Since launching in late 2023, our NEBOSH National Diploma Blended Learning course has been the go-to choice for learners who are looking for flexibility and freedom to learn at their own pace. Lynda Sime was one of the first learners to sign up after previously achieving her NEBOSH General Certificate with ACT back in 2018 and after receiving the results of her final unit in June 2025, she officially became our first blended learner to achieve their NEBOSH National Diploma. We spoke to her about how she found the blended learning route, how she balanced her studies with her work and personal life, and what advice she’d give to others about to start their Diploma journey.
Congratulations on becoming ACT’s first learner to achieve the NEBOSH Diploma through Blended Learning! What made you choose to pursue the NEBOSH Diploma?
Within my role, I am responsible for providing health and safety advice and support to staff. I think in any role where you are providing advice, you have a moral duty to ensure that advice is accurate and appropriate for the situation, or task at hand. Taking the NEBOSH Diploma helped to reassure myself and my employer that I am competent in my role.
What is your current job role and what does it involve?
I work as a Health and Safety Advisor within the Public Sector. Much of the work I undertake relates to Health and Safety Audits, which cover a wide scope of topics. We also support the development of policies and procedures, provide staff training, supporting workplace inspections, development of risk assessments, and incident investigations etc.
You’ve also completed our NEBOSH General Certificate e-learning course – how was the transition from Certificate to Diploma-level study?
I found the transition between Certificate and Diploma level studying quite straightforward as the two courses generally cover the same topics, but with more detail in the Diploma course. I completed both courses through ACT Associates, and find the study material really clear, detailed and easy to follow.
The biggest change was in the method of assessment. I completed the NEBOSH General Certificate course at a time when assessments were by supervised exam, rather than the current assessments which are open book essays completed over a set time period.
I found it easier to study for the Diploma, as I did not have the challenge of trying to memorise large volumes of information, which my brain is no longer capable of. I was able to work my way through the study books quite quickly, memorising the main points, but with the understanding that I could refer to books and other materials during the exam to find any details I had forgotten.
What aspect of the Blended Learning course did you find most beneficial?
I found the study books were really well structured, and pulled together information from numerous sources, making them great reference material which I still use now after completing the diploma.
Having the support of the tutor was essential to keep me on course and encourage me to focus on what was relevant. The tutor was honest and very tactfully let me know when I was going off track and very encouraging when I was getting things right. Even although the study books are excellent, I think if I had not had the guidance and support from the tutor, I would likely have failed the exam, then most likely given up.
How did you approach your assessments, and did your approach change at all as you took each assessment?
Due to the timings of the exams, I completed the Units in reverse order, starting with Unit 3. In hindsight I’m glad of this, as I personally found Unit 1 the hardest, with it being completed over 4 weeks, rather than 2 weeks, which took concerted effort for me to keep going. By the time I got to Unit 1, I had more experience in structuring answers and knew the level of detail required to answer a question fully.
Thankfully, I had very useful feedback on my homework, so I had changed my approach prior to completing the first assessment. My first practice attempts were rambling essays, but after feedback, my essays became more structured and focused on the facts, while consistently referencing the scenarios where applicable.
I was advised to pull together all the reference material prior to starting the assessments. I downloaded all the reference material listed at the start of each Element, which saved a lot of time and stress during the assessment.
How did you approach the balance of your career, your studies, and your personal life?
I tried to study for around 1-2 hours each day, immediately after work, so it felt more like an extended working day, then once completed I knew I could relax. The study books are broken into nice bite sized chunks so I could cover a short section one day and work through a longer section when I had more time.
If I had something on, I could just cover the work another day, but I did make myself a study plan to make sure I didn’t fall behind. I set a timescale for each section, based on the length and complexity of the Element. If I was falling behind on one Element, I would add a few extra hours study to catch up before moving on to the next.
What advice would you give others considering starting their Diploma through Blended Learning?
For me this was a better option than trying to fit a course around my work and home life. I was able to work at my own pace, and apply for the assessment when I felt ready. However, I know what I am like, so I pre planned when I was sitting the assessment so I had a target date to aim for. I did have to delay one of the exams due to an illness, and ACT Associates were very flexible about it.
My Tutor and ACT Associates in general have been very supportive and offer good guidance around studying and exams.
The volume of information and range of topics does seem quite overwhelming, but it is broken down into manageable section. You do not have to know everything off by heart, as long as you know what information is available and where to find it.
Do you have any final thoughts to share on your journey?
The saying, “you don’t know what you don’t know” springs to mind. Although I had been working in a health and safety role for some time, the diploma has provided me with greater knowledge and understanding of the issues faced at work and I realise now how much I was missing. Completing the diploma has expanded my role, boosted my confidence and made work much more interesting.
NEBOSH National Diploma Blended Learning – personalised learning on your own schedule
Our Blended Learning option uses a combination of online virtual learning, RMS Study Guides, and specially designed course materials to give you the freedom to learn at your own pace, fit your studies around your schedule, and learn in the comfort of your own home without the pressure to travel.
The Blended Learning package includes all three RMS Publishing study books, 6 hours of one-to-one virtual sessions with a NEBOSH-qualified tutor, development exercises with tutor review, personalised study plans and more.
- Speak to a member of our Customer Service Advice team today to find out more at actsales@actassociates.co.uk
- Visit NEBOSH’s website to find out more about entry requirements for the NEBOSH Diploma
