10/02/2026
We thought we would share some market observations Insights today from the team at HSE Recruitment Network.
The first few weeks of 2026 have been a strong start for the Health and Safety world, and it’s already clear that the momentum built through late 2025 is continuing to gather pace. All of the conversations that we have been having in the last 4 weeks with clients, candidates, and industry leaders, all tell the same story, that organisations are taking a proactive, strategic approach to safety resourcing this year.
From a recruitment perspective, there’s definitely a marked shift towards specialist skillsets. We’ve seen significant demand for Human Factors professionals, Industrial and Occupational Hygienists, and roles centred around HOP (Human and Organisational Performance) principles for example. These disciplines have moved from “nice to have” areas of expertise to core capabilities for many of our clients, which is a real reflection of the maturing way that safety is being viewed, as a business enabler, not just a compliance function.
Alongside this, there’s been a noticeable increase in Regional and site based roles. Many businesses are strengthening their safety teams, ensuring that operational support is embedded closer to where it’s needed rather than as a centralised function. This hands‑on approach is helping to bridge the gap between strategy and on‑site decision‑making, which ultimately drives more consistent performance and impact. For professionals who want to make a tangible difference on the ground, these roles represent fantastic opportunities.
As for remuneration, things have remained steady so far. As you may have seen in our recently released Remuneration report, salaries have stabilised across the industry, with organisations focusing on creating value through development, flexibility, and retention rather than broad pay inflation. In other words, it’s not about paying more but about appreciating staff and demonstrating value through enhanced packages.
What’s really encouraging, though (continued in comments)
