Andrew Spencer, EHS Manager at Arcinova, joined us in 2024 with over a decade of pharmaceutical experience. In this blog, Andrew shares insights into building a strong safety culture, reflects on his journey from QC apprentice to Chartered IOSH professional, and highlights what motivates him—from ensuring colleagues’ safety to driving engagement and continuous improvement across the business.
What does an EHS Manager do at Arcinova?
An EHS Manager plays a key role in ensuring an organisation operates safely, responsibly, and in line with environmental and health and safety legislation. The role goes beyond compliance, combining leadership, cultural influence, and hands-on risk management. I work closely with colleagues at all levels of the organisation—from carrying out risk assessments in laboratory areas to briefing senior leaders on emerging risks and business challenges.
For me, it is one of the most rewarding roles on site. It allows you to build strong relationships, truly understand the business, and make a meaningful impact on how safety is embedded in everyday work.
What experience did you have before you worked at Arcinova?
I have been working in the pharmaceutical industry in the North-East of England for over a decade. I began my career as a Quality Control apprentice, which provided me with the opportunity to gain a degree in Analytical Chemistry. During this time, I discovered a passion for health and safety—one that has shaped my career ever since.
As part of my professional development, I completed the NCRQ Diploma in Applied Health and Safety, alongside a range of specialist training courses covering areas such as process safety, occupational hygiene, and business risk. Combined with my practical industry experience, this has enabled me to achieve Chartered membership of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
What attracted you to work at Arcinova?
At first, it was the opportunity to step into a management role that drew me in. But the more I learned about the role and the business, the more I wanted to understand how everything worked and how I could contribute. When I accepted the role at Arcinova, my daughter had just been born. The flexibility the business offered—especially the option to work compressed hours—was a huge deciding factor. Having more days off to spend time with my daughter made the decision an easy one.
What motivates you most in your current position?
Working in health and safety, nothing matters more to me than knowing people go home safe at the end of the day. What keeps me going is the work behind that outcome:
- Great engagement during training
- Seeing colleagues take ownership of improvements
- Creating an environment where people feel comfortable speaking openly
These are the moments that make the role truly rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone applying for a role in your team?
Be open to learning, because no one has all the answers. The most valuable ideas and improvements often come from the people closest to the work. A career in health and safety is a chance to keep learning, growing, and improving every single day.