Jim Leitch has retired from Northstone and as he has been a member of BuildHealth since its commencement in 2007, members celebrated Jims commitment and contribution to improving Occupation Health in the construction industry over the years. Although Jim has retired he will continue to be an important part of BuildHealth, he has agreed to take on the role of Education Officer for the group. Jim reminisced about the early days of BuildHealth and his work with Delia Skan, Ken Logan and the other BH members who had joined from the beginning.
We would like to wish Jim a very happy retirement and look forward to him remaining part of the group and bringing new ideas and developments improving occupational health for Northern Irelands construction industry.
Jim Leitch – BH Education Officer.
Caroline Hughes BH Chair, Jim Leitch
More about Jim from Northstone:
December marks Jim Leitch’s retirement from Northstone, having joined the company in 1980 as a graduate from Queen’s University, Belfast. As one of BuildHealth NI’s founding members, Jim has been an active member of the initiative, and his input over the years has been invaluable.
Starting out as a management trainee in Farrans Ltd, Jim’s excellent work ethic and commitment to continuous learning saw him undertake two Masters Degrees in HR at Queen’s University, ahead of his appointment to HR Director in 2007. Jim’s dedication to improving occupational health standards and awareness among construction workers within Northern Ireland was honoured in 2012 when he was awarded the MBE for services to Health and Safety NI in 2013.
Speaking about his passion for this role, Jim talks about always being committed to the development of people. “I have really enjoyed working closely with such a wide range of people,” he reflects.
“It has been rewarding both to help employees when they are in need, and also to help them succeed and realise their fullest potential.”
Asked to summarise his time spent at Northstone, Jim is keen to praise the opportunity that he has been given to make a difference. “I genuinely appreciate what the business has done for me,” he says. “It has given me the opportunity to help a lot of other people in my HR capacity and it is precisely that – the people – that I will miss.”
As for the future, it certainly won’t be a case of resting up for Jim, following his retirement.
“I’m continuing with my involvement as a volunteer to the NI Safety Group and Build Health initiative,” he says. “I’m also looking forward to undertaking a degree in Geology – it’s something I’ve always had an interest in and I’m keen to use my retirement time well!”
Enhancing the skillset that he has been able to bring to the HR Director post, Jim has been heavily involved in a wide range of industry groups and boards, including BuildHealth NI, as well as Citywide Employers’ Forum and Construction Cluster in East Belfast which seeks to imbue underprivileged people with self-confidence and improved skills.
Jim has been an asset to BuildHealth over the years and all the members would like to wish him a happy retirement.
