The awards ceremony took place at the Mercure London Earl’s Court on 15 October, bringing together professionals from across the industry to celebrate achievement and champion the contribution of women to the occupational safety and health sector.

Organised by Health & Safety Matters, the WISH Awards aim to raise the profile of women working across the profession, celebrate their achievements and encourage greater diversity within the industry.

The 2026 winners highlight the breadth of talent across the sector, from emerging professionals to experienced leaders, and recognise the people and organisations helping to create safer, healthier and more inclusive workplaces.

Kelly Rose, editor of Health & Safety Matters, said: “The WISH Awards celebrate the outstanding talent, dedication and leadership of women across the safety and health profession. We’re proud to recognise their achievements and help shine a spotlight on the people driving positive change and building a more inclusive industry.”

The Women in Safety & Health Awards 2026 winners are:

Diversity Champion of the Year – Health & Safety
Winner: Laura Bradley – OCS
Highly Commended: James Hatt – Cappagh Browne Utilities Ltd
Commended: Kulvinder Hira – London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Commended: Sherry White – Oxford People Solutions

Health & Safety Administrator of the Year
Winner: Kirsty Gambetta – Cappagh Browne Utilities Ltd
Highly Commended: Lili Kalcheva – HS2
Commended: Beth Wigglesworth – Harrison’s of Hull

Health & Safety Industry Woman of the Year
Winner: Emma Bramhall – Hesley Group
Highly Commended: Cherie McDonald – SGN
Commended: Emelia Ntiamoah – SLB-OneSubsea

Inclusive Company Award – Health & Safety
Winner: Cappagh Browne
Highly Commended: Macro Global
Commended: James Walker

Leader in Health & Safety Consultancy Award
Winner: Samantha Mephan – Rider Levett Bucknall
Highly Commended: Natalie Wilson – Workwear Solutions International Limited
Commended: Nicola Randall – Stallard Kane

Leader in Health & Safety in Manufacturing Award
Winner: Vicky Furgrove – Heineken UK Manchester
Highly Commended: Laura Thompson – James Walker
Highly Commended: Irma Sonia Ventura Flores – Holcim
Commended: Ana Rocha – Aston Martin

Leader in Health & Safety in Public Sector Award
Winner: Emma Austen – Ministry of Defence
Highly Commended: Lee Troake – Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Commended: Florence Ejiofor – North West London Pathology

Leader in Health & Safety Management Award
Winner: Lisa Marklew – Menzies Distribution Solutions Ltd.
Highly Commended: Ally Gray – Numatic International Ltd
Commended: Jo Bloomfield – Boskalis Offshore Energy

Leader in Health & Safety Training Award
Winner: Dr Julie Riggs – British Safety Council
Highly Commended: Danielle Read – BAE Systems – Defence Solutions – Maritime Services
Commended: Eileen Donnelly – Ripple&Co

Mental Health & Wellbeing Advocate of the Year
Winner: Debbie Airey – Kicking the Door Down
Highly Commended: Elizabeth Connell – RAC Motoring Services
Commended: Laura Gower – Draeger UK

Product/Solution Innovation Award for Women at Work
Winner: Cappagh Browne’s Women’s PPE Catalogue – Cappagh Browne Utilities Ltd
Highly Commended: Venus Core SB – Venus Workwear
Commended: Flame retardant material for polymer – National Institute of Standards (NIS), Egypt

Rising Star Award
Winner: Alexandra Stanier – Radius Limited
Highly Commended: Melissa Watson – Deltawaite
Commended: Rebecca Johnson – EPS Construction Management

Unsung Hero Award
Winner: Norma McKibbin – Portview Fit-out
Highly Commended: Sara Gibbs – British Standards Institute
Commended: Jana Brady – M Group Ltd