Five scholars celebrate NEBOSH Diploma success at Graduation

Tuesday, 8 September 2026

Five recipients of the Michael Adamson NEBOSH Diploma Scholarship have celebrated a major milestone after achieving their NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals and graduating at the 2026 NEBOSH Graduation ceremony.

Jodie Rushton, Prudence Alabo, Lorraine Bostoff, Louise Birchall and George Elliot joined hundreds of fellow Diplomates from around the world at the University of Warwick to mark their achievement.

The Michael Adamson NEBOSH Diploma Scholarship was established in 2021 and has supported the academic and career progression of more than 90 people. It is named in memory of Michael Adamson, who lost his life in a preventable workplace accident in 2005. His sister Louise is part of the selection committee, holds a NEBOSH Honorary Diploma and campaigns for better workplace health and safety.

Lorraine Bostoff was chosen as a scholarship recipient in 2023 and has since achieved the Diploma and gained a new role, now working as a Health and Safety Policy and Knowledge Manager for UPP Ltd. Lorraine, who is also a volunteer for the Safety Net Foundation, said: “Studying for the diploma gave me a much deeper understanding of health and safety principles and helped embed my knowledge in practice. The confidence this provided, together with achieving MIRSM and CertIOSH status, played a key role in advancing my career and opening up new opportunities.”

Prudence Alabo was awarded a scholarship in 2023 and has since been promoted to Acting Head of the HSE Department at the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority. Of her Diploma studies, she said: “It was both rigorous and immensely rewarding, giving me a deep, practical understanding of high-level health and safety management. The comprehensive curriculum equipped me with the technical confidence and strategic tools needed to proactively manage complex workplace risks in the Free Zones. Ultimately, earning this qualification has been a pivotal milestone in my career, elevating my day-to-day leadership and opening doors to greater professional responsibilities.”

George Elliot was awarded a scholarship in 2024 and has also achieved a NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate alongside his Diploma studies. He has since progressed to a management position, now working as a Health, Safety and Environmental Manager for ECM. He said: “As someone who was new to the health and safety profession, being awarded the Michael Adamson Scholarship was a real honour and an encouraging start to my career. It gave me valuable opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and develop my knowledge and confidence within the industry. Receiving the scholarship motivated me to continue learning, working hard, and building a strong foundation for my future in health and safety.”

Jodie Rushton achieved a Distinction in her Diploma studies and has, since being awarded the scholarship, been entrusted with greater responsibility by her employer, Leicestershire County Council. She said: “Studying for the NEBOSH Diploma was an exciting next step in my career and provided me with a new challenge. The course offered a wealth of knowledge, allowing me to learn at my own pace while also reinforcing my existing understanding, confidence, and competence in health and safety practice. The Diploma has supported me in my day-to-day role and helped me secure an acting-up position as a Senior Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor, where I can apply the knowledge, skills, and confidence gained through my studies.”

Louise Birchall was awarded a scholarship in 2023 and works as a Freelance Producer, Production Manager and Health and Safety Advisor in the theatre and events sector. Along with running events in Croydon and Southampton, Louise has recently, been teaching technical theatre skills to prisoners, helping them develop the expertise needed to find work in the sector upon release, with several participants having already secured employment. She added: “The Diploma has enabled me to stretch myself in the work I do and ensure that I can confidently pass on my health and safety knowledge to keep others working safely.”

Scholarship recipients at Graduation
L-R: Louise Birchall, Louise Adamson, Lorraine Bostoff

Scholarship recipients at Graduation
L-R: Louise Adamson, Prudence Alabo, Jodie Rushton, Andy Shenstone

George Elliot at NEBOSH Graduation
George Elliot