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NEBOSH has long supported the professional development of practitioners who help prevent accidents and ill health every day. Now, through its Social Purpose Programme , NEBOSH is expanding its impact to reach workers and communities who are often left behind.

Visitors to the newly launched Social Purpose section of the NEBOSH website can learn more about the strategy, view examples of completed projects, and watch a video from Andy Shenstone, NEBOSH CEO, outlining the organisation's vision for the future.

The programme aims to tackle inequality in workplace health and safety, particularly in regions where educational, financial, and regulatory resources are scarce. It also looks to improve accessibility and diversity within the Occupational Health and Safety profession.

Activities that are already underway include:
- Supporting training for labour inspectors to improve employer guidance in high-risk sectors
- Funding research into occupational health risks in informal, extractive industries
- Providing free, accessible safety and health content for self-employed workers in the UK

Laura Wise, Chief Strategy and Governance Officer at NEBOSH said ‘We have been working on the Social Purpose Strategy for the past 18 months and are delighted to now share the core elements of this exciting programme. By focusing on individuals and communities that need support to keep workers healthy and safe, we hope, alongside our other important work, to increase our reach and impact as a charity’.

Funmi Adegbola is the Founder of the Society of Women in Safety, Health and Environment – Africa (SOWSHE-A), the organisation spearheading a research project into personal protective equipment with the support of NEBOSH's funding. Funmi adds: “We are thrilled to have NEBOSH’s support in advancing this important initiative. Their commitment to workplace safety and health aligns perfectly with our goal of ensuring that African women are equipped with the right PPE to protect their well-being. This collaboration is not only vital for improving the safety of female workers, but it also strengthens the movement for greater gender equity in the workplace."

As the programme develops, NEBOSH plans to expand its remit to include environmental and wellbeing support, embedding social purpose into the organisation’s long-term business model.

View the new social purpose webpage here: https://www.nebosh.org.uk/about-nebosh/social-purpose/