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Middle East Seminar - Managing Psychosocial Risks in Times of Uncertainty

Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our in-person International Safety Awards Day Conference and Gala Dinner. 

However, we are pleased to welcome you to join us on Thursday, 4 June 2026, for our virtual seminar, Managing Psychosocial Risks in Times of Uncertainty. 

  • Thursday, 4 June, 2026 
  • 10:00 AM GST (UAE & Oman) | 9:00 AM AST (KSA, Bahrain & Qatar)

This timely session will explore how organisations can better understand, manage, and support employee wellbeing during periods of uncertainty, helping leaders navigate psychosocial risks with confidence and care.

We hope you will be able to join us.

Register for the Seminar →

Agenda

  • Introduction and context setting (regional lens and why this matters now)        

  • Overview of psychosocial risks linked to uncertainty and geopolitical tension

  • Leading Through Uncertainty: Psychosocial Risk and Organisational Resilience             

  • How the British Safety Council can support organisations (training, frameworks, consultancy, surveys)

  • Live Q&A and practical guidance on what good looks like (leadership behaviours, communication, and effective approaches)            

  • Closing remarks.

Speakers

Ian Cooke, Audit, Consultancy and Culture Change Director 

A strategic and results-driven leader, Ian brings a strong track record in health, safety, and wellbeing compliance across training, consultancy, and auditing services. Known for blending commercial acumen with deep technical expertise, Ian delivers measurable business outcomes while championing a proactive and people-focused approach to compliance.
 
An engaging and confident public speaker, skilled at inspiring teams and influencing stakeholders at every level of an organisation.
 
With extensive knowledge of legislation and industry standards, Ian specialises in developing high-impact compliance solutions that strengthen organisational resilience. Ian is also highly customer-focused, experienced in designing tailored programmes and services that meet client needs and generate tangible value. 

Sarah Saha, Regional Head, Middle East 

Sarah Saha is the Regional Head for the Middle East at British Safety Council, where she leads the organisation’s strategic growth, partnerships and regional impact. Based in Dubai, she is responsible for advancing British Safety Council’s mission to improve workplace health, safety, wellbeing and sustainability, supporting organisations to build safer, healthier and more resilient working environments.

Sarah brings over 23 years of UK and international experience across environment, health and safety (EHS), sustainability, and risk management. In her previous role as Group Vice President of Standards, Systems and Governance in HSE at DP World, she spearheaded enterprise-wide frameworks that strengthened governance, drove consistency and elevated performance across global operations.

At British Safety Council, Sarah is focused on strengthening regional engagement, forging strategic collaborations and supporting organisations to achieve excellence in health, safety, wellbeing, contributing to safer workplaces and more sustainable societies.

Audrey Fleming, Head of Culture Change and Psychosocial Safety 

Dr. Audrey Fleming is a Chartered Psychologist and Wellbeing, Health and Safety practitioner with over 25 years of expertise from elite sport, academia, public and private sectors. These roles have included health and wellbeing assessment and promotion for NHS and local governments, mental skills support with sports and work teams, through to global corporation coaching and supporting strategies to improve psychosocial safety climate and reduce workplace stress.

Audrey has specialised experience in transport, construction, critical industrial services, manufacturing, mechanical engineering and petrochemical industries in the UK, and around the world.