A day of celebration at the Pledge Conference and Awards 2021

Around 160 members of the British Ceramic Confederation attended its annual Pledge Conference and Awards which put the spotlight on health and safety in the workplace.The event, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Stoke-on-Trent, recognised the people and initiatives that drive health and safety improvement across the ceramics sector. The awards also looked at the principles of Pledge, mental health and the pending move to Pledge Phase 5. Pledge also gives BCC members the opportunity to share best practice.Around 110 entries were received for the awards, which were split into three categories; an open category, individual recognition and the contractor award, with 19 companies recognised for their work.The overall Pledge Award of Excellence 2021 was presented to Naylor Drainage Division of Naylor Industries. The judges were extremely impressed by the work that Naylor had carried out as part of its ‘Take Safety Home’ initiative together with the steps taken to actively support employee health and wellbeing, which represents a holistic package of home to work and work to home support.The award judges, former HSE inspector Phil Smith, BCC’s former Deputy Chief Executive Francis Morrall and former Health and Safety Manager at Dudson’s Ltd, Stephen Mullock , looked for innovation and leadership in reducing risk and improving the working environment for everyone.BCC President Edward Naylor addressed the conference saying that the ceramics sector was resilient and strong with a proud heritage, adding that it had a steadfast commitment to health and safety.The guest speakers were Clare Owen, acting head of manufacturing at the Health & Safety Executive, Philip Crosbie, Principal Associate, Eversheds, Tom Oxley, lead consultant and relationship director at Bamboo Mental Health and Dan Keeley (pictured), mental health activist and thought leader.Lauren Darby, BCC Safety, Health & Environment Director, said: “Pledge has been running for more than 20 years and it provides members with a great opportunity to celebrate successes and learn from others.“After holding a virtual event last year, it was wonderful to be able to welcome members to an ‘in person’ conference that truly celebrated health and safety best practice.“Our speakers gave very thought-provoking and, at times, emotional talks which touched on mental health and how companies can recognise and support those who are struggling. We hope members were able to take away information and ideas that they will find useful.”