Senior Health & Safety and CDM Consultant
Chartered across four professional institutions, with director-level experience embedding Principal Designer services and building safety advisory across the construction sector.
Susan Jeff is a senior health and safety and CDM consultant holding chartered status across four professional institutions: CMIOSH, MCIOB, CMaPs, and CABE (holding both C.Build E and MCABE designations). She advises construction clients, developers, and design teams on CDM 2015 compliance, Principal Designer duties, and building safety — bringing both technical depth and strategic leadership to the projects and organisations she works with.
Susan's expertise spans the full spectrum of construction health and safety practice. She has extensive experience designing and embedding Principal Designer services within multidisciplinary consultancies, advising on compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022, and developing health and safety management systems aligned to ISO 45001. She is equally at home advising at board level on governance and culture as she is working directly with design teams on practical risk management.
Susan's most significant project credential is her role as Lead Principal Designer at BDP on the Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal Programme — one of the most complex and high-profile construction undertakings in the UK. Managing design risk on a Category 1 listed heritage asset in continuous parliamentary occupation demanded an unusually high degree of technical skill, stakeholder management, and judgement. Beyond Westminster, she has led health and safety functions across a wide range of sectors including commercial, residential, education, and heritage, and has held director and associate director level positions shaping H&S strategy across multidisciplinary practices.
Susan is an active contributor to industry discourse on evolving CDM and building safety practice. She has spoken at CPD events and professional panels — including sessions at Spitalfields — and has authored commentary on Principal Designer duties and the implications of the Building Safety Act for design teams and duty holders. She brings the same clarity and directness to industry engagement as she does to her consultancy work.
Career History
- Nov 2025 – PresentDirector of Health and Safety Harris Associates UK
Leads health and safety governance across a multidisciplinary consultancy delivering Principal Designer and building safety advisory services, with a focus on practical, risk-led delivery. Advises clients and design teams on their duties under CDM 2015, supporting the integration of risk management into design and pre-construction, including alignment with the Building Safety Act 2022 and Building Regulations 2010 (as amended). Drives organisational competence and health and safety systems aligned with ISO 45001 principles.
- Nov 2024 – Nov 2025Associate Director – Head of Health and Safety Earl Kendrick Project and Building Consultancy
Led the health and safety function across a multidisciplinary consultancy, strengthening and embedding the delivery of Principal Designer and building safety advisory services. Provided departmental oversight in applying CDM 2015 and the Building Safety Act 2022. Established practical, risk-led health and safety systems aligned with ISO 45001. Acted as a speaker at CPD events and panel discussions, including sessions at Spitalfields, and authored industry commentary on Principal Designer duties and evolving CDM practice.
- Sep 2024 – Nov 2024Associate Principal Designer BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd)
Led design risk management on the Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal Programme, working within a multidisciplinary team to manage the complexities of high-risk heritage works. Coordinated design risk across stakeholders within a live operational environment, managing risks associated with intrusive surveys, ageing infrastructure and heritage constraints.
- Aug 2023 – Sep 2024Associate Jackson Coles LLP
During this period, engaged as Sub Consultant / Lead Principal Designer at BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd) on the Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal Programme — a Category 1 listed heritage asset in continuous parliamentary occupation and one of the most complex construction undertakings in the UK.
- Nov 2021 – Aug 2023Senior CDM Consultant Leslie Clark
Delivered CDM Principal Designer services across a range of commercial and mixed-use developments, including Curtain House, One London Wall and Third Space. Advised clients and design teams on their duties under CDM 2015, coordinating design risk management through pre-construction, and worked across multidisciplinary teams on high-profile London projects.
- Dec 2019 – Dec 2021Health and Safety Manager / CDM Client Representative Liberty Ltd
Acted as Health and Safety Manager and CDM Client Representative for Liberty London, overseeing construction risk and CDM compliance on the multi-million pound restoration and refurbishment of the Grade II* listed flagship store on Regent Street — the first major overhaul of the iconic Tudor Revival building in nearly 100 years. Managed complex façade, roof and internal works within a live, publicly occupied environment.
- Oct 2009 – Dec 2019SHEQ Manager / CDM Principal Designer – Client Representative AeroThermal Group
Directed health, safety, environmental and quality management across complex engineering and construction projects, including anaerobic digestion and autoclave installations across the UK. Acted as Principal Designer and Client Advisor under CDM 2015, embedding risk management from concept design through to commissioning. Led the development of integrated management systems, achieving ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification.
- Feb 2008 – Jul 2009Compliance Manager Drydocks World, Dubai
Formed part of the senior management team during the establishment of Palm Marine Yacht Services. Acted as Compliance Manager and Inspector within a major maritime construction and engineering operation with a workforce of over 15,000 employees and 10,000 contractors. Implemented management systems aligned with OHSAS 18001 and ISO 9001, maintaining compliance with British Safety Council standards, including the Sword of Honour.
- Jan 2000 – Jan 2008Group Health & Safety Manager Salterns Marina Ltd
Directed health, safety and environmental management across marina operations and marine engineering works, including breakwater maintenance, tidal construction and cathodic protection systems within a live coastal environment. Achieved and maintained the Yacht Harbour Association 5 Gold Anchor Award and the Blue Flag Award.
Chartered across four institutions
- CMIOSHIOSH
Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
The principal UK professional body for health and safety practitioners. Chartered membership demonstrates competence, professionalism, and ongoing CPD commitment in occupational safety and health.
- MCIOBCIOB
Member of the Chartered Institute of Building
One of the oldest and most respected chartered bodies in the construction industry. Membership signals deep understanding of construction management, procurement, and project delivery.
- C.Build E · MCABECABE
Chartered Building Engineer & Member of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers
Susan holds two designations from CABE — the Chartered Building Engineer (C.Build E) designation and Member status (MCABE), reflecting advanced technical competence across building engineering practice, design, construction technology, compliance, and project management.
- CMaPsAPS
Chartered Member of the Association for Project Safety
The lead professional body for health and safety in design and pre-construction. Chartered membership demonstrates specialist competence in CDM duty holder roles including Principal Designer.
Ready to discuss your project?
Available for appointment as Principal Designer, health and safety adviser, or on a retained consultancy basis.