DSTC

 My name is Paul Foster, I am the head of Diligent Safety Training & Consultancy Ltd, recognized as the UK’s Top Occupational Safety and Health Consultancy for 2025.

Let me tell you my story back in 1979, the UK was in turmoil. Margaret Thatcher had just taken office, unemployment was soaring, and the country was grappling with a deep recession. For a young man in West Yorkshire, the future looked bleak. That young man was me, Paul Foster. I decided to take a leap of faith, leaving behind the familiar to seek my fortune overseas. Little did I know, this decision would set me on a path that would define my life’s mission: saving lives through safety.

My journey began in 1980, deep in the unforgiving Sahara Desert, working as a Mechanical Technician for the Arabian Gulf Oil Exploration Company. Imagine this: 500 kilometres of sand dunes in every direction, the only way in or out by aircraft, and safety systems that were, at best, an afterthought. It was a world where survival often depended on your own instincts. Over 31 years, I climbed the ranks, Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor, to Training Consultant, but the risks never left. In 1986, I experienced the U.S. bombing of Benghazi first hand, blown out of bed by a blast that shook the guest house I was staying in. It was a stark reminder of how fragile life can be.

Fast forward to 2011, as Libya descended into civil war. I narrowly escaped the chaos, leaving behind colleagues who had to be airlifted to safety by British gunships.

Jobless but determined, I found myself in Colombia, working on a refinery project with CBI. It was here that I had a life-changing realization. The Piper Alpha disaster of 1988, which claimed 167 lives, mirrored the conditions I had worked under in the desert. It hit me: I had been lucky to survive. This wasn’t just a wake-up call, it was a call to action.

From that moment, I committed myself to mastering health and safety. I pursued knowledge and understanding investing thousands of pounds sterling , and my spare time to gain qualifications, starting with the NEBOSH International Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety, and eventually earning the prestigious NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals. Along the way, I worked in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Oman, and Malaysia, absorbing knowledge, and gaining experience, from industry giants like DOW Chemicals, Saudi Aramco, and Sadara Petrochemical Company Shell Global. Each experience reinforced my belief in the power of preparation, education, and doing things the right way, no matter the cost.

In 2017, I returned to the UK, not just to work but to continue learning. I achieved a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, becoming a Qualified Trainer Learning and Skills professional. Today, as the head of Diligent Safety Training & Consultancy Ltd, recognized as the UK’s Top Occupational Safety and Health Consultancy for 2025, I’m proud to say that my journey has come full circle. I’ve gone from a young man seeking fortune in the desert to a leader dedicated to saving lives and building lasting safety cultures.