In this edition of Macro People Spotlight, we’re featuring Sally Holdsworth Assistant Health & Safety Manager at Macro. Whether she's supporting operational teams, delivering consultancy projects, or helping clients improve their QHSE performance, Sally is passionate about making a positive difference through Health & Safety. We spoke to Sally about her career journey, the projects that motivate her, and what makes Macro such a rewarding place to work.

Introducing Sally

What's your role at Macro?

I have a dual role within the QHSE team, providing internal Health & Safety support across a diverse portfolio of client accounts while also delivering external consultancy services to organisations looking to strengthen their Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) arrangements. Internally, I support operational teams with compliance assurance, auditing, risk management, incident investigations and performance monitoring. Alongside this, I work directly with consultancy clients to undertake gap analyses, develop and improve management systems, provide strategic advice and identify opportunities for continual improvement and operational excellence.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There isn't really a typical day, which is one of the things I enjoy most about my role. Every day is different depending on the needs of the accounts I support and the consultancy projects I'm working on. On any given day, I might be reviewing risk assessments and contractor documentation, investigating incidents, analysing performance data or supporting operational teams with Health & Safety advice.

I also spend time undertaking compliance and gap analyses, preparing reports and presentations, and working with clients to identify practical improvements that enhance both compliance and overall performance. The variety keeps the role interesting, and no two days are ever quite the same.

Tell us about a recent project or piece of work you’ve done that you are proud of

A recent consultancy project I'm particularly proud of has involved supporting a specialist quantum physics laboratory with reviewing and strengthening its Health & Safety arrangements. What made this project particularly rewarding was being able to combine my scientific background with my Health & Safety expertise.

Rather than applying generic controls, I took the time to understand the research activities, equipment and associated hazards, including cryogenic systems, high magnetic fields, compressed gases and specialist laboratory processes.

Whilst working with the laboratory team, I've been developing risk assessments, reviewing control measures and carrying out a detailed compliance review to ensure the safety arrangements are both practical and proportionate to the work being undertaken.

I really enjoy projects like this because they allow me to bridge the gap between science and Health & Safety.

What do you enjoy most about working in facilities management?

What I enjoy most about working in facilities management is the variety. No two days are the same, and every client, site and project brings its own challenges. I also enjoy the opportunity to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Facilities management touches almost every part of an organisation, so you get to collaborate with operational teams, contractors, senior leaders and clients, all with different perspectives and expertise. Most importantly, I enjoy knowing that the work I do has a real impact. It's rewarding to see the positive difference that good Health & Safety can make to both organisations and the people who work within them.

What’s the best thing about working for Macro?

The people. From the day I joined, everyone has been incredibly supportive, approachable and always willing to share their knowledge and experience. It's a collaborative environment where people genuinely want to help each other succeed.

I also really value the variety of opportunities available. I've been able to support a wide range of client accounts, get involved in consultancy projects, contribute to award-winning initiatives and work with colleagues across different countries and disciplines. It's a role that continually challenges me and gives me the opportunity to keep learning and developing.

Words of advice for someone starting their career in facilities management

Be curious and take every opportunity to learn. Facilities management is such a broad and varied industry, so don't be afraid to ask questions, get involved in different projects and learn from the people around you.

I'd also say to build relationships. Success in facilities management is all about working with people, whether that's clients, contractors or colleagues. Good communication, collaboration and being approachable are just as important as having technical knowledge.

A fun fact about you

I thrive on being busy and always seem to have several things on the go at once. Whether it's work projects, travelling or family events, you'll usually find everything colour-coded and carefully planned in a shared calendar. The only thing I'm more organised about is making sure there's always time for a cup of Yorkshire Tea!