Continuing our project to showcase and celebrate Portico’s wide range of roles, we recently heard from Head of Safety, Helen Davies. She shares with us what her role entails, how her position has evolved and about her life at Portico.

Can you describe your role at Portico guest services and your main responsibilities? 

As Head of Safety, I am responsible for the safety of our teams. The constant promotion of the importance of a great safety culture is a critical part of our safety message. Teams who Think Safe and Act Safe will ultimately Be Safe.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

A typical day is visiting sites and supporting the managers with any challenges they may have. The support visits are varied which makes no two days the same. One day I could be reviewing manual handling activities in a site, and another I could be mentoring a safety champion on how they can reduce incidents by completing hazard spotting exercises.

How has your role evolved since you joined the company? Have there been any significant changes or growth opportunities?

Every day is a new opportunity to keep our teams safe and add value to our great safety culture. The most significant change is the identification of dedicated Safety Champions for every site within our business. These safety champions are an important support and link between the site manager and key safety messages from myself. 

What is one thing few people know about you? 

I am an avid Strictly fan. In a previous life, I competed in dancing competitions all over the country including the infamous Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

What’s your favourite spot in London and why? 

Anywhere near the river. I love watching the ebb and flow of the water as it flows.

As you look ahead, do you have any particular plans or aspirations for the future?

To continue to improve on our great safety culture so our teams continue to act safely, independent of management. To continue to be seen as someone who guides and supports our managers and teams in all things safety.