British Safety Council appoints new chairman

Chartered safety practitioner Peter McGettrick succeeds Lawrence Waterman who steps down after four years

MIKE Robinson, chief executive of the British Safety Council has today (26 October) welcomed Peter McGettrick as the new chairman of the organization. He replaces Lawrence Waterman, who stands down after four years in the post.

For the past year, Mr McGettrick (pictured) has acted as deputy chairman. He is a chartered safety practitioner and a partner and managing director of advisory at Turner & Townsend, the global professional services company.

Mike Robinson said: ‘We are delighted that Peter McGettrick has become chairman of British Safety Council, and, at the same time, we say a massive thank you to Lawrence Waterman for his significant contribution over the past four years.

‘Peter brings a wealth of expertise from a successful career leading consultancy and advising on major infrastructure projects, and I know he will bring fresh insight and new ideas to the role of chairman. I am also pleased that Lawrence will continue working with the organization as a trustee, and that we will retain his extensive knowledge and skills.

‘There has never been a more important time for employers to consider the safety, health and well-being of their staff, both in and outside of work, following the Covid pandemic. It has to be a priority for any organization looking to succeed today.’

Peter McGettrick said: ‘I am very much looking forward to being chairman of British Safety Council and thank Lawrence for his huge contribution and service in the role. The British Safety Council’s vision that no-one should be injured or made ill through their work has never been more vital. I want to build on its already significant achievements to support organizations and their people to stay safe and to thrive in the workplace.

‘At Turner & Townsend I oversee hundreds of professionals working in contract services, consulting, sustainability, technology, operational excellence, health, safety, and quality. As we emerge from the Covid pandemic, I believe British Safety Council has a critical role to play in helping people both here in the UK and overseas to ensure we are building back safely and sustainably in a way that puts health, well-being and the environment first.’

Lawrence Waterman said: ‘It has been a great privilege to serve as chairman of the British Safety Council over the last four years. When I started, little could I have imagined the challenges that the Covid pandemic would bring, and I feel proud of the way that British Safety Council has responded.

‘As a charity, it has been so important that we do what we can to help and support smaller businesses through this difficult time. I know that Peter is exactly the right person to steer the organization though whatever comes our way in the coming years and continue to expand our reach in the UK and internationally.’