Psychosocial Safety Leader
About
Nicole Turnbull
CEO & Chief Courage Officer • Psychosocial Safety Expert • Keynote Speaker
Bringing light to the dark sides of work through practical tools, expert guidance and courageous conversations.
BACKGROUND
Who Nicole Is
Nicole Turnbull is the Founder and Chief Courage Officer of Neon Shed, CEO of the Psychosocial Safety and Leadership Institute and a Councillor at MidCoast Council.
With almost 25 years in communications and 20 years in work health and safety - including roles with both NSW safety regulators, the workers' compensation insurer and the Independent Review Office - Nicole has seen what happens when workplace safety is treated as a checkbox exercise versus when it becomes part of an organisation's DNA.
She helps organisations navigate the complexities of legislation and compliance, making it easier to understand their responsibilities and implement effective strategies to manage psychosocial risks.
WHAT NICOLE DOES & EXPERTISE
Creating Safe, Courageous and Thriving Workplaces
What Nicole Does
Nicole is a Psychosocial Safety Consultant, Keynote Speaker and Summit Host who supports leaders, HR professionals, WHS teams and workers with practical tools to create safer, healthier workplaces.
Through Neon Shed and the Psychosocial Safety and Leadership Institute, Nicole gives organisations the frameworks, training and expert support to move beyond awareness campaigns to actually implementing psychosocial safety controls that work.
Key Expertise Areas:
Psychosocial hazards prevention and management
The Neon Shed 3 Pillars Framework
Minimising harmful behaviours
Leadership development for psychosocial safety
Compliance with WHS legislation and the Codes of Practice
Nicole's Background
20 Years on the Front Lines of Workplace Safety
Nicole's career spans:
Both NSW Safety Regulators (WorkCover and the Resources Regulator)
Workers' compensation insurer (icare)
Independent Review Office
Senior roles in Communications and engagement across government and private sectors
"This breadth of experience gives Nicole unique insight into how the system works - from regulatory enforcement and workers' compensation claims to workplace prevention and culture change."
Local Government Perspective
As a MidCoast Councillor, Nicole brings firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by local government teams and leaders. She's passionate about offering practical solutions to the complex workplace issues that councils navigate every day.
FRAMEWORK & INSTITUTE
Structured Solutions for Lasting Change
Neon Shed Methodology
The Neon Shed Psychosocial Safety Framework
Nicole created the Neon Shed Psychosocial Safety Framework to cut through the confusion around psychosocial hazards and provide organisations with a clear, structured roadmap.
Key Expertise Areas:
Organisational Systems
how work is designed and managedLeadership Practices
how teams are led and supportedIndividual Behaviours
how people treat each other
This makes accountability clear, focuses efforts where they'll have the most impact and makes psychosocial safety simpler, more structured and easier to implement.
Peak Industry Body
The Psychosocial Safety and Leadership Institute
As CEO and Co-Director of the Psychosocial Safety and Leadership Institute alongside Dr Caroline Howe, Nicole leads Australia's peak body for psychosocial safety in the workplace.
The Institute Provides:
Year-round member support and resources
Expert-led workshops and training
Peer networks for leaders, HR and WHS professionals
Practical tools that move beyond awareness to implementation
SPEAKING & EVENTS
Book Nicole as a Keynote Speaker
Nicole is an engaging, practical speaker who brings real-world experience
and actionable insights to conferences, summits and workplace events.
Key Speaking Topics
The Neon Shed 3 Pillars of Psychosocial Safety Framework
Minimising Harmful Behaviours
Creating Courageous Cultures
Meeting Your Legal Obligations with Confidence
Bringing Light to the Dark Sides of Work
Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace
Ready to book Nicole for your next event?
Some of the Events Nicole Has Spoken For:
Understanding People to Improve Safety
Women in Safety
Managing Psychosocial Risk Masterclass
The Hatchery
A Simple Way to Break Down Psychosocial Hazards
Hunter Safety Awards
Building Resilience and Stronger Teams through Psychosocial Safety in Local Government
Local Government Professionals Conference (Keynote Speaker)
How HR can prevent Psychosocial Hazards
Australian Human Resources Institute
GET IN TOUCH
Work With Nicole
Whether you need a keynote speaker, training for your team, expert consultation or ongoing support, Nicole brings practical experience and proven frameworks to help you create genuinely safe workplaces.
Services Offered:
Keynote speaking and workshops
Leadership development programs
Policy and strategy guidance
Minimising Harmful Behaviours training
Framework development & support
