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SGUK welcomes new NEBOSH member to the Management Advisory Committee. |
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Peter Sherratt was recently appointed as NEBOSH’s representative on the SGUK Management Advisory Committee (MAC). He brings with him many attributes that will help SGUK continue to contribute to the UK health and safety landscape. Peter has significant experience of health and safety, accumulated from his current role in NEBOSH as Manager (Quality & Assessment) and his prior roles as a health and safety professional. Throughout his career Peter has provided his insight into what is involved in developing high standards of health and safety. Including in his NEBOSH role; which is associated with the authoring, authorisation and examiner marking of NEBOSH qualifications, particularly the most recent scenario-based assessments. Peter’s prior roles in Aberthaw Power Station and Dow Corning, in South Wales, gave him an excellent understanding of the importance of engaging everyone in getting health and safety right. This means Peter is well grounded and has a solid platform on which he can provide his perspectives on health and safety in the workplace. This is an essential element that will greatly assist SGUK and our local Groups provide initiatives to benefit people from all industries - enabling them to learn, network and develop ways of improving health and safety. When Peter heard that NEBOSH was looking for a representative to join the SGUK MAC he said “I would love to take this role, it will give me a fresh opportunity to ‘give something back’ to the world of health and safety.” This willingness is valuable to SGUK as we thrive on the sort of enthusiasm and commitment that Peter shows. The SGUK Board and other members of the MAC team are looking forward to working with Peter and benefiting from the contribution he can make, including his personal perspective and good humour.
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| Exciting Announcement: Welcome Our New Chair, Stephen Laws! |
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SGUK welcomes its new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Stephen Laws was recently appointed Chair of the SGUK Board of Trustees. He brings with him many attributes that will help SGUK continue to thrive, grow and play its part in the UK health and safety landscape. His other current role, as General Manager of Kent-based Lighthouse Safety, has provided him with strong strategic insight and operational experience in the field of health and safety in the workplace. Stephen will also bring experience in leading a consultancy team and building and maintaining relationships with clients. This will help him secure active engagement at the Board level, as well as with SGUK local Groups and the various supporters who participate in the SGUK Management Advisory Committee. Since early in his career, Stephen has found help and guidance from SGUK local health and safety groups, attending the Kent Health and Safety Group (KHSG) regularly. This helped him to learn more about risks and solutions, network with supportive people and grow his abilities, fulfilling the ethos of local Groups. After achieving Chartered status in IOSH, he has been motivated to give back to the local Group that supported him - becoming a corporate sponsor and a committee member of the KHSG. He is now an active member of the growing and vibrant KHSG, who, in 2023, were awarded the Gold Excellence Award and the Alan Butler Award. Stephen knows first-hand the value of the SGUK Awards in driving and celebrating Excellence, Outstanding Service, Innovation and Development Through Education. He is looking forward to encouraging the continued success and development of these UK-wide Awards. As a health and safety professional working across multiple industries, Stephen will relate well to and inspire the various SGUK initiatives designed to improve workplace health and safety. Stephen says - “I feel privileged to take on this role as Chair of Safety Groups UK and hope to be a positive asset to the magnificent work that has been accomplished since 1947 by promoting health and safety and supporting a thriving national network of local Health and Safety Groups. |
| SGUK Webinars proving popular |
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The series of SGUK webinars hosted by Karen McDonnell and Sarah Kenny are proving popular amongst Safety Groups and their members alike. With great presentations so far from SGUK Committee Members, Local Safety Group Volunteers and 2023 Awards winners, we look forward to the fourth in the series on the 4th March. The first in the series, Kick Start your Safety Group, featured Ernie Spence (NISG) and Stuart Bailey (LOHSG), who provided great insight into how to set up a Safety Group and then, once set up, tips on how to ensure your group is successful. Listen again here. The second and third webinars have focused on the SGUK Awards, and we heard from previous Award winners, including Chris Pike from the Kent Health and Safety Group, Safety Group Member Adman Ltd and the IOSH OSH Fire Risk Group Special Projects: WISHNI. Ian Coombs, SGUK Board Member and Awards Organiser talked about the awards process and what makes a great entry. These inspiring and informative sessions gave a real insight into why Safety Groups and companies should enter the awards, the range of awards on offer and how to approach and assemble a submission. Click here to watch the previous episodes. |
| A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Esteemed Chair and Vice Chair - Chair's AGM Report 2023 |
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Following our AGM on the 5th of December 2023, it's with a mix of emotions that we announce the retirement of our esteemed Chair, Norman Stevenson and Vice Chair, Bob Rajan. Their dedication and leadership have been the guiding lights of SGUK, leading us through challenges and successes alike.
