Paul Greeves

Paul became Managing Director of First Option in 2015 and is now a Partner at ERM, having previously been Head of Safety at the BBC.

He is a former Army Lieutenant Colonel, an MBE and has an MBA from the Open University, an International Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health and is a Graduate member of IOSH. He was a founding member of the standards committee for the National Compliance and Risk Qualification.

Paul is responsible for all First Option’s operations, development and risk management. He is based in London.

James Cox

James joined First Option in 2015. He has an MSc in Environmental and Risk Management and is a Graduate member of IOSH with an NCRQ certificate in applied health and safety. He also has an RSPH Certificate in Asbestos Management and is an Advanced Open Water Diver.

He has extensive experience of TV and film safety support with many notable credits.

James is based in London.

Chris McNally

Chris joined First Option in 2013 from the BBC where he was a safety adviser to drama, entertainmen,t and factual productions.

He has supported productions from all types of programmes during his career. From entertainment shows through to Sports OBs. He has been Deputy Head of Safety since 2018 and now manages a team of 8 consultants, which includes several embedded consultants, as well as overseeing several high-profile shows. He is also a trainer, in particular the presentation of our Senior Managers’ Briefing, and one of the approved trainers for our internal IOSH Production Safety course

He has a BSc in Music, a NEBOSH Diploma, and is a Graduate member of IOSH. As well as extensive safety knowledge and experience across the full range of productions Chris is a specialist in drone filming and studio operations.

Chris is based in London.

Wendy Pelaez

Wendy joined First Option in 2021 from the BBC where she spent 26 years working within Television Studio Production Resources (TSPR), Studio Turnaround and then moving into BBC Safety.

Wendy came to us with 13 years’ experience as BBC Operations Safety Manager. Prior to this, she was Production Safety Advisor, supporting a variety of genres across TV, Radio, Events and Regional News. As well as extensive safety knowledge and experience across the full range of productions, Wendy has a NEBOSH Diploma and is a Graduate member of IOSH.

Wendy is based in London.

Rachael Steele

Rachael joined First Option in 2022 after 7 years with ITV as a senior Health & Safety Risk Advisor.

Originally from Australia, she also has an extensive background working in Australian local and state government authorities as an environmental health officer and advisor.

She is a Chartered Member of IOSH and holds a BSc in Environmental Health, Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Communication and a NEBOSH International General Certificate.

Rachael is based in Northern Ireland.

Rachael Ziemelis-Bates

Rachael joined First Option in 2021 after 6 years at the BBC as a Safety Advisor. Prior to this, she worked as a Safety Advisor in the hotel industry.

Rachael is a Graduate Member of IOSH, holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Health, and has a NEBOSH Diploma. She is a qualified ISO 45001:2018 Internal Auditor and an experienced trainer.

Rachael is based in Staffordshire.

Sal Brecken

Sal joined First Option in 2021. She previously worked at the BBC as a Safety Advisor, was a Regulatory Health and Safety Inspector at HSE, and before that she was a Producer at ITV Tyne Tees.

She has a BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Regulatory Occupational Health and Safety.  She is a Graduate member of IOSH. Sal is responsible for the day-to-day running of First Option’s Advice Line.

Sal is based in the northeast of England.

Zoe Compton

Zoe joined First Option as an apprentice in 2013. She has a BTEC Level 2 NVQ in Business and Administration.

Zoe works as the lead operational planning manager, coordinating the consultants’ support and training programmes.

Zoe is based in London.

Guy Lunn

Guy has worked in the broadcasting, television and film Industry for over 20 years. Before becoming a qualified safety and health practitioner, Guy worked for many years as part of the BBC special effects department.

Since joining First Option in 2006, Guy has supported a wide range of independent production companies in drama, entertainment and factual, and newsgathering genres.

Guy is based in London.

David Milligan

Dave joined First Option in 2011. Prior to that, he had a lengthy career at the BBC first as a technician at BBC Birmingham, and then almost 20 years as a safety adviser to the full range of productions.

A Mechanical Engineer by trade, Dave is also a Graduate member of IOSH and represented the BBC for several years on the Joint Industry Stunt Committee.

Dave is based in Birmingham.

Nick Hayes

A Fire Safety Consultant by trade, Nick moved into Media Health and Safety in 2012. He has provided Fire, Health & Safety support to a large TV Studio complex in Salford, and to many other media clients across the north of England.

Nick also provides H&S support to many large Sporting events including the Tokyo Summer Olympics, the Beijing Winter Olympics, the FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.

Nick has wide experience in providing Fire, Health and Safety advice to Production and Broadcasting companies involved with Drama, Sporting Events, Factual, Children’s, Radio, and Entertainment.

