Lorna McBreen - Coach, Mentor, Safety Consultant

26/02/2026

A is for Accountability

When we talk about accountability in safety, people often hear blame.
That’s not what this is about.

For me, accountability is about ownership.

- It’s leaders holding their hands up first.
- It’s setting the standard through your own behaviour.
- It’s being willing to say “that one’s on me” when things don’t go to plan.

The best safety cultures I’ve seen are the ones where safety isn’t “the H&S person’s job” and people feel confident speaking up, even when something’s gone wrong.

Because if people are scared of getting into trouble, they’ll stay quiet.
And silence is where risk lives.

This is exactly what I work on through my SAFE Leadership Coaching — helping leaders build accountability without blame, confidence without ego, and safety cultures that actually work in the real world.

If you’re a leader who wants their team to own safety, not avoid it, let’s talk.

📞 +447887405460
📧 info@exceedingsafetystandards.com
Exceeding Safety Standards Ltd (ESS Ltd)

24/02/2026

Over the past six months, I’ve had the privilege of working one-to-one with an incredible group of women from a public sector organisation.

Each of them came into coaching with a similar goal:
➡️ to progress
➡️ to step into management or leadership
➡️ to build confidence and back themselves

What stood out immediately wasn’t a lack of capability — it was just how much untapped leadership potential was already there.

Our work focused on:
- Building confidence and self-belief
- Strengthening leadership presence and decision-making
- Navigating complex, high-pressure environments
- Setting boundaries and managing time more effectively
- Creating (and using) strong support networks

The impact has been powerful:
✨ Increased confidence in leadership and communication
✨ Greater resilience and clarity
✨ Practical changes being applied day to day
✨ Women feeling more deserving of the roles they’re in
✨ Stronger boundaries and improved time management
✨ And renewed commitment to staying and progressing in their profession

One piece of feedback that really stayed with me was how important it was for these women to feel listened to and understood, while also being constructively challenged to see things differently. That balance matters.

This work reinforced something I strongly believe: Women need space, support, challenge, and permission to trust themselves.

When women support women — and when organisations invest in that support — leadership changes for the better.

I’m sharing this alongside a photo of my gorgeous niece and me.

Because I hope she grows up in a world where women support each other, not compete. Where confidence isn’t questioned, ambition isn’t apologised for, and leadership doesn’t come with a double standard. 🫶



Exceeding Safety Standards Ltd (ESS Ltd)
Lolly Mc

17/02/2026

Self-awareness is one of the most underrated skills in safety leadership.

We spend years building technical competence — understanding risk, legislation, systems and controls. But far less time understanding how we show up when we’re under pressure.

As safety leaders, we influence every conversation we’re in:
🟧 how we challenge unsafe behaviour
🟦 how we respond to pushback
🟧 how approachable we are when things go wrong

Self-awareness is recognising your impact — not just your intent.

It’s knowing when your tone shuts a conversation down.

When your confidence is mistaken for authority.

And when your experience stops you from listening.

In safety, that awareness matters.

Because people don’t just respond to policies and procedures — they respond to you.

This is why Self-Awareness sits at the start of the SAFE Leadership Model.

You can’t lead others effectively until you understand yourself.

📞 +447887405460
📧 info@exceedingsafetystandards.com

Exceeding Safety Standards Ltd (ESS Ltd)

16/02/2026

Over the past year, I’ve been quietly working on something that feels really special to me.

The SAFE Leadership Model has been a true coming together of everything I’ve learned over the last 25+ years — working as a safety professional, supporting leaders through executive coaching, and using emotional intelligence assessments to help people understand how they show up at work.

It’s been a year of thinking, refining, challenging myself, and asking “what really makes leadership work in safety?”

Not just on paper — but in real, human workplaces.

SAFE is about people.

It’s about self-awareness, accountability, focus and empathy — and how these qualities shape the way leaders influence culture, engagement and performance.

Ending 2025 with the ESS SAFE Leadership trademark officially in place felt like a proud, full-circle moment. And now, after a busy start to 2026, it feels like the right time to bring SAFE into the world.

🌱 To share it.
🔍 To test it.
🤝 And to support safety leaders who want to lead with confidence, clarity and care — without losing sight of standards.

Curious how SAFE could support your leadership? Lets chat!

📞 +447887405460
📧 info@exceedingsafetystandards.com

Lolly Mc

10/11/2025

🎉 Exceeding Safety Standards turns 3 today! 🎉

Three years in business — and what a ride.

