Former BSIF CEO receives British Empire Medal in New Years Honours

The honours system recognises those who have either made achievements in public life, or committed themselves to serving and helping Britain. Nominations for honours are received by the Cabinet Office from the public and from government departments and passed to 1 of 9 independent committees for consideration. The committees’ decisions are ratified by a central honours committee (chaired by Sir Bob Kerslake, Head of the Civil Service and including the chairs of each honours committee) and sent to the Queen via the Prime Minister.

The BEM is given in recognition of those who have made an achievement or contribution of a “hands-on” service to a community at a local level. The Medal was re-introduced in 2012 to provide the opportunity to recognise an even greater number of people playing their part in their local communities. 

Commenting on Geoff’s award, BSIF CEO, David Lummis said: “It is great to see a number of names from within the health and safety industry, such as the Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, being recognised in this years New Year’s Honours. This is a true testimony to the hard work and dedication that each of these individuals have done to improve the safety of people at work.

“To see a former BSIF CEO on the New Year’s Hounours list, is a real compliment to the Federation and Geoff himself, it goes to show that the work carried out in the past and present from the BSIF has been very effective in making safety clothing and equipment a critical component in safer workplaces.”

On receiving his British Empire Medal, Geoff Hooke said: “I feel humbled to have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list. It isn’t everyday your work is commended by the Queen. I hope that this is the start of more to come for the health and safety industry as a whole.”