Maria Anderson, a health and safety professional, has built her career path from her native Colombia to the heart of Cambridge England. Armed with a background in chemical engineering, specialising in plastics and polymers, Maria initially planned to contribute to Colombia’s petrochemical industry. However, fate intervened when she travelled to the UK to improve her English. There, she discovered her passion for health and safety while working as a laboratory manager.

Maria’s journey took her through rigorous NEBOSH qualifications, including the National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and the National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. These certifications propelled her into roles as a consultant and trainer. Her expertise expanded further with additional qualifications in fire safety and risk management, construction health and safety, as well as wellbeing, mental health and leadership.

Her pivotal role as the health and safety manager at the British Museum exposed her to unique challenges—managing safety for millions of visitors, handling risks associated with diverse exhibits (from asbestos to poisonous arrows) and navigating complex organisational dynamics. After four fulfilling years, Maria sought a new challenge and found it as the Global Head of Health, Safety, and Wellbeing at Cambridge University Press & Assessment. In this role, she focuses on shaping the health aspect of health and safety, influencing global strategy, and creating a resilient workplace that thrives in our ever-evolving context. Maria’s journey exemplifies dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to making workplaces safer and healthier for all.