The highs, the learnings, the early mornings, the late nights, the big wins, and the occasional “wtf am I doing?” moments… all absolutely worth it.

🫶 To my clients — thank you for trusting me to support you, challenge you, and help build safer, stronger workplaces. From systems, to coaching and leadership development… it’s a privilege to work with organisations who genuinely care and want to raise the bar.

🤝 To my network — your referrals, support, chats, coffees and wines have meant more than you know. The right people in your circle really do make all the difference.

🍾 Here’s to another year of doing what I love, with people I respect, and continuing to live my life by design, not by default!

Lolly Mc

09/11/2025

Today marks another birthday.

Another year where I raise a glass to our brother Jason, instead of picking up the phone to hear his voice or clinking glasses in celebration.
18 years of missing him. 18 years of navigating life without him after losing him to su***de.

Those 18 years have taught me a lot.
Life will always bring challenges, tough days, and moments that knock you flat. But it also brings light again. The hard days pass, the heartbreak softens, and happiness does return — even when it once felt impossible.

If you’ve been bereaved by su***de, I promise you this:
You will smile again. You will find joy again. And you can do it without guilt.

And if you’re someone who feels like su***de is the answer right now — it’s not. It never will be.
Please hold on. Reach out. Talk. Get help.
The world is better with you in it — even if your mind is convincing you otherwise today.

Here’s to you, Jason — the adventure you left in my heart, and your “f**k it, just do it” spirit - I carry it every day. 💛

Chris’s House: 01236 766755
Samaritians: 116 123
Calm: 0800 58 58 58
Pieta (🇮🇪): 1800247247

30/09/2025

06/08/2025

I’m officially certified (again....)! 🎓

Thrilled to have completed the ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Course and passed!

So, what does this mean for Exceeding Safety Standards Ltd (ESS Ltd) ? 🦺

We’re now able to offer even more support to our clients with

🦺 ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety),
🌳 ISO 14001 (Environmental), and
🏆 ISO 9001 (Quality) audit services.

Helping you achieve excellence in your systems and standards – that’s what we’re all about.

(What does it mean for me? I'll prob use this as an excuse to pop open a bottle of bubbles and celebrate another win 🫶🍾🥂)

Huge thanks to SEQM Training LTD for their fantastic course – can’t wait to put everything I’ve learned into action!






Lolly Mc

05/08/2025

Who’s coming out to play?

This year Chriss House marks 10 years of saving lives 💛🖤

Come join us to raise vital funds and to dance the night away 💃🕺🪩

🗓️ Friday 12th September
🏨 Doubletree by Hilton, Cambridge Street, Glasgow
⏰ 6pm till late
🎟️ Tickets £80.00 p/p
📧 info@chrisshouse.org

Chris's House

31/07/2025

Navigating ISO 45001 certification? Let us guide you to success.

Get expert support. Contact Exceeding Safety Standards Ltd today:
📧 info@exceedingsafetystandards.com
📲 +447887405460

28/07/2025

This weekend, Lochy and I took part in a two-hour session with Canine Paddlesports, where we worked on paddleboarding and kayaking with dogs. I’ve always had Lochy with me on the board, but once he discovered he could swim, he was constantly jumping off and bringing me with him!

Yesterday, after a lot of treats and positive reinforcement, he became the best boy—jumping on the board and staying there like a pro! 🎉 It got me thinking about the value of revisiting training—whether it’s with your dog, your team, or your safety systems.

In health and safety, we often assume that once something is in place, it’s done. But, like Lochy, we sometimes need a little reminder and a positive push to get back on track. Revisiting training, reinforcing the basics, and keeping safety protocols fresh are key to making sure we’re ready for anything. 👷‍♂️✅

So, just like Lochy’s paddleboarding skills, if your health and safety systems need a refresh or a review, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Exceeding Safety Standards Ltd (ESS Ltd) . 😉

24/07/2025

I truly enjoyed working with First Milk and Rhona McGuinness Chartered FCIPD on a recent Health, Safety, and Wellbeing audit for their remote colleagues.

What stood out to me the most was their genuine care for their people. It's refreshing to partner with organisations that prioritise the well-being of their teams, especially in remote environments.

Their collaborative approach made the entire process seamless, and I’m proud of the recommendations we were able to provide to further strengthen their safety culture.

If you're an organisation that truly cares about the health, safety and wellbeing of your teams, let's connect. I’d love to help you create a safe, supportive work environment. Reach out today!

📧 info@exceedingsafetystandards.com
📲 +447887405460

Exceeding Safety Standards Ltd (ESS Ltd)