bono safety support while giving mentees hands-on practical exposure
• How companies can get involved: partnerships, monthly supporters, volunteering, introductions
• Early impact: mentees already being supported, CV help, interview preparation and job placements
• Future vision: qualifications funding, wider industry reach, digital platform with CPD and community
• How to take part: become a mentor, a mentee, a volunteer, a partner or connect them with charities

Resources and actions:

Website & Registration

• Safety Net Foundation website: https://www.thesafetynetfoundation.co.uk

Charity / Partner Enquiries

• Charity partnerships contact page: https://www.thesafetynetfoundation.co.uk/contact
• Corporate Partner Information: https://www.thesafetynetfoundation.co.uk/partners

Social Media

• LinkedIn (main comms channel): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-safety-net-foundation
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesafetynetfoundation

Connect

• Connect with Kev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kev-robins/
• Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benpollard88/
• Sign up for a future Safety Roundtable: https://safetyroundtable.co.uk/
• Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/