IOSH celebrates its network

10 November 2011

How IOSH builds itself for the future both in the UK and internationally was up for discussion among the 200-plus delegates at this year’s Networks Conference.

The event, held in Leicester on 8 and 9 November, celebrated members who give their time to committees, groups and branches of IOSH, under the over-arching aim of improving workplace health and safety for people around the world.

During the two days, delegates from as far as Hong Kong, the Caribbean, Middle East and Singapore, and those altogether closer to the Institution’s Wigston-based headquarters, gathered together to network and share best practice.

IOSH chief executive Rob Strange OBE said: “Our annual Networks Conference is vital for our organisation as it plays a big part in guiding how we develop, especially where our groups and branches are concerned.

“I believe it’s very important to commend the hard work and dedication of our members who give up their time, on a voluntary basis, to promote the importance of health and safety in the workplace.”

During the event the IOSH Annual General Meeting (AGM) traditionally takes place. And on Tuesday 8 November Subash Ludhra took over the presidential regalia from Steve Granger, while Gerard Hand became IOSH’s new president elect. During the meeting the Board of Trustees also said goodbye to Nick Burraston OBE after six years as chair, with Keith Underhill taking over the post.

In his speech at the annual dinner, Subash said: “It’s a real honour to stand before you as the new president of IOSH. I am looking forward to rising to the challenges I see before me over the next twelve months, together with you as fellow health and safety professionals. And I’m certain IOSH has further successes in store.”

Sessions over the two days included a rundown of the new IOSH structure, which is designed to improve efficiencies and performance of organisation in the future. On day one, the new Membership Division was explained and a rundown of the new events team given, while day two  featured a detailed look at the year’s events in communications, including the introduction of the Member Advisory Panel, how the Life Savings campaign has progressed and media highlights of the last 12 months.

A trio of projects were also highlighted – the Food and Drink Group’s piloting of the IOSH Workplace Shadowing Scheme, the launch of the Singapore Branch and a level crossing awareness event from the North Wales Branch. The first winner of the Excellence in Communication Awards was also announced, with Lawrence Bamber, vice chair of the North Wales Branch, collecting the award for the latter of those three events.

Just before the conference’s close there was a chance to quiz the IOSH executive directors team on latest developments within the Institution, as well as plans for the future.

Views from the delegates

Essex Branch chair Stephen Catley said: “I think the last session on communications skills was one of the best so far. The networking opportunities have been great – talking about the benefits and the things they’re running give us ideas we can use in our own branch.”

Healthcare Group chair Chris Beadle said: “The highlights for me have been closer working with branches in our areas and groups and planning to liaise with them for events in the future.”

Neil Catton, Food and Drink Group chair, said: “There’s been a lot of really useful content, but the biggest thing for me is the opportunity to network with other groups, chairs, leaders and others, because there’s so much value in getting people together.”

Singapore Branch treasurer Venugopal Pavadaj said: “It’s been a good learning experience. We will feedback to the branch on what we’ve learnt and we are looking for strategic direction and how to grow the branch.”

Rural Industries Group chair Graham Munford said:  “Today’s been very interesting. You get a breadth and depth of view of IOSH that you wouldn’t necessarily get from the website.”