Kennedy Nwokedi is a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH) and a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with the American Board of Certified Safety Professionals. He holds a Master of Science in Health and Safety and started his career as an instructor in the fire service. He now works as a Senior Health & Safety Consultant at Bureau Veritas, providing services to clients across various industries.

Course: MSc Health and Safety

Why did you choose to study at Leeds Beckett? 

My choice was like a three-course meal. I’ll be honest here – the first thing that caught my attention about the MSc Health and Safety course at Leeds Beckett was the competitive tuition cost when compared to similar courses at other universities. That was the appetiser. Beyond that, the university’s course offering had well-structured content, a comprehensive curriculum, and expert teaching staff – the main dish. Oh, and yes, the vibrant atmosphere of Leeds was dessert. 

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you've been doing since you graduated?

I started my health and safety career as a trainer, focusing primarily on fire safety and emergency response. I had done this for nearly 10 years before I decided I wanted to experience the wider aspect of health and safety. That influenced my decision to obtain my master’s degree at LBU. Since graduating, I have been working as a Health & Safety Consultant for a highly reputable company that operates in several industries and with presence in over 140 countries.  

As a consultant, I help my clients to create and maintain a healthy and safe workplace for their employees and others who may be affected by their activities. The services I provide to clients include competent advice, development and implementation of health and safety management systems, audits, risk assessments, and training.

What have been the highlights and challenges of your career so far?

The major highlight of my career since graduating from LBU came in October 2024 when I received a “Keeping Us Safe” value award from my company. It was given to me in recognition of my consistent delivery of outstanding health & safety practices, going above and beyond normal standards, as well as receiving unsolicited positive feedback from clients and colleagues. Overall, I have had several standout moments in my health and safety career. However, the biggest highlight of all was winning the Godiva award from the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) back in 2016. The memory of that day is still vivid in my mind.

As a health and safety generalist, I face a unique set of challenges. These include the breadth of knowledge required to stay competent across many areas. I am well-versed in some aspects of health and safety, but there are several other areas where my knowledge is limited. This means I need to put in extra effort when clients need competent advice in such areas, e.g. extensive research or consulting with colleagues, to ensure that I provide accurate and up-to-date information. The flip side is that being a generalist allows me to see the bigger picture and make connections across different areas of health and safety that specialists might miss.

How has your experience studying at Leeds Beckett influenced you and your career?

Reflecting on my time spent studying at Leeds Beckett, I can confidently say that the knowledge, skills and connections I gained have been very instrumental in shaping my career trajectory as a health and safety consultant. The comprehensive curriculum, which covered modules like Health & Safety Practice, Professional Practice, and Quantitative Risk Assessment, provided me with a robust foundation to tackle the real-world challenges I now face daily. I still draw upon the detailed notes I had taken in class when faced with some scenarios in my current role at work.

Beyond the classroom, the vibrant campus community at Leeds Beckett allowed me to build a strong professional network. Engaging with my classmates, who brought a wealth of diverse experiences to the table, challenged me to think critically and consider alternative perspectives. These connections are priceless, as I regularly consult with my former classmates to troubleshoot challenges and share opportunities.

What advice would you give someone thinking about studying this course? 

Firstly, be prepared. This course will push you, but in a way you will ultimately enjoy. The programme is well designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of health and safety principles. But like I said earlier, it will push you – it will push you to think critically and apply your knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios.

The teaching staff were always eager to share their expertise, so be sure to engage with them. Take advantage of diverse professional backgrounds of your peers on the course, and build a strong network. Consider this as the ‘In’ in ‘LinkedIn’.

Most importantly, you need to be passionate about health and safety to thrive both during and after the course. The programme is not just about acquiring technical knowledge; it is about cultivating a deep commitment to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people. I can boldly say that the MSc Health & Safety course at Leeds Beckett prepares you for a fulfilling career.

What's next for you?

A PhD may be something to consider in the future. For now, I am not sure I want to pursue that path, but continuing to develop myself professionally is non-negotiable. I will keep reading H&S publications and attending conferences & workshops to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices, expand my network, and learn from experienced professionals.