In the spotlight with Alex Minett

How did you get into the health and safety industry?

My journey into the health and safety industry has been quite an unexpected one. Back in 1997, I was working in physiotherapy when I suffered a workplace accident that resulted in a knee injury. This injury meant I could no longer weight-bear effectively, especially when working with wheelchairs. It prompted me to retrain. A friend of mine owned a small construction company and needed support with health and safety. That's how I transitioned into the health and safety world, starting with that small company. From there, I was offered a position at Persimmon Homes, working in house building. Eventually, I set up my own safety consultancy, which opened doors to high-profile events and projects. That journey has brought me to where I am today, shaped by the people I've met along the way.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

For me, it's all about leading change. Knowing that what I do has a tangible impact on individuals' lives and the industry as a whole is incredibly fulfilling. I have the opportunity to be a pioneer of change, especially now with CCS being closely involved with the government. For example, we're heading to the House of Lords to discuss post-Grenfell issues and how we can support the industry. It's empowering to be in a position where I can influence meaningful change.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the health and safety industry in the UK?

I'd say it's a combination of factors. Firstly, there's a lack of clear guidance from the government. While legislation like the Building Safety Act sets out what's needed, there's often little support on how to implement it within businesses. This leaves the industry waiting for someone to take the lead. Secondly, there's the perception of health and safety. It's not widely discussed in schools or seen as a vocational path, making it harder to attract new talent. We need to raise its profile and make it a more desirable career choice.

How do you think these challenges can be overcome?

Organisations like CCS are uniquely positioned to lead the way in this space. As an independent, not-for-profit entity with a strong reputation and broad industry reach, we have the credibility and influence to drive meaningful change. By developing robust accreditation processes and auditing methods, we can set higher standards and lobby for change at the government level. We are actively partnering with local authorities and leading construction companies on a pilot program designed to promote best practices and drive innovation across the industry.

What sets CCS apart as an organisation?

CCS was established by the industry to raise construction standards, and we don't have direct competitors in our specific area. Our strength lies in our adaptability and commitment to innovation. We've been around for nearly 30 years, consistently evolving with industry changes. We support the sector through comprehensive training, development initiatives, and by showcasing best practices from our partner companies. Our extensive knowledge across all sectors and regions gives us a unique, industry-wide perspective, allowing us to deliver practical, effective solutions that drive meaningful progress.

What are your most memorable career successes?

There are three that stand out. First, working on the Battersea Power Station project, where I oversaw safety during the demolition and reconstruction of its iconic chimneys—a high-profile and technically challenging project. Second, the London 2012 Olympics. I worked with LOCOG on field-of-play risk assessments and planning, then transitioned to managing teams across all venues and events. Lastly, the Facebook data center on the Arctic Circle, where I supported the team in trialing new technologies while ensuring compliance with local standards.

What's next in the product pipeline for CCS?

We're excited about the upcoming enhancements to the Construction Map, an initiative designed to be the industry's single point of truth. It will aggregate data from various sources, allowing both the public and construction companies to access detailed information about local projects—from contractor involvement to waste management, carbon emissions, and social value contributions. Beyond this, we’re also gearing up to relaunch our Code of Conduct, reinforcing industry best practices. Additionally, we have exciting new developments in our product suite and partnerships, further strengthening our commitment to innovation and industry excellence.

What's your vision for the future of CCS?

Growth is key. I want CCS to remain an industry leader with greater influence to support positive change. Ultimately, I envision CCS becoming the go-to source for industry standards, best practices, and data—the definitive single point of truth for construction.

What do you think the medium-term future holds for the safety industry globally?

Globally, we need more direction and consistency. I've worked on international projects with organisations like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank, which follow standards such as those from the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). However, competency levels vary greatly between countries. There's an opportunity to share best practices and raise global standards, with many nations looking to the UK and US as benchmarks.

What health and safety issues are you most passionate about?

For me, it's simple—everyone deserves to go to work and return home safely. As a father of three small children, I understand the importance of family. I aim to use my position to support safety initiatives that ensure everyone returns home safely. That's what truly matters.

How can we entice more young talent to work in the health and safety sector?

We need to start in schools. At CCS, we've launched a comic book series called Guardians of Construction to engage children and showcase how exciting the construction industry can be. By highlighting the wide range of career opportunities—from trades to management—we can inspire young people to consider health and safety as a dynamic, rewarding field.

Alex Minett FIIRSM is chief strategy officer at the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS). For more information, visit www.considerateconstructors.com