Being a Health and Safety Director at AtkinsRéalis
We conducted a short interview with Mark Warrington, Regional Health and Safety Director at AtkinsRéalis .
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have recently rejoined AtkinsRéalis after leaving in 2019. I've been in the region for nearly 18 years with my wife and 2 children. I have a dog and enjoy walking and keeping fit.
Tell us about your career journey.
I started out in health and safety in 1995, working for a consultancy in the UK. I'd previously worked in construction, so I understood the industry. I'm also very people focused, so when the opportunity came up to move into a full-time health and safety role, I didn't give it a second thought. I spent about 10 years working in the UK in HSE, where my last project was Wembley Stadium.
What is the role of an HSE director?
The HSE director maintains oversight of the HSE program, ensuring that the necessary systems and procedures are in place to safeguard people and the business. The role of the HSE Director is strategic, looking ahead and planning for improvement. The principles of HSE management are aligned with the way that quality is managed, so the HSE director plans, gets the approval of the business, and then supports implementation through the business leadership. There are lots of other aspects to the role, but in summary, it is all about planning, managing risk, driving improvement, and keeping everyone safe. One of the reasons I rejoined the company is the fact that I know we are a people-focused business and we take HSE seriously.
What is a typical day like for a HSE director?
There is no such thing as a typical day in my opinion. Maybe that's why I like the role so much. The work is very varied and can involve traveling throughout the region. I spend quite a bit of time in the office and the rest of the time in other regional offices and supporting project teams. I like how flexible my job is, as well as how busy it is all the time.
What's the best thing about being a HSE director?
For me, it's the people and the engagement I have with so many different people across the business. I'm also driven to make a difference, and I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that I've been involved in improving working conditions and people's general wellbeing.
What has been the most difficult aspect of your career?
Turning words into action We often use the phrase "walk the talk," and I guess this sums it up. Most companies will say that HSE is important, but their actions don't support this. Another challenge is the widespread use of lagging indicators within industry to measure HSE performance. All too often, companies measure their safety performance on incident rates. The absence of incidents does not necessarily mean you are doing a good job at HSE. At AtkinsRéalis , we use a wide selection of leading HSE indicators, which allows us to promote all the good things that are being done across the business to improve HSE.
What advice could you give to other senior leaders?
not to underestimate the effect that you have on people. Staff will generally look up to their manager and aspire to be more like them. Of course, setting a good example is important, but a short conversation on HSE asking about HSE challenges and supporting staff on an HSE issue sends a powerful message. I'd encourage all our leaders to talk more about HSE and ask questions. be inquisitive and show that they care. We're all hoping to get home safely.
I've been in full-time HSE for nearly 30 years now, and when I started, I asked an experienced colleague for some advice. He replied, "Remember safety is a journey, not a destination." At the time, I understood what they meant but didn't get it. Today, it's much clearer that we are all on a journey, and only by working together can we keep improving health and safety and engineer a better future for our planet and its people.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/07/2025
Summary
Hello, my name is Manali, and I work at AtkinsRéalis at the Global Technology Centre (GTC) in India. This International Women's Day, I want to tell you about my career journey, which has been as

by
Akash Kumar
.jpg)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/06/2025
Summary
The state of the UK water industry Water is the foundation of life. It sustains communities, powers industries, and supports ecosystems—but across the world, this critical resource is under increa
.jpg)
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/06/2025
Summary
What are social value jobs? Social value jobs aren’t just roles with ‘social value’ in the title—they’re careers that make a tangible impact on communities, the environment, and society as a whole
.png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/05/2025
Summary
Hi, my name is Britty. I'm a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager based in Bengaluru. I have over seven years of engineering experience in the water and wastewater industry and work in the Gl

by
Akash Kumar

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
The importance of job satisfaction can’t be understated. When we work in a great place, we do our job with a smile. At AtkinsRéalis, we’re committed to being the best place in the Middle East for impa
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
Civil engineering jobs in the Middle East are among the most in demand and exciting opportunities in the industry. Backed by ambitious sustainability goals and mega-projects like NEOM, the growth

Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
Snippet title Lire en français Mechanical engineering jobs in Canada are in higher demand than ever. With technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability in the industry

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
Being a woman is still seen as a disqualification for many professions, even today, especially in male-dominated fields like civil and mechanical engineering. Motherhood adds another layer of re

by
Akash Kumar

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/25/2025
Summary
Hello, I'm Justin. As Associate Director of Project and Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis, I work on complex projects in the highways and infrastructure sectors whilst also leading a team of peo
Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/12/2025
Summary
Snippet title Lire en français Engineering has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but this dynamic is steadily changing. Women are breaking barriers and excelling in STEM careers

Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
Snippet title Lire en français Meet Benisa, a resilient and dedicated professional at AtkinsRéalis. Her career journey showcases growth and the impact of an inclusive work culture. Overcom

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we’re incredibly proud to be part of the UK’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The transformation required is massive, touching every corner of our economy—fr
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Abu Dhabi
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Quantity surveying
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Abu Dhabi
Description
AtkinsRealis are looking for a Quantity Surveyor - Commercial towers in Abu Dhabi, UAE. About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is
Reference
R-128407
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
Key Performance Indicators:The Director - Building Design shall provide leadership, direction and oversee technical excellence associated with the E&D - Building Design Capability (as part of the E&D
Reference
R-128027
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
The Market Director – Leisure & Entertainment shall develop and oversee all service delivery, inclusive of win work, client management and delivery of services for clients & projects for the Leisure &
Reference
R-127973
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Dubai
Description
The Market Director – Residential & Hospitality shall develop and oversee all service delivery, inclusive of win work, client management and delivery of services for clients & projects for the Residen
Reference
R-127971
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Dubai
Description
The Market Lead – Industrial, shall develop and oversee all service delivery, inclusive of win work, client management and delivery of services for clients & projects for the Industrial Market for the
Reference
R-127967
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Architecture
Market
Cities & development
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a be
Reference
R-127948
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Health & safety
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Senior HSQE Manager, in Riyadh, KSA.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class enginee
Reference
R-127901
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Cities & development
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Senior tunnel engineer in Tabuk, KSA.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engine
Reference
R-127611
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Transport planning
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a be
Reference
R-127589
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Operations & maintenance
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a bet
Reference
R-127373
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more