Meet the new recruit…

Wesley Matthews

HSE Officer, Jersey

When did you join us?

I remember it well, 30th January was the day!

How would you summarise your role?

I wear a Hi-Vis and tell people to ‘stop being so unsafe’! Also, I organise safety training and ensure that we all comply with the company’s Health & Safety policies and procedures.

What did you do before?

Before this I worked at an Animal Charity in East Sussex, but I wasn’t one of the people who looked after the animals. I looked after the people who look after the animals, I was the HR & Operations Assistant there.

Why did you apply?

Honestly, the role was really intriguing to me. I liked the thought of moving to a new part of the world (I know Jersey is still UK, but it genuinely has a very different feel to the mainland) and it was, and is, a chance to push myself to learn and gain more experience in Health and Safety in the agriculture sector.

What attracted you to a move to Jersey?

I was a really big Bergerac fan!! (Some people may have to google that!?) I had never been to Jersey before but had heard nothing but good things about the island and the people and I was ready for a change.

How have you found it so far?

Yes, finding things on Jersey has been one of the hardest things for me! Despite the fact that the island is only 5 miles by 9 miles it has a very complicated and convoluted road network. But with regards to settling in, the team here have been really helpful (and patient!) and made me feel very welcome. So far, it’s been great.

Favourite holiday resort?

I keep going back to the same resort in Mallorca - Cala Millor - over the last few years because I have friends over there. But I am a big fan of Mexico for its food, drinks and people. I have just realised that ‘Mexico’ isn’t a resort so I will be more specific and say Cancun, Mexico.

Favourite Food?

I feel under some pressure to say Jersey Royal Potatoes!!

Favourite band/singer?

I don’t have a specific and I think this might mean that I am getting old, but I prefer a lot of older music now, love a bit of 80’s/90’s.

Hobbies?

I enjoy cooking, eating, keeping fit (when I can convince myself to move – which isn’t often!), watching sport and reading.

Funky fact about you?

It’s not particularly ‘funky’ but, truth be told I don’t think I have ever actually tried a Jersey Royal Potato!? * But if that isn’t funky enough for you, many, many years ago when I had all my hair and lived abroad, I used to do a turn as a Ronan Keating tribute. Sadly, and unsurprisingly, there isn’t much call for that anymore, so I now do Health & Safety!

*Editor’s note: by the time this is published you will have…