First IIRSM Ambassadors Network members agreed

In the run up to IIRSM’s 50th anniversary, IIRSM Ambassadors will actively support the work of the Institute, providing their expertise to help us achieve our strategic vision and mission.

Karen Hewitt, Founder of Leaderlike Ltd, will Chair the IIRSM Ambassadors Network. Peter Thomas, Strategic Growth Executive at Intuety and Founder of MySafetyConsultant.io, will support Karen as Deputy Chair.

The additional IIRSM Ambassadors are:

• Leo Dote, Hamad Medical Corporation

• Hugh Maxwell, Maxwell Safety Limited

• Loveness Marabwa, Zimbabwe Power Company

• Jonathan Gawthrop, EMCOR UK

• Frank Higgins, Safety Environmental Risk Enterprise

• Phillip Clarke, Care UK

• Joanne Price, MMP Business Solutions Limited

• Elaine Osborne, McLaughlin & Harvey

• Desma Kayando, Blockchain Africa

During the first meeting of the IIRSM Ambassadors Network, the group discussed effective international engagement and risk leadership and a collective project to produce an organisational systems map of risk.

Karen said: “I was absolutely thrilled to chair the first meeting of the new IIRSM Ambassador Network. The energy and diversity of thinking was hugely rewarding and we already have a first project underway as a direct result of our collective brain power. I can’t wait to see what the next twelve months bring!"

Hugh said: “As an experienced professional with significant international engagement, being an IIRSM Ambassador means representing a community passionate about driving positive change in risk and safety. By sharing and championing best practices, inspiring others and promoting a culture of resilience and continuous learning, we aim to raise the profile of risk management and IIRSM influence to greater levels.”

Loveness said: "I am honoured to collaborate with fellow risk enthusiasts, shaping the future of risk management and advancing excellence.”

Jonathan said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote this excellent organisation, progressive thought leadership and development programmes, along with the many benefits of being part of the global institution, dedicated to the management of risk in all its forms.”

Frank said: “As an IIRSM Ambassador, I am dedicated to upholding and advancing our shared values to make a positive impact.”

Joanne said: “The core values of IIRSM align with my own and I look forward to representing IIRSM over the next 12 months and having the opportunity to share the great work that they do with current and future members.”

Elaine said: “We are a diverse community of professionals, so we have massive collaboration opportunities to learn from and can influence the course of risk and safety management through communication and engagement. I’d love to feel that I have motivated and empowered others in recognising their impact in managing risks effectively, protecting their environments and advancing their careers.”

Desma said: "As an African professional, being included in this network makes me feel seen and deeply valued. It’s a chance to bring a bit of Africa to IIRSM, connecting more people to the vital work we’re doing and opening doors for greater visibility and membership across the continent. I’m looking forward to supporting our shared mission, fostering connections and advocating for health, safety and wellbeing as core values in our industry, workplaces and the entire community."

Leo said: "To be part of the IIRSM Ambassadors Network is all about being an advocate of risk and safety management. I’m privileged to become part of this network and to work for the common good and for the interest of risk management professionalism."

The IIRSM Ambassadors will work under the direction of Chief Executive Phillip Pearson and the leadership team to help us deliver outreach and insight into specific topics/challenges. They will not direct the work of the organisation, the responsibility for which falls to the leadership team, Trustees and Council.

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