M-Sport Member Spotlight - Erin Kerley

How long have you been with M-Sport, and how did you come to work here?

I’ve been at M-Sport for almost 2 years now, initially joining on a Graduate Scheme. I didn’t know there were any jobs available until I emailed asking if M-Sport would sponsor my University’s Formula Student Team. I ended up speaking to Cam and Rich and it went from there.

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As MS-EC and Health and Safety Coordinator, what are your main responsibilities on a daily basis?

From a Health and Safety point of view, my main responsibilities include ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations, conducting regular risk assessments, and implementing safety protocols to prevent accidents. I also oversee the maintenance of safety equipment, provide training and guidance to staff on safe practices, and review current legislation to make sure we’re following the latest regulations. Over at the MS-EC, my main responsibility is running the track; this is mostly for our own shakedowns, but recently we’ve had uptake from external customers to use the whole facility (track and conference suites) for events.

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You’re involved in every Shakedown over at the track. What is that like and what do you have to do?

Being involved in every Shakedown is a very cool experience, and I feel really lucky that I got asked to be Track Controller not long after I started. My role mostly involves ensuring all vehicles comply with the Noise Management Plan that’s in place on the track; during the track sessions I actively monitor the noise levels, collecting data that I then analyse after each session, before it gets uploaded on the track’s website. I also monitor the telemetry system during track activity – each car that goes out on track gets fitted with a transponder that records lap times (there may even be an unofficial top 10 of fastest lap times…).

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What skills do you need for your role?

For Health and Safety, excellent attention to detail helps in day-to-day work (such as conducting risk assessments etc). Effective communication and interpersonal skills are also needed, especially when it comes to training staff, as well as communicating with engineers, technicians, and drivers when I’m trackside. Additionally, problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, informed decisions are important in managing emergencies and maintaining a safe work environment. I also had to sit an exam in ‘Competence of Environmental Noise Measurement’ to officially become Track Controller – I sat this back in 2022 after I joined. I’m also currently working towards some H&S qualifications.

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What’s your favourite part about your job and what is your most memorable moment??

My favourite part about my job is the dynamic environment and the opportunity to work closely with a great team. The joy of seeing an event go well post-shakedown is incredibly rewarding. My most memorable moment was the first time at the track, when I was learning from Katie about shakedowns etc, and I met Craig Breen. He was over for a Rally1 Shakedown, and he was the first driver I ever met. He made me feel incredibly welcome, and even went out of his way to come and speak to me in the pit garage.

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What were you up to before you came here?

Before I came to M-Sport, I was at University completing my Masters Degree in Diplomacy and International Law. I’ve always had an interest in motorsport, but I never thought, with my degree choice, I would find a way into the industry. Whilst at University I was also a part of the Formula Student team and Motorsport Society, so I think that helped a lot!

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Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

My main hobby outside of work in netball, I play multiple times a week and have recently joined a new U25’s team (West Coast Wildcats); from September we’ll be competing in the Cumbrian and Northwest Regional Premier League. I like going out and walking Wainwright’s; my aim is to complete them all by the end of the year. I also play the piano, violin, and sing in my spare time; I recently went back home to play with my old band alongside HRH Royal Marine Band Scotland – this was such an incredible weekend! I also love to watch and attend Rugby Union games.

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Any plans for the future?

Who knows! Currently I plan to continue gaining more experience in the team, and plan on developing my skillset by working closely with my H&S mentors.?