Karen Godfrey from Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd has won the first ever Inspiring Women in Safety Award at this year’s RoSPA Health and Safety Awards.

This new award, sponsored by L’Oréal, was launched for 2022 to recognise an individual who has made a significant inspirational impact in the world of health, safety and wellbeing, through activities within the workplace, or by use of their skills and expertise beyond the workplace.

Entrants were narrowed down to a shortlist and RoSPA Awards judges considered how nominees have been a source of inspiration, for instance by showing passion in the way they work, influencing networks beyond their organisation or championing gender, diversity and inclusion.

The shortlist in full was:

• Fran Collison, Safety Director – UK, Aramark UK
• Perla Cunha, Health and Safety Coordinator, Integrated Packing Services
• Karen Godfrey, SHE Manager and Mental Health Lead, Construction Yorkshire & North East, Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd
• Kat Parsons, Interim Head of HSEQ: Professional Services and Technology, ISS Facility Services Ltd
• Carolyn Smith, Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing, The VPS Group
• Anna Vine, Associate Director, Property Management FM, CBRE

This year’s winner, Karen Godfrey, works as the SHE Manager and Mental Health Lead, Construction Yorkshire & North East, at Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd

Karen was praised by the judges for her stand-out efforts in the construction industry, and strong focus on using her skills to develop others to grow in their health and safety careers. Her passion for supporting mental health improvement across the industry was also described as innovative and inspiring.

In addition, Fran Collison, Safety Director – UK at food service, facilities, and uniform services provider, Aramark UK, was highly commended. Fran was praised by the judges for her person-centered approach to health and safety leadership, with her focus on keeping people engaged and involved making a huge difference throughout the pandemic.

“Each of our shortlisted women has been hugely inspirational within their own sphere of influence. We hope that this recognition will encourage women across the world that the work they do adds value and saves lives,” said Dr Karen McDonnell, RoSPA’s Occupational Safety and Health Policy Adviser.