Ryan Marsh joined Barhale in August 2023 as a Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor. Based in the Eastern Region and working predominantly on Anglian Water’s @one Alliance framework, Ryan’s days are far from routine.

“I’m mostly on site, usually a different one every day,” he explains. “I focus on sites where high-risk activities are taking place, checking that permits are in place, risk assessments are up to standard, and everyone has been properly briefed. There’s the auditing side of the role, but also a lot of support work, for example, helping a Construction Manager plan for upcoming confined space work and coaching site teams.”

From Military Service to Construction Safety

Before joining Barhale, Ryan spent 11 years in the Royal Artillery’s Air Defence Regiment. His decision to leave the military was driven by family.
“I was away for long periods and wanted to spend more time at home,” he says. “Construction felt like a good fit, there are actually a lot of similarities between the military and construction in terms of structure and safety culture.”

Wanting to relocate to Suffolk to be closer to family, Ryan looked for a company that would offer both security and support. “I didn’t want to be the only safety advisor in a business when I was new to the role. Barhale gave me that team environment I was looking for.”

Evolving responsibilities

While the core of Ryan’s role has remained the same, he has gradually taken on more responsibility. “One example is drugs and alcohol testing,” he explains. “We now carry out random monthly testing across sites in the Eastern Region — that wasn’t part of my job when I first started.”

Support and Development

Ryan is quick to credit the people who helped him settle into the role.
“When I started, my line manager was Ray Cogan, who, like me, came from a military background. He was really supportive, checking in weekly. Andy Dodman was also a big help. I’ve had great training too; first aid, confined space, and GS6 overhead line safety.”

Looking ahead, Ryan is aiming for further professional development, with a desire to complete his NEBOSH Diploma and eventually move into a Senior Advisor or Manager role.

Ryan’s line manager, Nicole Badcock adds: “Ryan is a valued and trusted member of the HSEQ team. His days see him primarily working in the @one alliance of which I am privileged to have seen his growth since he joined us in 2023.

Ryan’s time has seen his contribution to overcoming some of the @one Alliance’s biggest challenges such as at West Thurrock – taking it in his stride; he never appears phased.

Calm, composed and consistent, he’s reliable and down-to-earth. I always look forward to our catch-ups, hearing of his experiences and learning how I can support his development as he takes on the next challenge and continues to grow.”

Life Outside of Work

Away from work, Ryan’s time is centred around his young family, two daughters aged 6 and 1 years old and his love of football. “They keep me busy, but I try to play a bit of football once a week.”

For Ryan, the transition from the army to Barhale has been a positive one. “From the very start, the support’s been there,” he says. “It’s been a great environment to learn, develop and build a future.”