60 Seconds with Sarah Sandry

We recently caught up with our Head of Health and Safety Compliance, Sarah Sandry, for our latest ’60-seconds with’.

1. What does your role as Head of Health and Safety Compliance involve?

I provide the internal technical support to ensure the strategic implementation of health and safety practices. My role is to support our Property and Onsite Teams manage health and safety across the developments that we manage. We have one of the largest Health and Safety teams in the industry, meaning we can all focus on different but overlapping areas. I work closely with our Building Safety Team Leader, Rachel Baird, and our Fire Safety Remediation Team Leader, Joe Kenny.

2. What do you like most about your job?

My favourite part about this job is that it so varied and there’s a new challenge for me to tackle every day. The introduction of the Building Safety Act means there has been a lot of change and challenges for the sector over the last five years in terms of needing to comply with the evolving legislation. It’s also meant that the awareness of health and safety matters has heightened, so the work we are doing is much more visible.

Similarly, the post-pandemic work from home legacy means that people now spend much more of the day at home. This is something that we are aware of when managing our presence, and the presence of contractors, on-site in order to balance the resident experience with essential health and safety practices.

3. You’ve recently been promoted. What has your career progression looked like?

I studied Law at university and ultimately realised that I didn’t want a career as a solicitor. Instead, I joined a property management company, initially as in office administration role, before progressing into property management roles. I then joined Rendall & Rittner in 2016 and spent my first 18 months here as a Senior Property Manager. I think that experience has given me a real insight into the day-to-day work of our property managers and means I can tailor my approach to health and safety to ensure that what I’m delivering or suggesting is both compliant and practical on the ground.

Eight years ago, I joined the Health & Safety team as a Health & Safety Compliance Officer. I’d had some exposure to the compliance work we do in my previous roles and think that that really piqued my interest because of my Law background. The fact that the Health & Safety team was expanding was a brilliant opportunity for me, and I’ve enjoyed developing my knowledge and expertise within this area.

4. Do you have any involvement with any areas of the company beyond health and safety compliance?

I’m a trained Mental Health First Aider meaning that any member of the Rendall & Rittner on-site or Head Office teams can contact me if they want someone to talk to. I provide a listening ear and can signpost people towards additional resources and guidance should they need it. I’m also a Co-Chair of our Wellbeing Committee. Formed last year, the committee looks to provide initiatives to Rendall & Rittner staff, like online yoga sessions and gym discounts, that encourage people to switch off from work and take some time to focus on their wellbeing.

5. Who inspires you?

I’m really lucky to work with lots of really strong women who inspire me. Within the Health and Safety team, I’ve worked closely with people like Sue Petri and Vanessa Brandham, watching how they’ve successfully led and shaped this growing team. As a parent, I’m also inspired by those people, both inside and outside of Rendall & Rittner, who are excelling in their careers whilst finding a way to balance work life and family life.

6. What are you most proud of?

Last year, I completed my NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. The qualification requires around 400 hours of taught sessions, private study and assessment, and I’m proud that I was able to complete that whilst working and caring for a family.

Outside of work, I’m also proud that I completed the Couch to 5K plan last year and am now preparing to run my first 10km race in July.

7. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’m an avid reader. Last year I challenged myself to read 65 books and I’m hoping to top that by reading 70 this year. I also enjoy spending family time outside in the garden when the weather is nice.

8. What are you most looking forward to this year?

We’ve organised my daughter’s first trip on an aeroplane this year so I’m looking forward to the excitement of that experience. Career-wise, I’m also looking forward to welcoming a new Health & Safety Manager later this year and seeing how that enables us as a team to provide even greater support for our clients and internal teams.