Education / Qualifications:

• The Fire Protection Association Advanced Fire Risk Assessor’s course (Institute of Fire Engineers approved)
• The Fire Protection Passive Fire Protection Management course
• NEBOSH Distinction for National General Certificate in Controlling Workplace Hazards
• NEBOSH Distinction for National General Certificate in Management of Health and Safety
• NEBOSH Distinction for Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate
• CFPA European Diploma in Fire Safety Management
• The Fire Protection Association’s Train the Trainer Course
• PAR-AID Evacuation Chair Key Trainer
• The Fire Protection Association’s Fire Risk Assessors Certificate
• IOSH H&S Adviser (Film and Television)
• Currently working towards GradIOSH

COVID-related work:

• COVID-specific return to work office assessments
• COVID-specific risk assessments for recces/shoots
• Drafting COVID protocols and policy documentation
• Delivering First Option’s Managing COVID-19 Risks in Productions training course

Richie Wild

Richie joined First Option in 2019. Prior to this they worked in various safety roles including events, medical, radiological and civil services. Richie has a BA in Creative Industries and Events Management and an NVQ Diploma in Occupation Health and Safety.

Richie is based in London

Vincent Morris

Vincent joined First Option in 2019 from a global TV and Film company where he was Manager of Environmental Health and Safety.

He is a technical member of IOSH, holds a NEBOSH General Certificate and IRCA certified ISO14001 Lead Auditor. Vince specialises in Health and Safety Management Systems, Emergency Management, Accident/Incident Investigation, Ergonomics, COSHH, Fire Safety and Manual Handling. He has extensive experience in the Corporate Environment and is an experienced trainer.

Vince is based in London.

Annabelle Thorpe

Annabelle joined First Option in 2017. Prior to that she spent 9 years working in airport safety. She has a National Diploma in Performing Arts, a NEBOSH General Certificate and is a Tech member of IOSH. She is also an ISO 9001 and 14001 auditor and a seasoned trainer, specialising in Accident Investigation and Human Factors in accidents.

As an embedded consultant in a major UK broadcaster, she has a wide knowledge of production and facilities management.

Annabelle is based in London.

Daniel Scott

Daniel has a technical background providing safety in the events, logistics and the film sector. He has experience in providing health and safety advice to project teams, managing the safety of large events, COVID-19 planning, producing safety plans and more.

Daniel holds a NEBOSH National General Certificate, NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work, IOSH Passport and many other professional qualifications.

Daniel is based in London.

Katie Hodson

Katie joined First Option in 2021. She is an experienced Health and Safety consultant who began her career within the events industry and also has extensive experience within the Motorsport industry.

She has NEBOSH National General Certificate, Tech IOSH, NCRQ Safety for Managers Qualification, and is Fire Marshal and Emergency First Aid at Work trained.

Katie is based in London.

Alastair Kleissner

Alastair is a TechIOSH who holds a NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and is working towards his NVQ Diploma in Safety.

He has over 20 years’ experience working in Film, Theatre, and Events after gaining a BA in Technical Theatre and Stage Management from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He specializes in supporting productions in CDM compliance and rigging safety.

Alastair is a highly respected member of the IOSH Theatre Advisory Group and the ABTT Safety Committee and is currently responsible for supporting clients both on productions and in their premises.

James Gall

James is an experienced consultant, and his current role is supporting clients across recces, on set support, and providing general advice.

James is experienced in working on internationally-based productions, where the different legislation, safety methods, local safety practices, safety culture, and documentation standards can be of concern for productions wishing to deliver familiar standards in other territories.

Developing bespoke Health & Safety documents, coordinating Health & Safety practices, providing practical suggestions, and leading by example helps productions promote a positive, inclusive safety culture and meet statutory matters within production Health & Safety. James has extensive experience within the Events sector from SAG compliance, CDM processes and site managing project builds and de-rigs.

James is based in London

John Linford

John joined First Option in 2021 and is a Health and Safety Consultant with skills in Legislative Compliance, CDM compliance, rigging safety, Project Management, logistics planning, training, mentoring and Accident Investigation.

John is based in London

Steve Rowley

Steve joined First Option in 2021 and holds a NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and a NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate.

Steve comes from a security background having worked as the Deputy Security Manager at one of London’s Premier Football Clubs. Steve moved from Security into Health and Safety and worked in a 5-star London-based hotel where he managed all aspects of safety, working with all departments, but extensively with both Security and Facilities departments.

He also conducted the annual health and safety training in Fire, Manual Handling, COSHH, Office Ergonomics, and Food Safety.

Steve is based in London

Nicole Jones

Nicole joined First Option in 2020. She previously worked in customer service and was a Health and Safety coordinator in the construction/heating industry.

She has a BMus (Hons) in Music, NEBOSH General certificate, NEBOSH National Diploma, and is a Graduate Member of IOSH. She works alongside the Production Safety Team.

Nicole is based in London.

Daniel Wright

Before joining First Option in 2019, Daniel worked in sales. He has a BA (Hons) in Business Studies and holds the NEBOSH General certificate.

Daniel is based in London.

