From the CEO's Desk

In order to ensure that the Federation is effectively and efficiently focused on the goals and objectives of the membership we are at an advanced stage of our Strategic Review. The aim is to agree and finalise the content details and publish by the spring.

BSIF, on behalf of the membership, remains dedicated to the development of a dynamic respected safety and health industry in the UK, moving the perception from 'Elf n Safety' to a perception of 'Proud to be Safe'.

It has long been an objective of the Federation to have supporters within the legislature who can assist in achieving this sea change and I highlighted recently that we had managed to promote the sponsorship of an early day motion at Westminster. This has now been signed and supported by 62 MPs. If you may want to see this example of the Federation and Democracy in action please visit: www.parliament.uk/edm/2014-15/403

Following through on this programme BSIF sponsored a parliamentary dinner for MPs in December at the House of Commons. This was attended by a range of Parliamentarians including the Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, the Shadow Minister of State for Employment (pictured) and Lord McKenzie, Shadow Spokesperson on Work and Pensions.

The evening was a great success with a lively round table debate and discussion covering: the value of PPE and the benefits of the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme; the impacts of long term latency illness; and the potential consequences of the exemption of the 'self–employed' from responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The dinner was a first for the Federation and marked the close of a year in which we gained a great deal of traction in the political environment, with the sponsoring of the Parliamentary 40th Anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act, the laying down of the Early Day Motion and the active participation in the All Party MPs Group on Health and Safety.

2015 promises to be a very busy year for all as we set out ensure the UK remains one of the safest places in the world to work.

 

I would like to wish you all a safe and successful year.

 

Alan Murray, BSIF chief executive

Tel: 01483 717451