Richard BateHSE Lead Formula E World Championship Race Series
BSc, PgDip, CMIOSH, FiiRSM, FIA Senior Official
Like so many of us, I found myself working in health and safety via a circuitously route following a career as a paramedic in the NHS. I had worked as an event medic in the events industry alongside my NHS work for many years, sadly ill heath caused me to review my career direction, which in turn lead me back to University. Following graduation, I very consciously focused on the Events Industry, however, my lifelong passion for motorsport as both a competitor and official proved invaluable. I have been lucky to work with BBC Top Gear, the World Rally Championship, Motorsport Vision, London Olympics, Sochi Winter Olympics, Rio Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Rugby Work Cup with periods on tour with bands as varied as Pet Shop Boys, Paul McCartney, Kiss and ACDC. It’s fair to say that I have had a charmed second career.
I took up current position with Formula E World Championship race Series in March 2016 – I was offered my dream job and gained Chartered IOSH status in the same week – the culmination of many years of hard work finally paying off. My role encompasses multiple facets of the business including: staff welfare, planning and permitting, construction safety (CDM), environmental safety, sustainability, fire safety, crowd and public safety, traffic management, logistics, dangerous goods management, buildings and estates, travel, training, legal compliance, corporate governance and sporting safety (FIA). More recently, developing COVID-19 hygiene procedures have taken up a significant amount of my time. I report directly to the Chief People Officer. Formula E is undoubtedly the greatest opportunity of my life and career to date and without question the greatest challenge. Four years into the role – the challenge remains unchanged – if anything, my role has grown and become further integrated into the Championship.