Daniel Rozario

Before joining First Option in 2018, Daniel was a safety trainer, delivering first aid, manual handling and working at height courses.

He has a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry and a NEBOSH General, Construction, Fire and Environmental Certificate with experience in the construction and demolition industries.

Daniel is based in London.

Livia Pinto

Livia joined First Option in 2021. Prior to that she worked in the construction industry. She has the NEBOSH General Certificate and is a Tech Member of IOSH. She works alongside the Production Safety Team.

Livia is based in London.

Tom Simmonds

Tom joined First Option in 2021. Prior to that he spent over 10 years working in Leisure. He has a NEBOSH General Certificate and is a tech member of IOSH.

Tom is based in London

Melissa Brown

Mel has a broad range of Health and safety experience, primarily in the hotels and events sectors including managing political party conferences.

Her roles have included crisis management, Fire Risk Assessment, accident and claims investigation, food safety, construction, security, training, events and is a First Aider and Mental Health First Aider with IPAF & PASMA.

She is based in London.

Bryn Passey

Bryn has spent his whole professional career in safety and prides himself on his ability to deliver strong and competent safety advice and reaching practical solutions with clients through clear communication and open discussion.

Having strong interpersonal skills Bryn is able to build rapport with clients and partners to achieve an increased awareness of safety throughout all levels of the business. Coming from a background where he had to persuade people to take safety seriously, his passion is clear and he believes everyone can develop and progress their safety standards, whether they be a CEO or a crew member.

Kay Sahota

Kay joined First Option in 2021. She works alongside the Advice Line team handling productions’ many diverse email and phone enquiries.

Kay is based in London.

Amy Crangle

Amy Joined First Option in 2021. She previously worked in Health, Safety and Food Hygiene consultancy for various hospitality businesses.

She has NEBOSH General Certificate and is currently studying the NEBOSH Diploma. She works alongside the Advice Line team handling productions’ many diverse email and phone enquiries.

Amy is based in London.

Charleene Newton

Charleene joined First Option in 2022. She works alongside the Advice Line team handling productions’ many diverse email and phone enquiries.

Charleene is based in London.

Ben Harding

Ben has worked as a safety professional in production and events for over 15 years.

He has an NCRQ Diploma in Health and Safety Management and qualifications in crowd science, food safety management, temporary demountable structures, wiring, and asbestos management.  He has worked on a wide range of events including motorsports, conferences and awards ceremonies and concerts.

Ben is based in Liverpool.

Mairi Ritchie

Mairi has been a safety consultant for Action Media Safety and First Option in Scotland for 5 years.

She has worked in TV and film production since 1998 first in STV Outside Broadcast and then at BBC Drama, Scotland. Mairi has a Master of Arts in Sociology, a NEBOSH General Certificate and is a Tech member of IOSH. In addition to media, she has worked in safety in the transport sector.

Mairi is based in Glasgow.

Thalia Stephenson

Thalia joined First Option in 2018. Prior to that she spent two years as an underwriting assistant in the insurance industry and has several years’ experience working in the hospitality sector.

She has a BA (Hons) in American Literature and Creative Writing. Thalia works alongside the management team handling marketing and business development.

Thalia is based in London.

Shauna Matthews

Shauna joined First Option in 2021.

She has previously worked in a variety of roles from office administration at a property management company, to customer service roles in the hospitality and retail industries, and was a pub manager for 4 years. Shauna works alongside the Operations Manager and is responsible for coordinating consultant support.

Shauna is based in London.

Sophie Thomas

Sophie joined First Option in 2021.

She previously worked for a Trade Association as Arbitration Secretary. Sophie works alongside the Operations Manager and is responsible for coordinating consultant support.

Sophie is based in London.

Chadni Sharmin

Chadni joined First Option in 2019. Prior to that, she spent three years working as a trainer in the insurance industry and has several years’ experience working in customer services.

She has a BA (Hons) in English Literature and History. Chadni is responsible for the administration and coordination of all the health and safety training provided by First Option.

Chadni is based in London.

Cassie Hamer

Cassie joined First Option in 2019. Prior to that she was an accountant for a construction company in the United States and has several years’ experience in the administration sector.

She has a BA in General Studies and Account Management. Cassie works alongside the Finance Manager handling invoicing, accounts receivable and accounts payable.

Cassie is based in London.

Neil Hughes

Neil brings extensive and varied experience to the Advice Line Team including stints in aviation, advertising, photography, and fire safety. He has worked in the USA, Australia and Europe and has Tech IOSH accreditation.

Neil lives in Buckinghamshire and is an enthusiastic bass guitar player. All his neighbours have moved.

Andrew Wey

Andy is a safety professional and HSEQ Manager with diverse experience including a stint at the HSE. He now brings his broad experience to the Advice Line.

His many skills include asbestos management; he spent 22 years consulting on safely removing all types of ACM’s (asbestos containing materials) from various locations.

He is based in London.