A Safety Officer plays a crucial role in any transport or operational company, especially at Go-Ahead Group, one of the UK’s leading public transport providers. The role is centred around maintaining health and safety standards, conducting risk assessments, ensuring compliance with legislation, and fostering a culture of safety among employees and passengers. Safety Officers at Go-Ahead typically earn between £25,000 and £35,000 annually, depending on experience and location, making this an appealing career choice for professionals passionate about workplace safety.
If you are preparing for a Safety Officer interview at Go-Ahead, it’s essential to be ready for a variety of questions—from basic introductory queries to complex competency-based scenarios. This guide, drawn from over 25 years of career coaching expertise by Jerry Frempong, will walk you through 25 key interview questions and answers tailored for this role. We’ll also share top interview tips, including how to use the STAR model, do’s and don’ts, and advice on finishing strong.
1. Tell me about yourself.
A classic opener, this question is your chance to introduce your professional background succinctly. Focus on relevant experience in safety management, certifications, and passion for safety culture.
Sample answer: “I have over five years’ experience as a Safety Officer in transport and manufacturing sectors, holding NEBOSH certification. I’m passionate about reducing workplace incidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.”
2. Why do you want to work as a Safety Officer at Go-Ahead?
Show your enthusiasm for the company’s commitment to safety and how your skills align.
Sample answer: “I admire Go-Ahead’s dedication to safe transport and continuous improvement. I want to contribute my expertise in risk assessments to help maintain a safe environment for both employees and passengers.”
Competency questions
3. Describe a time you identified a potential safety hazard and what you did about it.
Use the STAR model here: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Sample answer: “At my previous role, I noticed exposed wiring in a staff area (Situation). My task was to prevent any accidents related to this hazard. I immediately reported the issue, cordoned off the area, and arranged for repairs (Action). This resulted in zero incidents and improved staff safety awareness (Result).”
4. How do you stay updated with health and safety legislation?
Sample answer: “I subscribe to industry newsletters, attend regular training sessions, and am an active member of professional safety bodies, which keeps me informed of any legislative changes.”
5. Can you explain a time when you had to enforce a safety policy that was unpopular?
Sample answer: “At one site, enforcing PPE use was met with resistance. I organised a workshop to explain the risks and benefits, listened to concerns, and demonstrated leadership by consistently wearing PPE myself. Compliance improved significantly.”
6. What risk assessment methods are you familiar with?
Discuss risk matrixes, job safety analysis, and how you adapt approaches for different environments.
7. How do you handle a situation where a colleague is not following safety procedures?
Emphasize communication skills, tact, and consistency in enforcing safety standards.
8. Tell me about a time you improved a safety process.
Show initiative and measurable results.
Using the STAR model:
The STAR model is invaluable for competency questions. Always structure answers as:
Situation: Context or background
Task: Your responsibility
Action: Steps you took
Result: Outcome and impact
This method clearly demonstrates your skills and effectiveness.
9. How do you conduct a safety audit?
Detail preparation, checklists, interviewing staff, reporting, and follow-up.
10. What steps do you take to ensure safety training is effective?
Highlight planning, engaging training methods, and post-training assessments.
11. Describe a time you had to deal with an emergency.
Focus on calm decision-making, communication, and adherence to procedures.
12. How do you promote a safety culture among staff?
Discuss regular communication, recognition of safe behaviours, and inclusive practices.
Ending questions
13. Do you have any questions for us?
Always have insightful questions prepared, such as: “What are the biggest safety challenges Go-Ahead faces currently?” or “How does the company support continuous development for Safety Officers?”
14. What are your salary expectations?
Be realistic, research the market, and align with your experience.
15. How do you prioritize tasks when multiple safety issues arise?
Talk about risk severity assessment, effective time management, and communication.
16. Have you ever had to report a serious safety violation? How did you handle it?
Demonstrate integrity, clear communication, and professionalism.
17. How do you ensure compliance across multiple sites or teams?
Describe systems for monitoring, reporting, and regular visits.
Do’s and Don’ts for your Go-Ahead Safety Officer interview
Do:
Prepare examples using the STAR model
Research Go-Ahead and its safety policies
Dress professionally and arrive early
Be clear and concise
Demonstrate passion for safety and continuous improvement
Don’t:
Avoid vague answers
Don’t speak negatively about past employers
Don’t forget to ask questions
Avoid being defensive or evasive
18. How do you handle feedback, especially critical feedback?
Show openness and willingness to learn.
19. Can you explain the importance of documentation in safety roles?
Discuss legal compliance and effective communication.
20. What safety certifications do you hold?
List NEBOSH, IOSH, or any relevant training.
21. How do you manage stress in high-pressure safety situations?
Mention mindfulness, prioritization, and support systems.
22. Describe a time you collaborated with other departments to improve safety.
Focus on communication and teamwork.
23. How do you handle conflicts about safety priorities?
Discuss negotiation and finding common ground.
24. What motivates you in your role as a Safety Officer?
Express your commitment to protecting people and continuous learning.
25. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Show ambition and desire to grow within Go-Ahead or the safety field.
Interviewing for a Go-Ahead Safety Officer position requires a strong blend of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and a genuine commitment to workplace safety. Remember, preparation is your best asset. Use the STAR model to craft impactful answers, keep a positive and professional attitude, and don’t hesitate to demonstrate your passion for creating safe work environments.
If you want to boost your chances further, consider booking some professional interview training. A seasoned interview coach can help tailor your answers, improve your confidence, and polish your delivery. With over 25 years of experience, I recommend investing in interview coaching — it could be the difference between landing the job and just missing out.
Good luck—you’re more ready than you think!
