IOSH confirms leadership changes with UK-based Chair appointment

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has announced that Ruth Boumphrey will become Chair of its Board of Trustees on 27 May 2025.

Boumphrey currently serves as Chief Executive of Lloyd’s Register Foundation and brings experience in research, development and regulation.

She will succeed Bobby Chakravarthy, who has acted as interim Chair since Professor Peter Bonfield stepped down in 2024 to take up a UK Government appointment.

Boumphrey holds additional roles as a Non-executive Director of the UK Government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (Cefas) and as a Commissioner for the National Preparedness Commission.

She said: “I’m delighted to be the next Chair of IOSH’s Board of Trustees, and look forward to working with IOSH and its members around the world in delivering its vision of a safe and healthy world of work.

“This vision is very close to my heart and aligns with our mission at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, so I hope to bring and share knowledge, networks and insights that help amplify IOSH’s impact globally.”

IOSH adds four new trustees to Board

Alongside the appointment of Boumphrey as Chair, four new trustees have also joined the IOSH Board.

Arlette Anderson and Sonia Whiteley have been named as member trustees, while David Auger and Stuart Stockley take up positions as independent trustees.

Anderson is a Chartered Fellow of IOSH and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. Her previous work has focused on cultural change in multinational organisations. She has served on IOSH’s Performance and Development Committee.

Whiteley, also a Chartered IOSH Fellow, is Vice-Chair of the Essex Branch. She has over 20 years’ experience in occupational safety and health and is currently Head of Health and Safety at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Independent trustees bring business and industry experience

David Auger joins the Board as an independent trustee following a 35-year career in finance.

He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and has held senior roles in manufacturing companies. His previous posts include Chief Finance Officer and Board Advisor to a global shipping group.

Stuart Stockley also joins as an independent trustee. He has over 20 years of experience in senior positions within the building materials industry across the UK and Europe.

His background includes work in commercial, operational, sales and marketing, category management and e-commerce roles.

Board transition marks the end of current trustees’ terms

The announcement also marks the conclusion of terms for three long-serving trustees: Simon Hatson, John Green and David Blower.

IOSH extended its thanks to the departing members, as well as to Bobby Chakravarthy for his service as interim Chair.

Chakravarthy will remain on the Board as an independent trustee once Boumphrey assumes the role of Chair.