Aimee Russell, Senior Process Safety Analyst at RAS Ltd, has marked 10 years with the company. Joining as a graduate, she has built deep process safety expertise and now leads RAS’s approach to managing natural hazards in the high-hazard sector, specialising in NaTech (the interaction of natural hazards and technological/industrial risk) and climate change.
At RAS, careers develop in different ways. We spoke with Aimee about her journey, from university to becoming a subject matter expert and the lessons that she has learnt along the way.
Q: What was your background before joining RAS?
A: “I studied Geography and Natural Hazard Management (BSc) at the University of Chester, then Geological and Environmental Hazards (MSc) at the University of Portsmouth. Our team brings together a wide range of STEM backgrounds, and we use that specialist knowledge to support our multidisciplinary approach.
Until I joined RAS, the wider world of process safety was unknown to me. I have always had an interest in hazards, and so when I saw the graduate role it seemed like a great fit for me.”
Q: What are your first memories of RAS back in 2015?
A: “I remember being shown around the office and being struck by how friendly everyone was. It felt like somewhere I could belong. That people-first culture has stayed with me—recognising that people sit at the centre of the technical work we do. I’ve been encouraged to grow, and that investment helps us deliver exceptional results for clients.”
Q: What has changed over your decade at RAS?
A: “My role has evolved a lot over the last decade. Early on, there was a steep learning curve—especially adapting my writing style from academia and building my process safety knowledge. I started by supporting experienced colleagues with risk assessments and scribing safety studies. Today I’m a subject matter expert in natural hazards and how they interact with process safety. I have helped develop RAS’s approach to evaluating NaTech events and contributing to wider industry good practice. From early in my career, I’ve been trusted to present, deliver training and take part in industry working groups, which has been crucial to my development.”
Q: What does a typical workday look like for you?
A: “There is no one-size-fits-all day at RAS. Each of my days differ across a huge range of different projects to support our clients.
I specialise in the environmental risk aspects of our company. This may involve site visits to gather information and work with clients to assess their environmental risks and the potential impact of climate change. Most of the time you will find me attentively typing away at my desk, performing technical assessments and complex calculations.
Over recent years, I have also delivered a number of training courses on my specialist areas and presented on the topic at conferences and webinars, to share good practice and awareness across the industry.
The thing I love about working at RAS is that I have autonomy and the variety in the work that we do. Even after 10 years I am still learning and challenged by the bespoke requirements of our clients. Whether it’s client projects, contributing to industry groups or developing internal business processes, two days at RAS are rarely the same.”
Q: What is your greatest achievement at RAS?
A: “My specialist area of NaTech and Climate Change is a niche field which perfectly combines my background in natural hazards and my 10 years’ of practical experience in process safety at RAS. I am uniquely positioned to provide an expert opinion on evaluating natural hazards and how they may impact the high hazard industries.
I believe my work in this field has made a real difference. Based on my practical experience of performing NaTech assessments I have been able to share my tangible insights on training courses and presentations, to influence good practice and improve our wider understanding of these topics.”
Q: What excites you most about the future of your work?
A: “The unknown—and the potential that brings to learn and develop. In an industry that continues to evolve alongside emerging risks and technologies, that sense of curiosity and adaptability remains essential.”
About RAS Limited
At RAS we value the contribution that each member of our team makes, and we recognise the benefit of retaining staff for the long term, to grow their expertise and establish themselves as true experts in their field. In our small team, Aimee has become the eighth current employee to reach a decade of service—reflecting the strength of the company’s culture and track record of retainment.
RAS Limited is a Chester-based process and technical safety consultancy with 30 years of experience across sectors including pharmaceuticals, energy, aviation, and chemicals. With a team of expert consultants, RAS is a trusted partner for managing complex risk in industrial operations and delivering long-term value.
If you would like to get in touch, please email us at enquiries@ras.ltd.uk or go to our website: ras.ltd.uk.
