Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability Assistant Review

My role involves protecting and promoting people’s health and safety across the UK R&D sites. I am responsible for analysing data on incidents, near miss events and injuries and, using data analytical skills, I will present incident trends to site safety committees. Furthermore, I review GSK’s sites compliance with EHS regulations using a compliance management system. I also support EHS audits, update relevant site risk assessments and drive sustainability in the business.

I have had many opportunities to develop my data analytical skills such as collecting and analysing data on the incidents, near miss events and injuries that have occurred across the UK R&D sites. I have developed my presentational skills by delivering many presentations to large committees on projects that I have been working on. I have learnt new skills such as regulatory and compliance reviews, develop my Excel skills and increase my Stakeholder engagement.

I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement such as managing my own projects including reviewing GSK’s R&D sites compliance with environment, health, and safety regulations using a EHS compliance management system. I also was the chair of a sustainability committee which required arranging and leading monthly meetings. I had the chance to present in large cross-site committees which allowed me to present my ideas and projects that I have been managing.

I was given a lot of training during my first month of my placement and this was very beneficial in understanding what my role required. Furthermore, I sat down with every team member and had the chance to understand their roles and responsibilities which allowed me to understand who was best to turn to for help. Throughout the year, I had regular meetings with my manager who offered me support and guidance if I had any problems.

The company has very strong key values and they are at they are interwind with everything we do. As a big pharmaceutical company, helping people live longer and feel better is the main focus of work and this is really focused on and embedded throughout the workplace. The general atmosphere is extremely positive and most people are willing to support and help you. As there is a massive community of Industrial Placement students, you never feel alone or like an outsider to the business.

I had a really enjoyable experience during my placement. The industrial placement community is very strong and are always putting on events and socials to get to know the other students. It has been a really beneficial experience working for a big corporate company like GSK and I have developed many of my own personal skills such as my confidence. I always felt supported even during the lockdowns when we could not come into the office.

Yes

I would utilise and make the most of all the social events and activities that GSK and the student network have on offer as this was a great way to meet other industrial placement students and embrace the full placement experience. I would also come in with an open mind as my roles and responsibilities changed throughout the year and differed slightly to what was advertised. This was not always a bad thing as I have learnt new skills and knowledge in different areas.