Meet Vanessa Milne

Corporate HSEQ Manager

Corporate Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) Manager Vanessa Milne talks about her journey from paramedic to a role where she drives the proactive behaviours that keep our staff safe.

What does an average day at Shell Energy look like for you?

I’m fortunate to work in a fast-paced role focussed on developing and improving safety processes across business units, communicating and consulting with fellow staff. Every day brings its own challenges and rewards.

What attracted you to a role in safety?

As a paramedic, I was always treating the result of accidents and saw the impact that had on the individual directly affected and those around them. I realised I could make a difference in a role that would allow me to influence the way we think about safety and drive the behaviours that help prevent these accidents.

Tell us about some of the tools you’ve developed or supported that contribute to Shell Energy’s safety culture?

I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know and understand the needs of the business and the needs of our people. Active participation by the workforce is key. We’ve introduced a number of new tools and programs to support this and ‘Goal Zero’ ambition. This is our aim, to do no harm to people or the environments in which we operate.

How do you champion staff wellbeing at Shell Energy?

The wellbeing of our people is a priority for Shell Energy. In my role, I engage daily with a wide range of teams and people. As I’m moving through my day, I try to encourage colleagues to think about what wellbeing means for them and their teams and help them to understand the range of support services we have available. I try to be there for anyone in our team who might need some extra support—or just someone to chat to.

What’s one simple thing people can do every day to ensure a safer work environment?

Remember to always focus on who and what is the most important thing or things in your life that you want to get home safely to or for.

How has thinking about safety changed in response to the COVID pandemic?

At no other time can I recall people becoming so aware that it is our own personal responsibility to look after ourselves and those around us.

What’s your favourite thing about working in safety and why would you encourage more women to do it?

I’m passionate about what I do and really enjoy collaborating with people to make a difference. I think as women we can hold ourselves back, especially in male dominated roles. However, this landscape is rapidly changing and I really believe women can provide different and innovative perspectives on safety.

What would you say to someone considering a role at Shell Energy?

Our business that is made up of people who genuinely care about one another and want to support each other. Our people are the key to our success.

What excites you about the future of energy?

Being involved in such a dynamic business which is harnessing new technology to make a positive impact on the environment. That is an absolute win for me!