Karen McDonnell Becomes New IOSH President

The IOSH has appointed a new President following the organisation’s annual general meeting.

Karen McDonnell, who is the 49th President of the Institution, has been a member for more than 25 years.

During this time she has been a volunteer, initially within the IOSH Scotland network and more recently across the wider membership network through her roles as Vice-President, member of IOSH Council and President Elect.

Speaking about her new role Karen commented: “I am absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to be influential in taking the message out there about IOSH. It is vital that workplace health and safety is at the centre of everyone’s minds and I look forward to helping to achieve this during my term as President.”

Karen describes one of her key strengths as being able to bring people together around current and emerging issues. She is keen to see partnerships being built to enhance the work that OSH professionals do.

She added: “Partnership working is a key aspect of occupational safety and health. During my term as President, I am keen to see existing partnerships being built on and new ones forged.

“At IOSH we are keen to work in partnership with others. This is crucial in establishing a world of work which is safe, healthy and sustainable.”

The AGM was held early November as part of the two-day annual Networks Conference at Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

Graham Parker has now become IOSH’s President Elect and is due to become President in November 2016.

At the time of his election, he said: “I have to say how proud and humbled I am that IOSH Council has elected me as President Elect. This is the highest honour that your institution and peers can bestow upon you. I am looking forward to serving IOSH and the profession in my term with an approach of honest, pragmatic communication.”