A FOOTBALL scout with Newport County is hoping to net an award for his health and safety work.

Julian Edwards from Abergavenny has been shortlisted for a Wales Care Award for his work making sure health and safety standards are maintained in the care sector.

The health and safety officer and fire safety officer for Q Care Limited, based at Abergavenny, helps ensure a healthy working environment for both staff and users of home care services.

Responsible for 600 staff, his commitment is what has put him in the running for an award in the Social Care Health and Safety category sponsored by Mangar International Ltd.

The awards, in association with Care Forum Wales, will take place on Friday, October 24, at City Hall, Cardiff.

Julian, who in his spare time is also a scout for Newport County and a coach with Llanfoist Juniors FC said: "I was taken aback when I heard I had been nominated for an award.

"I just enjoy the job. I put every effort into playing football and scouting and coaching and I put the same effort into work. It's nice to be appreciated.

"Health and safety is a big responsibility and you have got to be aware of changes in regulations."

Julian has worked in the care sector since 2009 and ensures the company complies with current health and safety, and fire safety legislation, approved codes of practice and guidance in relation to employment and service provision.

He has to advise the directors and managers on the implications of current and future legislation, evaluate options, make recommendations, and generate action plans to ensure compliance across the organisation.

He also has to ensure routine health and safety activities and checks are carried out, such as the testing of portable electrical appliances and review of risk assessments.

In just two years, he's had to undertake at least 20 courses covering a wide range of topics.

Marie Catt, human resources manager, said, "Julian has an in-depth understanding of legislation and has been expanding his knowledge and skills within health and safety.

"He is proactive and positive, for example he believes that risk assessments enable rather than restrict.

"He works closely with staff, managers, directors and social services. His focus is the safety and happiness of everyone within the workplace.

"He is very enthusiastic towards risk assessment."

Next month Julian will be among the cream of the care sector from across Wales invited to a glittering presentation ceremony in Cardiff where the outstanding contribution they make to looking after the vulnerable in society will be recognised.

Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards had gone from strength to strength.

He said: "The event is now firmly established as one of the highlights in the Welsh social care calendar.

"The aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines across Wales.

"The care sector is full of wonderful people because it's not just a job it's a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.

"If you don't recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

"We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce - they deserve to be lauded and applauded.

"It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement."