Article 6 October 2026

Insights Interview: From Insight to Action

Interview with Mariane Merchiori on Turning Compliance into Confidence

1. Tell us about your role and the areas you specialise in.

As a QHSE Business Partner with Mitie Ireland, I support clients across a range of sectors to improve health and safety and reduce workplace risks. A large part of my role involves carrying out audits, reviewing compliance requirements, supporting contractor management and working with site teams to improve standards and reduce risk. I work closely with both our operational teams and clients to make sure compliance requirements are implemented effectively and maintained in day to day operations.

2. Why is turning compliance into confidence so important for our clients right now?

There is a lot for organisations to keep on top of, from changing legislation and compliance requirements to day-to-day operational pressures. Having policies and documents in place is important, but confidence comes from knowing those controls are actually working in practice. When organisations take a proactive approach, they can identify issues early, reduce risk and create safer, more resilient workplaces.

3. What are the biggest challenges you see in this area day-to-day?

One of the biggest challenges is turning compliance requirements into practical actions that can be consistently applied on site. Many organisations already have procedures in place, but maintaining standards across multiple sites, contractors and teams can be challenging. Keeping compliance visible and a priority while balancing day-to-day operations is often where the real challenge lies.

4. How do you and your team approach these challenges?

We work closely with our clients to understand how their sites operate and where the main risks and challenges lie. Through audits, inspections, reviews and regular engagement, we help identify gaps and develop practical solutions that work for their environment. Our focus is not just on identifying issues but on helping clients implement and maintain improvements over the long term.

5. Can you share a recent real-world example where this made a difference?

A good example is when we support projects that require a PSDP under the Construction Regulations. As part of the process, we develop and coordinate the Health & Safety Plan, ensuring that all relevant risks, controls and legal requirements are considered before work begins. It’s not just about producing the documentation; it’s about making sure the required controls are understood, implemented and maintained throughout the project, giving both the client and project teams confidence that the work can be carried out safely and compliantly.

6. What’s one thing you wish more clients understood about this topic?

Compliance is not something that should only be looked at when an audit is due or when an issue arises. The organisations that achieve the best results are those that build compliance into their everyday activities and decision making. When that happens, compliance becomes much easier to manage and helps create a safer, more efficient working environment.

7. What do you enjoy most about your work or what motivates you in this area?

What motivates me most is knowing that the work we do has a real impact on people’s safety and wellbeing. I enjoy working with clients to solve real challenges and helping them create safer, more compliant workplaces. Seeing practical improvements that reduce risk and make a positive difference for people on site is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Read next

See Resource Archive