Norman has penned an emotional and insightful report encapsulating the difficult journey of the past year. It's a summary of our achievements and a narrative of the hard work and resilience that define Safety Groups UK. We invite you all to read this report, available here, to reflect on the year gone by and gain insights into the impactful work your support has made possible. To Norman and Bob, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your contributions have been a strong foundation for our future endeavours. While we will miss your leadership, we are excited to build upon the legacy you leave behind. We are thankful they are not leaving us completely, having joined the presidential team as Vice Presidents. The ambassadorial role will allow them to continue their work promoting SGUK around the country. Let us welcome the opportunity to continue working together by supporting our local groups and helping make the UK a safer place to work. |
| 🚀Kick Start your Safety Group! |
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🌟Are you keen to encourage more members and elevate your group? We have something just for you!
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1st September 2023 |
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The Right Honourable Lord Brougham and Vaux CBE Sadly, our friend and colleague passed away on the 27th of August, 2023. From the Safety Groups UK Board, Scottish Chamber of Safety, all our partners, occupational safety groups everywhere, and our various networks, our sincere condolences to Lord Brougham’s family and circle of friends. Michael is a sad loss for everyone who knew and worked with him. May he Rest in Peace; he will be remembered fondly as a true gentleman, a special character, and a staunch supporter of our organisation. |
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Committed to NetZero? Learn about challenges and solutions facing Scottish Businesses. |
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February 2022 With over 90% of world GDP now covered by net zero commitments, the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards examines the challenges and opportunities for the Scottish business community at a free webinar at 10.30 am on 2nd March 2022. At this event you get insight and advice from VIBES winners and partner organisations. You will also find out about the 2022 Awards and how to get the recognition your business deserves for your projects and achievements. The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards reward and recognise organisations that have demonstrated significant business benefits from good environmental practice. Register for the webinar now: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4373723535558333197?source=SEPA. For more information, visit www.vibes.org.uk or send an email to vibes@sepa.org.uk  |
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The Lord McKenzie of Luton |
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December 2021 It is with great sadness that I write this note about someone who had become a staunch supporter of all things related to occupational health and safety, particularly the Safety Groups Movement. Sadly our friend and colleague, The Lord McKenzie of Luton passed away recently. Bill, as he preferred to be called, on behalf of The Scottish Chamber of Safety launched what was to become the Health Risks at Work ‘do you know yours’ campaign at an open meeting of SCOS in Stirling in 2007. My first encounter with Bill was when he was Under Secretary of State for Work and Pensions at his office in London when his responsibilities included those of ‘Safety Minister’. A delegation of SGUK’s Management Committee representatives was invited along to his office for a 20 minute meeting, and I was privileged to be part of that delegation. At the meeting, Lord McKenzie listened intently, and near the close of the meeting offered full support to safety groups from his office. Being a cheeky wee opportunistic Scotsman, I tested that offer and invited him to Scotland to officially launch the SCOS Health Initiative, and after explaining briefly what it was about, he agreed, and did so at the Stirling Highland Hotel. I further tested him at that event and invited him along to the 70th anniversary event of a local Scottish Group, and he accepted without question. Unfortunately, on the eve of that celebration after working late at Westminster, as he travelled home he stopped at a Fried Chicken take away on route home and ended up with food poisoning so was unable to fly the next day to Glasgow for the event. The man was so genuine that he invited me to his office in London again for a coffee and a chat the next time I was in London. To cut a long story short, I was actually down the following week at an IIRSM event in the House of Lords and because the Safety Group West Scotland had some personalised gifts for him and Lady McKenzie, to have been presented at the anniversary celebrations that they were unable to attend, I took the opportunity to deliver them personally. On notifying reception of the meeting, I was invited up to Bill’s office, expecting another 20 minute slot as before, but I was greeted by such warmth that we ended up chatting for almost 2 hours about how the anniversary celebrations went, how he got into trouble from his wife about the fried chicken and her so looking forward to coming up to Glasgow and disappointed that she couldn’t. From that day on, Bill became not only a networking colleague, but a firm friend as well. From me, Safety Groups UK Board, Scottish Chamber of Safety, all our partners, occupational safety groups everywhere and our various networks, our sincere condolences to Lady McKenzie and all of the McKenzie family & close friends. Bill’s passing is such a sad loss for all who knew and worked with him, May he Rest in Peace, he will be remembered fondly as a true gentleman and supporter. The above is just one example of my personal fond memories, I, like most of us have many more – what a man Bill, you will be missed. Norman Stevenson Chairman Safety Groups UK |
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Safety Groups UK exhibits at the H&S Event – 7th to 9th September
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September 2021 After 18 months of working from home and meeting people over Zoom and Teams, it was refreshing to be back out there in the thick of it, meeting with members, potential members, sponsors, and suppliers to SGUK members. Complete with the new look stands and support from SGUK member BHSEA, the Birmingham Health, Safety and Environment Association we spent a successful three days promoting the merits of SGUK to the health and safety great and good. We were amongst our many supporters JSP, EcoOnline, BSIF, HSE, IOSH, NEBOSH, and BOHS, and of course a big thanks to David Bishop from Health and Safety Events for the space. It was great to meet so many friendly faces and we look forward to following up on our many new contacts.
