Diane Connell, Health and Safety Laboratory, UK

Diane Connell, Information Manager, Health and Safety Laboratory, UK.

Q: How long have you worked in your current job?

A: I have worked for HSL for four years now.

Q: Which fictional character would you most like to be?

A: This has taken a lot of thinking and finally I have decided it would be Professor McGonagall from the Harry Potter series. I like the fact that she has control over the children without being a tyrant. She can change objects into something else (which would be a really useful talent to have), and most of all she can transform herself into a cat, which I quite frequently would like to be.

Q: What are you most afraid of?

A: Dogs, I am terrified of big dogs, especially when they are not on leads.

Q: Name one place that you would like to go back to?

A: I would love to go back to New Zealand. We went about 10 years ago and I thought it was beautiful, especially around the Bay of Islands.

Q: What is the last film you watched?

A: X Men, we have worked our way through the series on DVD.

Q: How do you like to relax after work?

A: I have three children so life after work is really hectic. We live in Derbyshire so when I do get time I love to go out walking or just sit in our back garden which has fantastic views and have a cup of tea.

Q: Can you highlight three qualities of your institution?

A: The Health and Safety Laboratory undertakes research into improving health and safety in the workplace. The library supports the research staff who range from occupational hygienists to pyrotechnics to occupational psychologists. To be working with the diversity of staff skills, knowledge and abilities makes the job challenging and very interesting. The research the organisation is involved in makes you feel that you are working for a purpose and providing input into something that will have a positive impact outside the organisation. Staff are dedicated to their work, and are always willing to help when we receive enquires from the public or other organisations.

To find out more about Health and Safety Laboratory, please visit the website www.hsl.gov.uk