The Safety Department

About Us

About the Safety Department

At The Safety Department, we pride ourselves on our deep understanding of the unique needs of each client. Over the years, our ability to adapt and develop tailored safety systems and procedures has earned us the trust and praise of both long-standing and new clients alike.

Our team of highly experienced consultants is recognised for their practical, sensible, and legally compliant approach to even the most complex safety challenges. We are dedicated to providing effective, industry-specific solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of your workforce, no matter the demands of your business.

Our Team of Experts

Laurence Davis

Managing Director, Principal Designer, Chartered Safety & Health Practitioner

Laurence Davis is a seasoned leader and chartered safety and health practitioner with over 25 years of experience. As the founder and Managing Director of The Safety Department Ltd, he has led successful health and safety consulting across various industries like construction, healthcare, and energy.

With a background that combines hands-on and senior-level project management, he offers practical, results-oriented health and safety solutions, specializing in complex safety strategies and compliance with ISO and CDM regulations. Recognized as a Chartered Member of IOSH and a Fellow of IIRSM, Laurence has managed large-scale safety operations, including high-profile projects like the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. Additionally, he is active as a mentor and business coach, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and community engagement.

Jacob Davis

Director

Jacob Davis is a results-oriented health and safety professional and the Operations Director at The Safety Department Ltd.

With a civil engineering background and experience across construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality, he specializes in tailored health and safety solutions, including management systems, risk assessment, and compliance. As a Principal Designer and Temporary Works Coordinator, he ensures safety integration at all project stages. Jacob oversees recruitment, training, and daily operations, promoting smooth service delivery. His leadership, regulatory knowledge, and commitment to safety excellence make him instrumental in fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement for clients.

Viktoria Matuska

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Viktoria Matuska joined The Safety Department Ltd in July 2024 as a Business Administrator and Executive Assistant to the Principal Design Team. With a background in sales, events management, and customer service, she excels in coordinating daily operations and supporting the design team. Known for her attention to detail, time management, and solution-focused approach, Viktoria ensures efficient project execution and high-quality client service. Fluent in English, Hungarian, and Russian, she facilitates smooth communication across teams. Her experience in high-pressure roles at Marriott International and Budapest Airport has strengthened her capacity to manage complex tasks effectively, making her a valuable asset to the team.

Nicolle Leachman

FINANCE MANAGER

Nicolle Leachman, Finance Manager at The Safety Department, has been with the company since its founding in 2010. With over a decade of experience in health and safety consultancy, Nicolle brings a deep understanding of both client needs and the operational requirements that drive successful projects. In her role as Finance Manager, she oversees financial operations, budgeting, and performance reporting, ensuring the company’s resources are managed efficiently and sustainably. Nicolle’s strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence continue to support The Safety Department’s growth and client success. Her background in client services gives her a unique perspective, allowing her to align financial strategy with client satisfaction and long-term business goals.

Darren Osborne

Health & Safety Consultant, Associate

Darren Osborne, a Health & Safety Consultant at The Safety Department Ltd, has over 25 years of experience in the health and safety sector, rooted in his background in construction, where he progressed from a trade operative to Project Manager.

His extensive expertise enables him to deliver practical, effective solutions in health, safety, and fire safety compliance. Collaborating with strategic consultants, Darren ensures that safety practices align with ISO 45001 standards, providing clients with robust support to achieve high standards in safety management.

Natasha Oakley

Associate Health and Safety Advisor

Natasha Oakley is an Associate Health and Safety Advisor at The Safety Department Ltd, with expertise in health, safety, and behavioural science.

She has a diverse background in consultancy and corporate roles across industries like construction and property risk management. As a Chartered Health and Safety Professional (CMIOSH) with NEBOSH Construction and NVQ Level 5 certifications, Natasha is passionate about enhancing workplace safety and efficiency. She specializes in behavioural safety, promoting innovation, and coaching teams toward safety excellence, making her a valuable resource for clients and colleagues alike.

Andrew Clements

Principal Designer

Andrew has over 25 years of hands-on experience in construction and design. He’s worked his way up from the workshop floor to leading design and safety teams on complex projects across the UK and beyond. With a strong background in building control, CDM, and BIM, Andrew knows how to spot risks early and keep projects on track. He’s practical, approachable, and always ready to roll up his sleeves to find the right solution. When he’s not managing design risks, you’ll find him road cycling, paddleboarding, or spending time with his family.

Sophie Power

Health & Safety advisor

Sophie Power joined The Safety Department in August 2025, bringing over seven years of health and safety experience across sectors including rail, housebuilding, tunnelling, and civil engineering. She has advised project teams on complex safety requirements and as a mental health first aider she is a strong advocate of behavioural safety and training.

Sophie adapts her knowledge to meet the needs of each organisation and individual, combining attention to detail with a practical approach. Her expertise has supported clients in achieving SSIP accreditations and in managing incidents and accidents ranging from minor issues to RIDDOR-reportable events.

 

Stephen Wright

Health and Safety Advisor

Stephen Wright joined The Safety Department Ltd in March 2024 as a Health and Safety Advisor. Since joining, he has conducted numerous site inspections and audits across a wide range of clients, including office refurbishments, new NHS facilities, and high-profile construction projects such as Great Ormond Street Hospital and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. His background in mechanical engineering and extensive work with principal contractors like Kier and Mace have provided him with a solid foundation in managing health and safety challenges in complex environments.

Stephen is particularly skilled in hazard perception, problem solving, and providing practical, reasonable solutions to construction professionals and teams. His ability to identify risks and implement effective safety measures ensures that all projects comply with industry standards and maintain the highest levels of safety. Stephen’s proactive approach and collaborative nature make him an essential part of The Safety Department team, helping clients navigate and mitigate potential risks effectively.

Jordan Fredericks

Marketing Manager

Jordan manages our marketing strategies building brand awareness and nurturing community engagement which are key to keeping The Safety Department closely connected with our clients and industry experts.  Ensuring sustained success across a variety of platforms approach not only amplifies our online presence but solidifies our standing as a trusted thought leader in health and safety consultancy.

Libby Cleary

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

Libby provides essential administrative and marketing support for The Safety Department. She has a strong background in organisation and communication, and a growing knowledge of the health and safety industry. Her knowledge and support is key to the operation of our business.