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You can read the RoSPA blog Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Employers here |
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December 2020 Norman Stevenson - Chair, SGUK provides a post AGM update |
| June 2020 |
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South and West Wales Safety Group were deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing away of Bernard Mallows MBE. Phill Jones, Chairman of the Group, pays tribute to their well respected Vice President. |
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April 2020 |
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BSIF PPE guidance and checklist. Are you sure that your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is legal and its supporting documentation is genuine and relates directly to the performance of the equipment? Please be aware of this guidance and checklist prepared by BSIF. |
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It is hoped that Local Groups will share information produced locally with other Local Groups over the coming months when there will be no meetings/events taking place due to COVID-19 restrictions. Information/factsheets, newsletters and details of webinars will be posted here to keep Local Groups in touch with what colleagues across the country are doing to engage with members during these unprecedented times. |
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2nd April 2020 - Click here to read a statement from Norman Stevenson, Chairman of Safety Groups UK |
| HSE Update: First Aid cover and qualifications during Coronavirus (COVID-19) |
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The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors CIEHF as the authoritative body for Human Factors in the UK, have produced a guide in response to the need for rapid production of ventilators by manufacturers that may not have any experience of healthcare or medical devices. https://bit.ly/HFandVentilators The CIEHF has brought together an expert panel pooling together usability data and research and design protocols we can provide to manufacturers to speed up the design and testing phases whilst maintaining the integrity of patient safety and clinical usability in the end product. |
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March 2020 |
RoSPA has launched its Accident Free, Avoid A&E campaign.The campaign has a simple message: Prevent accidents, Protect your family, Help the NHS. We want to keep everyone injury free throughout the pandemic and social distancing measures, to ensure the country is easing pressure on our vital frontline health workers. But, as more accidents happen at home than anywhere else (with 6,000 accidental deaths per year) and with more people spending more time at home now than ever before, we’ve got a lot of work to do. There is a new information hub at www.rospa.com/AccidentFree, where everyone who is affected by social distancing measures – whatever their age and circumstances – can find information that is relevant to them. |
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BOHS’ statement on respiratory protective equipment for the protection of NHS staff 30 March 2020 The British Occupational Hygiene Society welcomes the announcement of further advice on Protective equipment by NHS for its workers. The science in this area is rapidly evolving as we get to understand COVID-19 better and the likely effectiveness of protection. In particular, we are aware of scientific evidence that indicates current guidance on respiratory protective equipment (RPE) requires urgent review to ensure the protection of NHS staff. Click here for full statement. |
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BOHS announces the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer BOHS, the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Bampton. Kevin, a Professor of Public Law, joins the Society after a career involving Higher Education Senior Management, the United Nations and International Development. He has worked extensively with Chartered and Professional Societies in the development of their professional services and qualifications. He also has a long-standing commitment to employment rights. Further details available here. |
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February 2020 Congratulations to everyone following the 2019 Awards ceremony on 24th February at the Royal Horseguards Hotel, London.
Please see the gallery for a selection of photographs from the day.
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Lancashire Occupational Health and Safety Group is 90 years old this year. Read more about the valuable work of the Group in this Lancashire Post article. |
