Julia Cheung

As the Acting Director of Safety Services at the University of Manchester, I lead the development and implementation of H&S strategies, overseeing all aspects of H&S management across one of the largest and most complex universities in the UK.

By recognising the demands of an ambitious, research-intensive institution with a diverse risk profile, I take a balanced approach to applying legislative requirements and sector-specific guidance. This ensures legal robustness and operationally practicality, thus enabling innovation, enhancing productivity and fostering a positive safety culture.

My roles as an Executive Board Member of USHA, a member of the USHA North West Regional Group and a member of ISTR, all provide valuable opportunities to collaborate with sector colleagues. This enables the shaping of strategies, development of initiatives and sharing of best practices.

In my previous position as the Faculty Safety, Compliance & Risk Manager, I was involved in a very exciting 7 year, £500M+ Engineering Campus Development project, which is now a successfully established workplace for over 6500 students and 1200 staff. This new 76,000m2 building is providing amazing research, teaching and public engagement opportunities.

In addition, I have over 12 years of experience working in a laboratory environment, conducting technical procedures, managing scientific data, contributing to high impact publications and presenting findings at international conferences.