Introducing: Shannon Fernandes

Can you briefly explain your background?

Beginning my professional journey as a Risk Engineer in December 2016 after graduating with a BE (Honors) in Chemical Engineering, I gained diverse experience in organizational operations, from field risk inspections and risk profiling to report underwriting and marketing/social media at an Insurtech startup in Dubai, UAE.

Transitioning to Bureau Veritas Dubai's Government Services (GS) department in December 2017, I progressed from a Technical and Certification Officer that involved product conformity compliance to a dual role as a Technical Officer and QHSE Coordinator by 2021. Further advancements led me to take on responsibilities as a sanction screener for the UAE and Screening Officer for GS MC region in 2022. After obtaining necessary qualifications in 2023, I was appointed as an Internal Auditor for ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17065 standards to conduct audits across GS offices in the Middle East Region from 2024.
 

Describe your role at BV?

Since the second half of 2023, I've served as a QHSE Professional within Bureau Veritas Dubai's Government Services Department, with additional TIQ responsibilities. My role involves maintaining and expanding accreditation and LTOs, support and preparation during internal and external assessments, and managing risks for stakeholders. One of the most rewarding aspects of my current role is the freedom it offers to collaborate with various trust makers in my department from Technical, Inspection and Operations to Finance and Sales, allowing me to bring value through a Quality-focused lens.

What’s your greatest professional achievement and your biggest challenge?

Transitioning from a Technical and Certification Officer to a QHSE Professional with TIQ responsibilities has been a fulfilling journey, marked by milestones such as:

• Contributing to Bureau Veritas Dubai's achievement as the first NB (Notified Body) to obtain notification with MoIAT (UAE Ministry) for Textile Products, positioning us as the pioneer NB for this scope.
• Orchestrating the successful renewal and location expansion of the GAC ISO/IEC 17065 Accreditation by collaborating with key stakeholders such as GS Dubai,  GBL, and GS Italy. The outcome at the time yielded tangible benefits for stakeholders, including the addition of our office in Italy to comply with Saudi Authority (SASO) Geographical Zoning, and enhancing our Business Portfolio with the inclusion of Oman, and Bahrain Regulations.

Navigating the evolving regulatory landscapes has been my biggest challenge, but overcoming these hurdles has strengthened my expertise and passion for adding value to stakeholders.
 

In your daily work, how do you contribute to Shaping a World of Trust?

As part of a Business-to-Business-to-Society organization, I uphold the highest standards of integrity, reliability, and transparency by implementing compliance procedures and conducting risk assessments to foster trust with stakeholders. By nurturing a dynamic culture of Quality within my department, ensuring the screening of business opportunities against international sanctions and conducting effective Root Cause Studies, I aim to contribute to a world where businesses and communities thrive with confidence in Bureau Veritas' services, making us their preferred partner across the board.