Changing the safety conversation

10 Feb 2026
Theatre 3
Yes but what's the ROI?
This interactive session brings together four leading voices in Health and Safety to challenge a persistent issue in our industry: The perception of safety professionals as rule enforcers rather than operational partners.Through short, sharp talks grounded in real-world experience, each speaker will share practical tools, personal stories, and actionable insights that attendees can take back to their own workplaces.The session will culminate in a lively, audience-led panel discussion where attendees are invited to share their own challenges and ask for direct advice from the panel. Whether you're working in a small team, trying to build influence, or looking to engage leadership more effectively, this session is designed to help you move beyond compliance and make safety stick. In modern health and safety, professionals are still seen as enforcers rather than operational partners. This session challenges that outdated view and explores how safety can be repositioned as a strategic, value-adding function that earns trust, drives engagement, and supports performance.
Chairperson
Kevin Barr
Kevin Barr, Health and Safety - Procedures and Systems Manager - Lloyds Banking Group
Speakers
Becky Ray
Becky Ray, CEO - Culture Kick
Ken Mudd
Ken Mudd, CEO - YORSAFETY
Natalie von Tersch
Natalie von Tersch, Director - mint HS
Richard Brookes
Richard Brookes, Group Head of Health and Safety - South Stafforshire Plc