Meet Desta, Lead Auditor at RSSB

Meet Desta Omar, a lead auditor with RISQS’ auditing team at the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB).

Desta's journey into the realm of assurance began as a project officer for a local authority’s Central Transport Services, where involvement in transformative projects ignited a passion for ensuring safety and quality standards.

 

 

How did you get into assurance?

My career in assurance began as a project officer for a local authority’s Central Transport Services as part of a larger transformational change project. The transport function held ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications, and I became involved in retention of these and maintenance of the management systems that underpin them. I realised I had a real passion for making sure everyone went home safely at the end of the day. 

I achieved the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health General Certificate in 2013 and self-funded my ISO 14001 lead auditor qualification. As the project lead for transition from OHSAS18001 to ISO45001, I completed the ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Occupational Health & Management Systems qualification in October 2019. 

I have worked in various assurance roles across a range of industries including transport, legionella testing, and utilities.

Why RSSB?

Becoming a lead auditor at RSSB was a career goal which I am delighted to have achieved, because working for an organisation with the clear objective of making rail safer is a dream come true. I know the work we do is important, which is extremely rewarding. 

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

The best thing about my role is getting out and meeting the vast range of suppliers helping to keep our railway running. Prior to joining RSSB I had little appreciation of the scale of rail’s supply chain. I learn something new every day and feel proud to be representing RSSB to assure the quality, health, safety, and environmental compliance of the supplier network.

What are your possible career opportunities?

In the future I would like to get into consultancy as continual improvement is what really drives me and where I think my skillset is strongest. I also like working with people and enjoy project and collaborative work, so feel like consultancy will be a natural progression for me.

What skills have you developed at RSSB?

I have developed the skill of comprehensive listening while typing detailed notes! 

I think my confidence has increased since joining RSSB because of the stellar team behind me. Knowing you are supported and valued makes a huge difference in the approach you take at work, and has really helped empower me in my role.

Key achievements / successes at RSSB or Career highlights at RSSB?

I am keen to keep developing my professional skills and am about to embark on the IOSH Chartered Membership journey.

 

Find out more about working at RSSB

Explore current career opportunities at RSSB