With each member of the Executive Committee taking on a dedicated portfolio, Craig Robertson is the Federation’s new Health and Safety Lead. We took the opportunity to ask him about his career to date and why this new role is vital for the Federation and its members.
“I joined the CNC as an AFO on 2 January 2013. I started my career at Dounreay OPU and after completing my probation, was offered a transfer to Torness OPU, where I worked for ten years. During this period, I supported the unit’s H&S Federation Representative by becoming a risk assessor.
“After two years in this role, I was asked if I would be interested in becoming the H&S Federation Representative for Torness, understanding that I would be required to complete the IOSH Managing Safely and the IOSH Occupational Health and Wellbeing courses. I completed the courses and started in the role, establishing a H&S team at the unit, for which I received a Divisional Commander’s commendation for the new working practices and systems I implemented (these were also adopted by CNC H&S).
“Having gained experience in the H&S issues and challenges within the CNC, I continued my personal development and completed the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. I then gained the position as a Staff Officer to the DCC, later moving to Corporate Communications. During this period, I also passed the PS exam and Interview Assessment.”
Craig is currently working in the Training, Quality and Evaluations department and working towards completing the Internal L4 Internal Quality Assurance qualification. As part of his new role, he will build on the NEBOSH qualification by completing the NEBOSH Investigator Course.
Small actions make a big difference
“I want everyone to feel confident that their wellbeing is a priority,” Craig told us. “I have seen first-hand how small actions can make a big difference when it comes to keeping people safe. I also recognise the importance of working in an environment where people feel safe and supported.
“I was motivated to take on this role to help strengthen the organisation’s attitude and culture towards health and safety. I believe that health and safety is not just about checklists and compliance, but about ensuring everyone feels valued. I believe taking on this role is a meaningful way for me to do that.
Making progress with new initiatives
Initially, Craig's focus will be on creating practical and sustainable health and safety improvements, with several key initiatives already underway:
IOSH-trained Federation H&S Representatives at each site - A network of IOSH-trained H&S Federation Reps will be created. These representatives will act as local points of contact and advocates for safety, ensuring that concerns are raised quickly and addressed effectively.
A centralised H&S database - The development of a new system for gathering and analysing H&S reports from across the organisation will improve our ability to identify patterns and trends - whether operational, environmental, or procedural - that are impacting our officers and staff, so we can take informed action.
Improved reporting processes - Establishing a clear and consistent method for units to submit health and safety federation reports will be a top priority. This will enhance transparency and accountability, and provide the evidence base we need to campaign for change where it’s needed.
Craig is already off to a strong start in his new role, having represented CNP Federation at the recent National Health and Safety conference. This is the longest-standing meeting of national Federation reps from across the UK.
We finished our chat by asking Craig what message he would like to share with colleagues. He told us: I’d like to encourage all colleagues and members to reach out whenever they need support, advice, or even just a conversation about health and safety – whether that’s answering questions, helping with concerns, or working together on new ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly or share your thoughts through your local Federation Representatives.”
Colleagues can reach Craig by emailing: Craig.Robertson@cnc.police.uk