International Safety Awards Daytime Conference and Gala Dinner, Middle East

Upon request, British Safety Council will provide an invitation letter to assist with visa applications. However, we cannot advise on or guarantee visa issuance. Please apply as early as possible; we cannot refund tickets if a visa isn’t obtained.

No physical tickets are issued. Confirmation emails will be sent to the contact provided on the booking form.

• Black tie
• Evening dress
• National dress
• Honours may be worn.

Please indicate any dietary needs on the booking form. The venue is prepared to accommodate a variety of requirements, and we will contact you if additional details are needed.

Mike has been the Chief Executive of British Safety Council since September 2015 and was the driving force behind the establishment of the mental health charity, Mates in Mind.  Mike is passionate about safety leadership, the need to take a holistic approach in managing health, safety and wellbeing, and the importance of safety culture. Mike has spoken at conferences around the world on these topics, and also with the Boards of many organisations in the UK, Middle East and in India.

Mike’s first involvement in safety related organisations was in 2006 when he became the Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, a Trading Fund within the Ministry of Defence.  Over five years he grew the business substantially allowing it to better meet its aim of supporting safe, secure and thriving oceans.  After this he co-founded Global Navigation Solutions, the worlds’ leading provider of navigation products and services, supporting the safety of commercial shipping.

Before moving into the maritime services sector, Mike had a successful 15-year career in Financial Services, building HBOS's European Financial Services business and sitting on the Boards’ of HBOS Europe & North America and the Clerical Medical Investment Group.

Mike is a qualified Chartered Accountant and spent a number of years at the start of his career in Audit and Consultancy.

Dr Julie Riggs joined British Safety Council in 2020 as Senior Head of Education, promoted to the Director of Education in 2024. Julie has worked for over 30 years as an OSH practitioner and trainer, operating as a leader in strategic, corporate and global roles with broad cross-industry experience. Julie has an MSc and Doctorate in her field and a Chartered Fellowship with IOSH, she is an established writer, published author and active blogger; her work has featured in the national press and on media programmes such as BBC Radio 4. She has acted as a viva examiner for doctorate candidates and mentors degree students. Julie has also contributed to commercial and Government research projects and advisory standards, including presenting research in the House of Common. She has also volunteered for numerous global charities protecting vulnerable workers.

At British Safety Council Julie works with individual and organisations to build knowledge in safety, sustainability and wellbeing, using targeted education to drive long-term behavioural change, support sustainable development goals, and contribute to building safer, healthier and more resilient societies, with the intent to creating meaningful change to make a difference.

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. 

Dr. Audrey Fleming is a Chartered Psychologist and Well-being, Health and Safety practitioner with over 25 years of expertise from elite sport, academia, public and private sectors. These roles have included health and well-being 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.