NEBOSH recognised for international education and qualifications impact
Iain Hoey
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Learner and leadership nominations for UK FAB Awards
NEBOSH has been shortlisted for three categories in the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) 2025 Awards.
The UK-based health and safety qualifications body has been nominated for Learner of the Year, the Special Recognition Award, and the International Export of Qualifications Award.
The FAB Awards celebrate excellence across the UK awarding and assessment sector and are now in their tenth year.
Winners will be announced on 27 November 2025 at a ceremony in Milton Keynes.
Mining survivor nominated for learner of the year
NEBOSH confirmed that Partington Oswald Mtatabikwa, a holder of two NEBOSH qualifications, has been shortlisted in the Learner of the Year – Champion of Qualifications and Assessment category.
This award recognises learners who have promoted qualifications and assessment through education, sector influence or community engagement.
According to NEBOSH, Mtatabikwa’s journey into health and safety began in 2022 after surviving a serious mining accident in South Africa.
Since then, NEBOSH said he has reached thousands through public speaking and advocacy for safe working environments.
Mtatabikwa said: “This gesture is priceless and has challenged me to continue learning even more. I have realised that life never limits us, but we limit ourselves.”
He continued: “We can keep on growing as long as we still want to, but if we stop growing, we start dying. I wish I had known this secret when I was much younger. However, there is no better time to start than the present, as long as we don’t procrastinate.”
He added: “Above all, my nomination and shortlisting serve as a testament that disability is not inability, and I hope my journey inspires others to continue pushing despite all odds. Don’t let anyone define your limits; define them yourself.”
NEBOSH executive recognised for sector contribution
NEBOSH’s Chief Quality Officer, Dee Arp, has been shortlisted for the Special Recognition Award.
NEBOSH stated that the award highlights individuals who have made an impact within their awarding organisation and contributed to the wider further education and skills sector.
According to the organisation, Arp has spent over 20 years advancing occupational health and safety education.
She is currently President of the International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organisations (INSHPO) and remains active as a speaker, mentor and strategist.
Arp said: “I am honoured to be a finalist in the Special Recognition category of the FAB Awards.
“My journey has only been possible because of the amazing people that have shared it, from whom I have learnt and continue to learn from, and who share my passion for lifelong learning and empowering people to be their best self.”
International reach earns NEBOSH export nomination
NEBOSH is also a finalist for the International Export of Qualifications Award.
This award recognises organisations that have expanded the delivery of UK qualifications into global markets.
NEBOSH reported that over 75% of its learners are now based outside the UK.
The company attributed this to international adaptations of its qualifications, including the International General Certificate.
It also cited partnerships with Learning Partners in more than 50 countries and promotion in regions such as India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
NEBOSH said it continues to build awareness and recognition of UK-accredited qualifications through these initiatives.
FAB Awards to take place in November 2025
The Federation of Awarding Bodies has stated that the 2025 FAB Awards ceremony will be held on 27 November in Milton Keynes.
Now in its tenth year, the FAB Awards programme honours organisations and individuals contributing to qualifications and assessment excellence across the UK.
NEBOSH is one of several organisations shortlisted across multiple categories.
According to the FAB website, winners are selected based on criteria such as leadership, innovation, influence, and sector-wide impact.
The awards are open to awarding bodies and end-point assessment organisations across the further education and skills system.
NEBOSH recognised for international education and qualifications impact: Summary
NEBOSH has been shortlisted for three 2025 FAB Awards.
The nominations are for Learner of the Year, Special Recognition Award, and International Export of Qualifications.
The Learner of the Year nomination is for Partington Oswald Mtatabikwa.
Mtatabikwa holds two NEBOSH qualifications and advocates for safety education following a mining accident.
The Special Recognition nomination is for Dee Arp, NEBOSH Chief Quality Officer.
NEBOSH said Arp has worked for over 20 years in occupational safety education.
The third nomination is for NEBOSH’s international expansion of UK qualifications.
The organisation reported that 75% of its learners are based outside the UK.
NEBOSH cited partnerships in over 50 countries as key to its global growth.
The FAB Awards ceremony will take place on 27 November 2025 in Milton Keynes.