IOSH collaborate with Safety, Health & Wellbeing Live in exclusive Communities’ Theatre.

Curated content programme at Manchester show will showcase Institute’s network of communities.

As workplaces evolve amid rapid change, the role of occupational safety and health professionals has never been more vital. A world shaped by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) demands more than compliance, it calls for strategic leadership, adaptability and collaboration.
 
The IOSH Communities Theatre at Safety, Health & Wellbeing Live Manchester aims to tackle these challenges. 
 
This new feature will be a focal point for knowledge-sharing, debate and inspiration, showcasing the strength of IOSH’s community network and equipping safety professionals to lead through complexity and change. 

The mission is to raise standards and support professional growth. Across two days of CPD-accredited content, visitors will experience a rich programme of keynotes, panel debates, technical sessions and interactive discussions led by industry leaders, technical experts and members of the IOSH Presidential Team. 
 
Designed to be inclusive and relevant to practitioners from all sectors, the content will tackle the most urgent issues facing the profession, from climate-related risks and technology adoption to evolving regulation and workforce expectations.


 

“THE STRENGTH OF IOSH’S COMMUNITIES LIES IN THEIR DIVERSITY AMD DEPTH.”

“They bring professionals together to share knowledge, challenge assumptions and co-create solutions.” Helen Barnett, Head of Communities and Volunteer Engagement. 

“This theatre celebrates the expertise and passion that drives our profession forward, It’s about giving safety professionals the insight, support and inspiration they need to lead in a rapidly changing world.” Daniel Gray, Event Director at Safety Health & Wellbeing Live.

Strength in community

At the heart of the theatre are the IOSH communities, volunteer-led communities across the globe , bringing members together locally and covering sectors from construction and fire  to public services, rail, aviation and aerospace. These communities provide a space for collaboration, learning and career development, helping members build competence, confidence and resilience. 
 
For the first time, these communities  will be showcased live, with sessions addressing national trends as well as regional challenges specific to the North West. Topics will include technology adoption, legislative change, climate risk and sector-specific issues, ensuring content is both practical and forward-looking.

Leading with confidence

The focus on VUCA reflects how the safety profession itself is evolving. Practitioners are now expected to anticipate change, interpret complexity and influence strategy while safeguarding people and strengthening organisations. 
 
By combining IOSH’s community-led expertise with SHW Live’s dynamic event platform, the new Communities’ Theatre will give safety professionals the tools, insight and networks to succeed.



 

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Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    This presentation summarises the creation and implementation of Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025), established after the Manchester Arena attack. Led by Figen Murray OBE, this law introduces tiered safety measures for UK venues based on capacity, overseen by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) over a two-year implementation period. The talk highlights responsibilities and resources for organisations, emphasising public safety without undue business burdens.
    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    Explore health and safety challenges arising from temporary escalation spaces such as “corridor care,” particularly during winter pressures in the health and social care sector. Speakers will share be …
    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    Examining violence and aggression toward health and social care staff, this session will include an overview of NHS England’s Violence Prevention and Reduction Standards and the Anti-Violence Collabor …
    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    With a focus on balancing assurance and reassurance within governance frameworks. Speakers will highlight how data adoption and AI can strengthen compliance and provide evidence-based processes for st …
    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    This session will expand on understanding the impacts of climate change on safety to exploring how we can build resilience and capability into safety strategies and planning to keep the workforce safe, in both the rail and construction industry
    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    Drawing on Shaun’s role as technical author of the Industry Task and Finish Group’s new guidance, this session explores how competence in the built environment must move beyond qualifications to a systems-based approach shaped by post-Grenfell regulatory reform. It highlights common gaps in current practice and sets out what “good” looks like in terms of leadership, organisational competence management, assurance, and continuous improvement.
    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    As we enter a transformative era influenced by technology and climate change, this session will examine the risks related to the future of work. Join us to gain insights into technological advancements and changing employee expectations, with an emphasis on strategies for resilience, equity, and mental well-being. Discover how the occupational safety and health (OSH) profession is evolving to create a safe future of work
    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre

    Illegal mining has long driven global environmental degradation, pollution, and unsafe working conditions, while distorting supply chains and introducing poorly verified materials into international markets. For the UK, these impacts translate into growing waste complexity, pressure on recycling infrastructure, and the need for secure, transparent material flows. This presentation explores how weaknesses in global supply chains undermine circular economy goals and argues for a coherent approach linking responsible sourcing, traceability, and ethical procurement with robust end-of-life recovery and high-quality recycling—essential steps to reduce harm, strengthen resource security, and build a resilient materials system.

    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre

    Step inside the world of health & safety with a mentor–mentee duo from FLSG. Hear how mentoring shaped their careers, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons they learned along the way. Discover how IOSH mentoring and membership can guide and accelerate your own professional journey.

     

    Theatre 2 - IOSH Communities Theatre
    Join our Future Leaders panel as they reveal what HSE careers are really like. From leadership tips to everyday challenges, and soft skills that make the difference, discover how to thrive across industries. Interactive Q&A encouraged.

Your IOSH Communities Theatre Speakers

Don't miss this: Martyn’s Law

One of the most powerful moments of the programme will come when Figen Murray OBE, the campaigner behind Martyn’s Law, takes to the stage. Created in memory of her son Martyn, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the legislation represents a significant shift in how venues and organisations approach public safety and preparedness. 
 
Murray will deliver a keynote address exploring the background, progress and practical implementation of Martyn’s Law, and the critical role safety professionals will play in its rollout. Following her keynote, she will join IOSH’s incoming President Richard Bate for an exclusive interview examining the journey behind the legislation and its implications for the profession. 
Register Now
Registration is now open for Safety, Health & Wellbeing Live and Fire Safety Live on 10-11 February 2026 in Manchester Central. Tickets are free: don't risk missing it.