Building bridges

Welcome to the first IOSH magazine of 2022. I’d like to start by wishing you all a Happy New Year! It promises to be another challenging but exciting 12 months for IOSH and the profession as we continue to support businesses to build, grow and – crucially – protect the world’s workforce.

Over a month has now passed since IOSH launched its Catch the Wave campaign on social sustainability and I’m pleased to say it has been gathering significant momentum as we highlight the value of businesses looking after their people. We are at a challenging time in history where the only constant is change. But, by putting our people first, and by protecting their safety, health and wellbeing, we have the ability to evolve how we work.

There will be much more to come from this campaign in the months ahead, and you can find out more about social sustainability in our cover feature here.

Looking forward, IOSH is finalising its next strategy to build on the success of WORK 2022 and there will continue to be developments to enhance the offer to our members.

IOSH will also continue to work with partner organisations to raise OSH standards around the world. In November, we announced a memorandum of understanding with the International Labour Organization, which will see us working on mutually beneficial projects, and we will be taking part in high-profile events. Already two months into my presidency, I take great pride in being able to represent IOSH and you – our members – at events. Presidential team members will also be presenting at events organised by branches and sector groups. It would be great to see many of you there.

In addition to supporting IOSH’s campaign, my year will focus on how we in the profession enhance our skills beyond the technical and develop modern leadership skills in response to business needs, creating true value within the organisations we support. I’m keen to see the profession build bridges across businesses and academia to create teams at all levels based on trust, which allows diversity of thought to flourish.

And that brings me to another theme close to my heart. I’m IOSH’s 55th president, but only the seventh woman president. Along with the presidential team, I will look to support under-represented groups and give them the confidence to step into leadership positions with IOSH’s volunteer networks and in professional roles.

There is lots to be done, and I for one am really excited about what 2022 may bring us. Wishing you all a healthy and successful year.

Louise Hosking | IOSH president