Sarah Newton reappointed as chair of HSE

The reappointment will last for two years starting from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027.

Sarah Newton has led HSE since 2020, overseeing its important role in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of workers across Great Britain.

During her tenure, she has driven strategic improvements, strengthened regulatory frameworks, and championed HSE’s mission to protect people and places.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, said: "I congratulate Sarah on her reappointment as HSE chair, and I look forward to continuing to work with her over the next few years.

"As we overhaul our employment support system and give workers the skills and support they need to succeed in their careers, the role of HSE will be vital to ensure workplaces are safe environments for them to flourish in."

Chair of the HSE Board, Sarah Newton, said: "I am delighted to be reappointed as the Chair of the HSE to deliver our ten-year strategy, Protecting People and Places, while supporting the Government’s aim to improve the productivity of and growth in the UK economy. 

"HSE does this by supporting business-led innovation and employers in their duty to prevent work related fatalities, ill health and injuries.

"Over the past five years, HSE has significantly expanded the scope of our work, taking on the responsibility of regulating chemicals in Great Britain and setting up the Building Safety Regulator for England. 

"Throughout this journey, it has been a privilege to work with the non-executive and executive leadership team and many dedicated HSEemployees. I look forward to tackling the challenges ahead."

The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It is dedicated to protecting people and places and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives. 

The HSE Board oversees the activities of HSE, ensuring that high standards of corporate governance and ways of working are maintained.

The HSE 10-year strategy sets out clear objectives and core themes to ensure people are protected in the workplace. The strategy prioritises on delivering a reduction in occupational ill health, specifically focusing on work-related stress and mental health.