2024 was an incredible year for ACT’s learners, with plenty of outstanding achievements. Among these success stories is Christine Spencer, who achieved her NEBOSH Diploma within just eight months. Her achievement was celebrated at the 2024 NEBOSH Graduation Ceremony, where ACT were front and centre to cheer her one as she walked across the stage. We caught up with Christine after the ceremony to find out more about her journey to the NEBOSH Diploma and her plans for the future.

Congratulations Christine! What made you choose the NEBOSH Diploma?

I had already completed the NEBOSH General, Fire, and Construction certificates which I had used in my previous employment of 25 years, but after starting a new role with a local health and safety company I became disheartened by the focus on ‘time is money’ and that was not what I expected.

I decided I needed to expand my knowledge and try and make a difference elsewhere.

What is your current job role and what does it involve?

As a self-employed consultant, I work with various clients all over the world – America, China, India, Europe and the UK.

How do you plan to use your NEBOSH Diploma knowledge in your day-to-day responsibilities within your role?

By applying the skills and insights I have gained form the Diploma Course, I can be more efficient and effective in sharing my knowledge and helping others.

What advice would you give others considering starting their Diploma?

Ensure you set a regular study time and stick to it, it’s far too easy to say, ‘I will do it tomorrow’ and make sure your employer understands you will need study time and what benefits it will provide to their organisation.

How did you approach your assessments, and did your approach change at all as you took each assessment?

On my very first assessment, I went straight in, head down, writing all sorts but when I finished it and went back and read through it, I realised that I had not read the question properly and written everything but the right answer – on other questions I had provided far too much information and repeated myself over and over.  From then on, I learned a valuable lesson in sitting and reading through the questions, making mini notes about key items that needed to be in the answer as I read through each question.

What were some of the challenges you faced in your studies?

Not having my employers backing, working 40 hours a week and looking after my grandchildren in the evenings and every other weekend, left me tired and with little time to study.

How did you approach the balance of your career, your studies, and your personal life?

Not very well in the first few months, mostly due to life in general, I felt drained but I changed employer and established a routine which allowed me to study any evening if I wanted to.  

What do you hope to have achieved in the next 5 years?

For the past 12 months I have been self-employed and am providing consultancy to some large international companies and some smaller local companies in a variety of industries.  My customers are coming back time after time, and all of them have referenced how much of a difference I make to their organisations.

I wish to continue to aid people and companies in being safe as they can be, in whatever they do.

Do you have any final thoughts to share on your journey?

Each challenge has been an opportunity to expand my understanding and embrace new perspectives.  The Diploma journey has equipped me with insights and skills and confidence that I can make a difference.

Start your journey towards the NEBOSH Diploma

The NEBOSH Diploma is an advanced qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, and can be used as an entryway to selected Postgraduate and Master’s degrees. This makes it the ideal choice for those looking to build a long-term career as a health and safety professional. The NEBOSH Diploma is comprised of three units, that must be completed within a five year window to obtain the full diploma:

• Unit DN1: Know – workplace health and safety principles.
• Unit DN2: Do – controlling workplace health issues.
• Unit DN3: Do – controlling workplace safety issues.

At ACT, we offer classroom and blended learning options, with the freedom to study at your own pace, complete the units in any order, and with flexible payment terms available.

• Visit NEBOSH’s website to find out more about entry requirements for the NEBOSH Diploma
• Study for your NEBOSH Diploma with ACT .

If you’d like to build your health and safety knowledge further, our NEBOSH General Certificate course is a great place to start. It’s designed for anyone looking to develop practical skills and gain a respected qualification in workplace safety. To find out more, get in touch with the ACT team today.