In this section the chairperson will introduce the event

David Butter, Principal Inspector of Health & Safety, HSE

In this presentation David will provide an update on what the priorities of the HSE will be in 2026 and how this will impact our industry

Biography

David Butter joined HSE in 1990 and has worked in frontline regulator and policy roles in HSE across many differing industries. Currently he heads up a team in HSE’s Engagement and Policy Division leading on manufacturing and utilities industries.

Graeme Craig, Senior Industrial Issues Executive, British Plastics Federation

In this session Graeme Craig from the British Plastics Federation will provide the latest information available on accident statistics from within the plastics industry. He will also provide an overview on the relaunch of SIMPL

Biography

Graeme started working for the British Plastics Federation shortly before the national lockdown in 2020. He has worked in several industries in production and contracting. For over twenty years he has at various times, represented UK building services, the steel industry, and now plastic moulders at home and overseas. 

Peter Kelly, Founder, Being Real
In this session Peter Kelly will talk about Wellbeing

Biography

Peter Kelly is a leading psychologist, speaker and advisor who consults with organizations in the UK and internationally for mental health solutions in the workplace.

He established Being Real in 2022, after developing the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) management standards approach to tackle work related stress over 20 years ago . He was Senior Psychologist/ Specialist Inspector at The Health and Safety Executive from 1998 to 2022 giving practical advice and advice on compliance with regulations   for  work related stress whilst developing the scientific evidence base for work related stress , psychological health and safety and mental health and wellbeing 

He is a workplace and mental health authority and an advocate of mental health. He is best known for effective strategies and actions that manage and improve employee mental health, among them, the mentally healthy workplace, preventative practice, the promotion of mental health practice for improving wellbeing grounded in empathy and compass.

During the tea and coffee break some of the speakers from our morning session will be available for additional Q and A.

Sarah Valentine, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland

In this session Sarah Valentine from Evershed Sutherland will explore the latest Halth and Safety legal cases. She will explore what impact the legal cases will have and what this will mean for the plastics industry

Biography

Sarah is a Partner in our Environment, Health and Safety team. She is frequently called in to advise organisations following fatal and serious workplace incidents, where urgent assistance is required in the face of Police and other regulatory authority investigations (HSE, Local Authorities, Fire Authorities, Environment Agency, CQC and the ORR). She regularly advises directors and organisations during criminal and regulatory investigations and provides representation from PACE interviews through to conclusion or prosecution. Sarah is a Solicitor-Advocate and frequently appears in the Magistrates' Court and Coroners' Court.

Sarah is an Assistant Deputy Coroner for London Inner South. This judicial appointment compliments Sarah's existing coronial caseload as an advocate.

The Legal 500 has recognised Sarah as a 'Rising Star' in Health and Safety and Sarah is the recipient of the highly commended award for Woman of the Year 2023 by the UK Safety and Health Excellence Committee.

Andrew Jackson, Chairman, ARCA
 

Biography
I have worked in the asbestos industry since 1996, beginning my career as an asbestos analyst undertaking air sampling and bulk material analysis before progressing into asbestos surveying. I later moved into senior leadership roles, becoming Technical Manager and subsequently Technical Director.
In 2000, I founded Acorn Analytical Services, where I continues to play a leading role in delivering specialist asbestos consultancy and analytical services.
I’m also actively involved in the wider asbestos industry and joined the Governing Council of the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) in 2010. I served as ARCA Chairman from 2022 to 2024 and continue to contribute to the organisation through my ongoing role on the Governing Council, supporting industry standards and asbestos management practices.

Rachel Little, Solicitor, Gordons LLP.

In this session Rachel Little will explore how a manufacturing company can prepare itself for a regulatory investigation and what they should do when an investigation happens. What you should do at each stage and when to call in the lawyers.
 

Biography

Rachel joined Gordons in February 2025 as a Regulatory Solicitor.

Before training as a Solicitor, Rachel previously worked as an Environment, Health and Safety Advisor in the chemical industry and has experience in managing on site compliance and conducting incident investigations. She has obtained the NEBOSH (National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety), as well as specific certifications in Radiation, Fire and Chemical safety.

She has experience providing advice and representation in the following areas:

Health, safety and environmental matters
Transport compliance
Trading and consumer law
Licensing

Rob Bullen, Senior Leader, HSI Hands HQ

Discover how AI can analyse safety data, reveal hidden trends, and help predict emerging risks before they escalate.
•    See how AI can act as a rapid “thinking partner” to improve safe systems of work (SSOW) and wellbeing initiatives.
•    Learn how AI simplifies complex regulations by translating requirements into clear, actionable guidance.
•    Explore practical ways AI can streamline admin tasks—meeting minutes, document formatting, action tracking—to free up time for frontline engagement.
•    Understand the principles of responsible AI use, including governance, human oversight, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
 

Biography

Rob Bullen is an experienced Environmental, Health & Safety professional with over 15 years’ experience across the built environment, professional services, and technology sectors. A Fellow of IOSH, he actively gives back to the profession as a guest lecturer at the University of Birmingham and as an Interview Chair for IOSH.

Rob specialises in safety and technology, with deep experience in EHS software implementation and emerging AI applications. He is committed to helping organisations strengthen their safe systems of work through practical, digital solutions. In his current role, Rob supports 1,500 organisations in leveraging software and AI-enabled tools to drive measurable improvements in safety performance and operational efficiency