The role of an Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Officer at Sodexo is vital in ensuring a safe, healthy, and compliant working environment across all operations. This position involves implementing and monitoring health and safety policies, conducting risk assessments, delivering training, and ensuring compliance with UK regulations. Sodexo values EHS Officers who can maintain a proactive safety culture, reduce workplace incidents, and promote sustainability initiatives. The salary for this role typically ranges from £28,000 to £38,000 per annum depending on experience and location, making it an attractive and rewarding career path for safety professionals.
If you’re preparing for a Sodexo Environmental Health & Safety Officer interview, you’re in the right place. Below, I’ve outlined 25 key interview questions along with detailed answers to help you confidently demonstrate your expertise, experience, and suitability for the role. I’ve included a variety of sample questions from simple openers, competency-based questions, to ending queries. We’ll also cover how to use the STAR model effectively, plus essential do’s and don’ts for your interview. With over 25 years of UK-based career coaching experience, I’m here to help you succeed.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is often the opening question. Focus on your professional background related to health and safety, key qualifications, and your passion for maintaining workplace safety.
Example answer:
“I am a certified Environmental Health & Safety Officer with five years’ experience working in facilities management. I’m passionate about promoting safety culture and have successfully implemented risk assessments and training programmes that reduced accidents by 20% in my previous role.”
2. What do you know about Sodexo and our approach to health and safety?
Research is critical. Show your knowledge of Sodexo’s commitment to sustainability and safety excellence.
Example answer:
“Sodexo prides itself on delivering safe, sustainable services while supporting employee wellbeing. I admire how Sodexo integrates environmental responsibility with rigorous health and safety standards across all operations.”
3. How do you stay current with UK health and safety legislation?
Demonstrate continuous professional development and research habits.
Example answer:
“I subscribe to industry newsletters, attend seminars, and regularly review updates from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure compliance with current legislation.”
4. Describe a time you identified a potential health and safety hazard. What action did you take?
Use the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Example answer:
“During a site inspection, I noticed unsecured scaffolding (Situation). My task was to address this immediately. I halted work, informed the site manager, and oversaw the corrective measures. This prevented a potential fall accident (Result).”
5. What experience do you have with risk assessments?
Explain your process and importance of risk evaluations.
Example answer:
“I have conducted numerous risk assessments identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and recommending control measures, ensuring compliance and reducing workplace injuries.”
6. How would you handle non-compliance with safety procedures by a team member?
Demonstrate leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
Example answer:
“I would first speak privately to understand their concerns, reiterate the importance of safety compliance, and offer additional training if needed. Persistent non-compliance would be escalated appropriately.”
7. Can you explain the difference between reactive and proactive safety management?
Show your understanding of safety philosophies.
Example answer:
“Reactive safety management responds after incidents occur, while proactive management anticipates and prevents hazards through regular inspections and training.”
8. What software or tools have you used for reporting and monitoring safety data?
Mention any specific EHS or compliance software like SHE software or similar.
Example answer:
“I’ve used SHE software to track incidents, conduct audits, and generate reports to identify trends and improve safety measures.”
9. How do you promote safety awareness among employees?
Discuss training methods, communication strategies, and engagement activities.
Example answer:
“I organise regular safety briefings, toolbox talks, and interactive training sessions tailored to the team’s needs.”
10. Describe your experience with environmental compliance.
Touch on waste management, pollution control, and sustainability initiatives.
Example answer:
“I’ve coordinated waste segregation programmes and monitored emissions to ensure environmental regulations are met, aligning with company sustainability goals.”
11. How do you prioritise multiple safety issues?
Explain your decision-making process and risk prioritisation.
Example answer:
“I assess the severity and likelihood of risks, prioritising those that pose the greatest harm to people or operations.”
12. Tell me about a successful safety initiative you implemented.
Again, use the STAR model to explain your contribution and impact.
Example answer:
“I launched a near-miss reporting scheme that encouraged staff participation. This increased reporting by 40%, allowing us to address hazards before accidents occurred.”
13. How would you conduct a health and safety audit?
Describe your approach to systematic inspections, documentation, and follow-up.
Example answer:
“I’d prepare an audit checklist based on regulations, inspect facilities thoroughly, interview staff, and provide a detailed report with actionable recommendations.”
14. What steps would you take after a workplace accident?
Demonstrate thorough investigation skills and post-incident procedures.
Example answer:
“I’d secure the scene, interview witnesses, review safety protocols, document findings, and recommend preventive actions.”
15. How do you deal with stress and pressure in this role?
Share coping strategies and professionalism.
Example answer:
“I maintain organisation through prioritising tasks, take short breaks to refocus, and rely on a supportive team when needed.”
16. What certifications do you hold relevant to this role?
Mention NEBOSH, IOSH, or other relevant qualifications.
Example answer:
“I hold a NEBOSH National General Certificate and IOSH Managing Safely certification.”
17. How do you handle training employees resistant to health and safety measures?
Focus on persuasion and communication skills.
Example answer:
“I listen to their concerns, provide clear explanations of risks, and use real-life examples to demonstrate the importance of compliance.”
18. Describe a time when you improved a process related to safety or environmental health.
Use STAR for an impactful story.
Example answer:
“I revamped the chemical storage procedure to reduce spill risks. This resulted in zero incidents for over a year.”
19. How do you measure the success of your health and safety programmes?
Talk about KPIs and metrics.
Example answer:
“I track incident rates, near misses, audit results, and employee feedback to evaluate programme effectiveness.”
20. What would you do if you noticed unsafe behaviour from a senior manager?
Discuss your approach to maintaining integrity and safety.
Example answer:
“I’d address the issue discreetly, reinforcing policies regardless of position, and escalate if necessary to uphold safety standards.”
21. How comfortable are you working independently versus as part of a team?
Show flexibility.
Example answer:
“I’m confident working independently on audits or reports but value collaboration during training and incident investigations.”
22. What role does sustainability play in your approach to health and safety?
Connect environmental stewardship with safety.
Example answer:
“Sustainability reduces environmental risks and aligns with safety by promoting cleaner, safer workplaces.”
23. How do you handle confidential information related to incidents or investigations?
Discuss professionalism and GDPR compliance.
Example answer:
“I strictly adhere to data protection laws, sharing sensitive information only with authorised personnel.”
24. Can you describe how you apply the STAR method in interviews?
Explain how you structure responses clearly and effectively.
Example answer:
“I use Situation to set context, Task to outline objectives, Action to explain what I did, and Result to show the outcome, ensuring concise and impactful answers.”
25. Do you have any questions for us?
Always have questions prepared to demonstrate interest.
Example questions:
“What are the biggest health and safety challenges Sodexo is currently facing?” or “How does Sodexo support ongoing professional development for EHS Officers?”
General Interview Coaching Tips
Remember, preparation is key. Practice answering questions clearly using the STAR model to showcase your skills with evidence. Dress professionally and arrive early to make a strong first impression. Be confident, listen carefully, and keep your answers relevant and positive. Avoid negativity about past employers, and don’t ramble—concise responses are more impactful. Before the interview, research Sodexo thoroughly to tailor your answers. Finally, end with a polite thank you and express your enthusiasm for the role.
If you want to sharpen your skills even further, consider booking an interview coaching session with a seasoned interview coach. Tailored interview training can give you the edge you need to succeed.
Good luck!
