Shaun Clayton’s journey into work health and safety started in an unexpected place—the mines of Bathurst. As a safety behaviour observationist, his role was to ensure contractors adhered to safety protocols, a responsibility that sparked and deepened his passion for workplace safety.
Expanding His Safety Expertise
Over the years, Shaun broadened his expertise, moving from mining into civil engineering and government contracting—always carrying a deep-seated commitment to keeping workers safe.
His work spans multiple industries and roles. In the mining sector, he conducted safety audits and provided risk assessments for thousands of contractors. His sharp eye for identifying hazards and enforcing compliance helped reduce incidents on-site.
Transitioning into civil engineering, Shaun managed safety protocols for large-scale infrastructure projects, including road construction, bridge maintenance, and structural assessments for government developments.
In industrial settings, he worked closely with teams operating high-risk machinery—implementing emergency response plans, delivering safety training, and ensuring regulatory compliance. He also coordinated return-to-work programs, liaising between injured workers, insurers, and employers to support structured reintegration into the workplace.
“I’ve always believed that safety isn’t just about policies—it’s about culture. If people don’t take it seriously, accidents happen.”
A Defining Moment
Shaun witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of unsafe workplaces. One particularly traumatic incident—a worker taking his own life on-site—left a lasting impact and reinforced his belief in the vital connection between physical safety and mental health.
“That moment changed everything for me. I knew I had to do more than just observe—I needed to take action.”
Discovering RPL: A Turning Point
Seeking to formalise his skills, Shaun discovered Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through Churchill Education. He pursued BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety—an experience that validated years of industry knowledge and planted the seed for a bold new chapter.
His wife Paula, who had always supported him behind the scenes, also decided to look at the diploma for herself. With their combined expertise and shared values, the couple saw an opportunity to start something of their own.
“Paula has been my rock throughout this journey. She’s always been there, making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.”
Starting a Business with Heart
In September 2024, Shaun and Paula launched Return To Work Coordination Services, a business focused on return-to-work coordination and workplace safety training.
Their mission: to bridge the gap between injured workers, employers, and insurers, and help people return to meaningful work safely and sustainably.
They also offer lead investigations—supporting businesses to understand the root causes of workplace incidents and implement preventive measures.
“We’re here to take the burden off businesses. Many small companies don’t have the resources to manage return-to-work programs, so they leave employees on compensation. We help find solutions—whether that’s light duties, retraining, or modified roles—to get people back to work safely.”
Looking to the Future
With national accreditation, Shaun and Paula are expanding their services across Australia and exploring opportunities within the NDIS sector—recognising the growing need for return-to-work support in that space.
Although still in the early stages of business, Shaun credits Churchill Education—and a pivotal conversation with Assessor Jacob—for giving him the confidence to take the leap.
“I was just planning to get a job somewhere. But Jacob really encouraged me to start my own business, and here we are.”
Backing Yourself with RPL
Shaun and Paula Clayton’s story is a testament to the power of experience, passion, and lifelong learning. By using RPL to formalise their careers, they’ve built something with purpose—making a genuine difference in the lives of workers and businesses alike.
“If you have the knowledge and experience, back yourself. RPL can open doors you never considered.”
Curious to find out how your real world experience could be turned into national qualifications? We invite you to apply for a free appraisal.
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