Transitioning into health & safety: Verity Foxall’s story

Verity Foxall’s journey shows how a non-traditional background can still lead to success in health and safety—with the right training provider and a recognised qualification like the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

Though Verity started her career in a law firm as a Senior Receptionist with some Facilities responsibilities, she found herself drawn to workplace safety—a space where her attention to detail and people-focused mindset could shine.

“I had been supporting the Facilities team at my firm for several years and wanted to formalise that experience,” she explains. “Health & Safety is something I care about and wanted to understand properly so I could contribute at a higher level and continue developing professionally.”

In September 2024, Verity completed her NEBOSH General Certificate with Compassa, an ELCAS-approved training provider that specialises in online, video-led delivery.

A Civilian Success Story with Lessons for Service Leavers

While Verity's background may not be military, her story resonates strongly with many veterans. She worked in a high-compliance environment (legal services), supported cross-functional teams, and had no formal safety qualifications before starting the course. But with determination—and the right support—she transitioned into a more senior, risk-based role.

“Since passing the course, I’ve been trusted to lead the review and rewriting of all internal risk assessments across our UK offices. It’s opened up further opportunities to contribute meaningfully to audits, compliance, and sustainability work.”

This kind of transformation is exactly what many Service leavers seek. The NEBOSH NGC is well-respected in both civilian and ex-military circles, and offers a clear path into Health & Safety, Facilities Management, Compliance, or Construction sectors.

Why Compassa Was the Right Fit

Compassa’s learning style stood out to Verity for its clarity and accessibility—something that’s particularly valuable for learners re-entering education after a career in the Armed Forces.

“I started the course with a different provider but really struggled to get my head around the material and started losing confidence. Then I found a video of Will explaining the Hierarchy of Controls, and honestly, it just made sense straight away. That one video gave me hope, so I switched to Compassa and I’m so glad I did.”

“The course structure and delivery style made a huge difference. Will’s video content was superb, clear, engaging, and made a broad and often heavy subject much more accessible (and far less boring!)

Will and the team help you fully grasp and understand the different elements of the syllabus and are great at showing how to apply them to real-life scenarios, which really helps everything click into place.”

Confidence, Career Direction – and New Horizons

One of the most consistent outcomes for learners completing NEBOSH with Compassa—especially those funded by ELCAS—is an increase in self-belief and clarity about next steps.

“Definitely. I feel more confident applying H&S knowledge in real-world scenarios, and I’m comfortable taking ownership of risk-based work. I also feel more assertive in what I can offer, and more prepared for the next step in my career.”

A Strong Recommendation for ELCAS Learners

If you're planning your transition and want a qualification that employers actively value—without the rigidity of classroom schedules—Verity’s advice is clear:

“Absolutely. Whether you’re aiming to move into H&S or broaden your role, this course is incredibly practical, flexible, and well-recognised. It lays a strong foundation and gives you tools you can use immediately.”

Compassa: ELCAS-Approved, Veteran-Friendly, and Designed for Real-World Success

Compassa’s course delivery model is ideally suited to ELCAS learners. It’s fully online, 100% self-paced, and provides lifetime access to the content—no deadlines, no pressure, no risk of “timing out.”

You can begin learning immediately after enrolment and return to the materials as often as needed, even long after you’ve passed the exam. This makes it ideal for those managing transitions, family responsibilities, or resettlement challenges.

With high pass rates, engaging video-based teaching, and a team that genuinely supports its learners, Compassa sets a new standard in NEBOSH training.

If you’re ready to use your ELCAS credits for a course that leads to real career change, Verity’s story shows it’s possible—regardless of where you’re starting from.