RoSPA Celebrates Global Safety Champions at Health and Safety Awards
In a world where millions still lose their lives to preventable accidents, the quiet heroes of workplace safety were given a well-deserved standing ovation. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards 2025, now in its 69th glittering year, lit up the Grosvenor Hotel in London with a ceremony that pulled no punches in honouring those who work tirelessly to protect others.
With nearly 2,000 entries from over 50 countries, this year’s RoSPA Awards proved yet again that the drive to save lives and improve workplace safety knows no borders. Supported by title sponsor NEBOSH, the event drew in global talent and commitment, while shining a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to protect their colleagues and communities.
A Night of Applause and Applause-Worthy Achievements
Held in the iconic Grosvenor Hotel, the night was as much about heartfelt tributes as it was about polished trophies. The awards ceremony was hosted by Irish comedian Ed Byrne, who brought warmth and wit to an evening that struck a delicate balance between celebration and solemn respect. The keynote addresses came from Lord Jordan of Bournville, RoSPA Life President; Rebecca Hickman, RoSPA Chief Executive; and Dee Arp, NEBOSH Chief Quality Officer.
Each speaker paid homage to the powerful legacy of the awards and the critical work of the people behind the statistics. Rebecca Hickman captured the spirit of the night best: “The RoSPA Awards shine a light on unsung heroes, whose hard work saves real lives. In a world where more than three million people die every year because of an accident, health and safety professionals like those we honoured are proof that it does not have to be this way.”
She added: “Our Award winners don’t just walk with RoSPA on our mission to ensure a safer society for all, they lead the way, for which we give the respect and recognition they truly deserve.”
The Pinnacle of Recognition
The night’s highest honour, the prestigious Sir George Earle Trophy, was awarded to Aramark UK. First introduced in 1956, the trophy is RoSPA’s oldest accolade and recognises overall excellence in health and safety management. Aramark UK earned the top spot by demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment across their operations.
The Sir George Earle Trophy is no ordinary prize. It is awarded only to the best of the best—organisations that emerge as standouts among Sector Award winners, proving consistent dedication to a safety-first culture.
Diverse Excellence Across Industries
RoSPA’s Sector Awards recognise outstanding achievements in over 20 industry categories. This year’s winning roster includes a rich mix of sectors and geographies:
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Barchester Healthcare – Healthcare
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NSG Environmental Ltd. – Engineering Services
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Department of Work and Pensions – Public Service and Local Government
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AS Watson UK – Wholesale and Retail
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L’Oréal North Little Rock – Manufacturing
These winners demonstrated strong governance, strategic foresight, and active workforce involvement, all key criteria for RoSPA’s rigorous judging panel.
Judged by Experts, Trusted by Industry
The integrity of the RoSPA Awards process lies in its meticulous judging. Submissions are assessed by senior health and safety professionals and consultants, who look beyond the tick-boxes to identify organisations with genuinely proactive approaches to risk management.
Entrants must showcase a comprehensive health and safety management system, underpinned by:
- Robust leadership and governance
- Evidence of workforce engagement
- Innovation in accident prevention
- A clear record of continuous improvement
For businesses, winning a RoSPA Award is more than a badge of honour—it’s a powerful endorsement of their culture, commitment, and credibility.
NEBOSH and RoSPA
The evening’s sense of mission was reinforced by NEBOSH Chief Quality Officer Dee Arp, who echoed the sentiment of shared values:
“NEBOSH is proud to sponsor the RoSPA Awards. As a fellow registered charity, we deeply value our longstanding partnership with RoSPA and the shared mission that unites us: to prevent accidents and protect lives—whether at work, at home, or in our communities.”
She continued: “This commitment to bettering the lives of people and communities is at the heart of everything we do—and it’s reflected in the achievements we celebrated last night. The Award winners have achieved the highest standards in health and safety, and raised the bar for the entire profession.”
Advocating for a Safer World
Since its founding in 1916, RoSPA has remained at the forefront of accident prevention. From lobbying government policy to launching training qualifications and community outreach campaigns, the organisation has never strayed from its mission.
RoSPA’s vision is simple yet powerful: to create a life free from accidental injury. The society supports its members with research, campaigns, and tools to raise safety standards across industries. Their award programme remains a core part of that work, inspiring thousands to push for better every year.
Why RoSPA Awards Matter
For many, health and safety is often viewed as compliance-driven or overly bureaucratic. The RoSPA Awards challenge that perception head-on, revealing a sector fuelled by compassion, strategy, and leadership. It isn’t just about avoiding fines or ticking legal boxes; it’s about saving lives, protecting futures, and nurturing a positive workplace culture.
In fact, research from the HSE and International Labour Organization continues to show that strong safety cultures directly contribute to employee wellbeing, productivity, and even business resilience. Simply put, safety pays.
Leading the Way to Safer Tomorrows
As the evening drew to a close, one thing became crystal clear: the RoSPA Awards are more than just a ceremony. They are a movement. One that brings together passionate individuals and organisations from across the world, united by a shared belief that everyone deserves to go home safe.
It’s this quiet, relentless commitment to better that makes the RoSPA Awards so important—and so worth celebrating.
