We were delighted that Shirley was awarded the IOSH Presidents Distinguished Service Award last night at the IOSH Thames Valley Branch meeting.
The award is given to those who have made a significant contribution to IOSH and its Networks, or to practitioners who have made a significant contribution to improving the profession.
Shirley’s involvement with IOSH dates back to 1979 with the launch of Sypol and its COSHH helpline (which was later commended by the HSE). She was an IOSH Committee Member from 2008 – 2012, and on the IOSH Nominations Committee from 2011 – 2017, ensuring that IOSH had the best talent running its committees, indirectly raising standards and keeping people safe.
Shirley was nominated by Neil Budworth, a past President of IOSH, and currently Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at Loughborough University who said in his nomination:
“Shirley has been a central and well-known figure in developing and bettering the H&S industry for over 30 years. Shirley’s industry influence has inspired and empowered countless professionals to take both their first and next steps in their careers. Shirley has spent her career influencing lives, keeping workers safe, and striving to better the profession. There are no others more deserving of a President’s Distinguished Service Award than Shirley.”
Voted as one of SHP’s 25 Most Influential Individuals in Health & Safety in 2020 by SHP readers, Shirley’s influence spans all levels of the profession. From inspiring up-and-coming talent through to senior director level professionals discreetly looking for their next career move, Shirley is a trusted, generous and valued confidant. James Pomeroy, Group HSES Director for Lloyd's Register, seconded the nomination and said;
“She may not be an active practitioner, but Shirley understands more about Health & Safety than most of us. And she is very happy to share her knowledge, her contacts, her network and her advice with everybody. Her real contribution and even her legacy to the Health & Safety community is the concept of altruistic service – helping and supporting professionals in their careers and supporting businesses to develop stronger and more effective HSE functions.”
We look forward to celebrating the award with Shirley as soon as we can!
- The Shirley Parsons Team.