The deadline for the SHP awards has been extended to October 24 giving the sector time to submit their nominations and us some time to dig a bit deeper into some of the categories. Here, we focus on Rising Stars, one that celebrates young, high-performing health and safety professionals – over the years it’s brought to the fore some of the brightest, most passionate stars of the profession.
Cindy Bell with her two SHP Awards.
Other than the overall Rising Star UK winner, the category is split into Rising Star in Manufacturing, Rising Star in Construction and Rising Star International. Last year’s winner of the UK and manufacturing accolade was Cindy Bell, SHE Advisor at Greggs, who impressed judges by showing strong engagement with the workforce, while implementing new technology into the workplace. “I can’t put into words how happy & grateful I am to win the awards, all that I can say is I have a smile from ear-to-ear,” Cindy said on receiving the award last year. “To be nominated alongside such a fantastic group of young professionals is an honour & reading everyone’s bio’s has been so inspiring.”
In the construction category, Jessica Collings, Health and Safety Officer at Great British Communications took home last year’s prize. Great British Communications operates a huge nationwide supply chain which was tested severely during the pandemic. Jessica successfully maintained the health and safety standards for all of it suppliers which incorporated a GBC Qualified Person’s Presentation, which she designed and implemented. Judges were particularly impressed with Jessica’s ‘quick progression’ during her career so far, indicating a visible hunger to challenge something continuously, and improve positive approach to health and safety. In the space of eight months, Jessica has gone from a H&S Coordinator to a lead Health and Safety Officer, after completing her master’s degree in occupational health and safety.
Describing why Jessica should win this award, one judge said: “Jessica is the epitome of a shining exemplar of a rising star in the profession: a promotion, a masters degree, a mentor, innovative, truly supportive over and beyond to keep people safe, and a measured, defined impact on EHS performance. A joy to read that the UK OSH profession can attract talent such as this.”
And finally, last year’s international category was taken by Shari Bowen, while working as HSSE Officer at Massy Distribution Ltd., in Barbados. The judges were impressed by her use of social media to change the narrative around women in health and safety. Through her social media platform, Women in Safety Caribbean, Shari promotes women who are leading the charge of safety and health nationally and throughout the Caribbean.
Speaking to SHP after learning of her success, Shari said, “I woke up to the amazing news on LinkedIn. I’m still a little shocked and so grateful to be selected the winner from among two other outstanding nominees.”
If you think you’re able to match the efforts of previous winners and want to be considered among any of our rising star categories then you can enter here.
Hear Cindy, and Rising Star International Shari Bowen, speak about their journey into health & safety, in this episode of the Safety & Health Podcast…
