BOHS announces appointment of new CEO

Karen Bufton, BOHS president, said: “Along with my fellow BOHS colleagues, I’m delighted that Simon is joining us. This is a pivotal time for our organisation, as we keep building on the recent years of growth and development to ensure a successful and sustainable future, and continue to progress towards our vision of a ‘healthy working environment for everyone’.”

Simon has held senior positions in a number of third sector organisations, including: head of policy and public affairs at the British Heart Foundation;  and chief executive at both the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, and the Society for General Microbiology. Additionally, he has held a number of non-executive roles, and is currently a member of the Board of the Trustees of The Science Council. In his earlier career, Simon qualified as a doctor of medicine; practised as a hospital doctor; and also attained an MSc in Environmental Technology.

Karen added: “We are really looking forward to Simon joining the Society. Through Simon’s leadership, breadth of experience and knowledge, we will be able to further progress BOHS’ strategy. In recent years, we have been successful in achieving several key objectives, including: launching the Breathe Freely campaigns in both construction and manufacturing; raising awareness of the burden of occupational ill health and death; and providing practical advice and solutions to protect workers’ health. And just last month, we reached another strategic milestone by launching the Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM), which aims to develop and maintain standards of competence in asbestos assessment and management practice for its members.”

In conclusion, Karen said: “I am very proud to be part of the Society’s achievements in driving improvement in worker health protection. Along with all my BOHS colleagues, I look forward to welcoming Simon, and to the next exciting chapter for BOHS.”