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16 May 2025Webinar
FREE for ALL (please log in on the SOM website first).
Tackling sickness presenteeism in organisations: What can be done?
Professor Gail Kinman and Dr. Christine Grant
Awareness of sickness presenteeism and its impact on employees and organisations is growing. Research shows a rise in presenteeism, particularly for mental health issues, with healthcare workers and home-based employees especially vulnerable. Although working while not fully fit can be beneficial, dysfunctional presenteeism poses significant health and safety risks. It can delay recovery, increase the risk of future health problems and absenteeism, and reduce productivity. Sickness presenteeism can also lead to errors, accidents and injuries, impacting not only the sick employee but also their colleagues and the public. This can be particularly harmful in roles involving the wellbeing and safety of others. To address dysfunctional presenteeism effectively, systemic, evidence-based interventions are required.
This webinar examines sickness presenteeism using insights from the recently published SOM guide and the authors’ own research. It considers the prevalence of sickness presenteeism, the contributing factors and its impact on employee wellbeing and productivity. Research from the education and security sectors is used to illustrate the varied causes and impact of presenteeism across different organisational contexts. A range of evidence-based strategies is presented to help organisations mitigate the harmful effects of presenteeism and promote a ‘healthier’ approach to sickness absence.
The critical role of occupational health practitioners in managing dysfunctional presenteeism is explored, along with practical strategies to address this issue. Time is also allocated for questions and discussion about this important challenge.
Chair: Dr Charlie Vivian
FREE for ALL. You will then be sent the joining link.
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19 May 2025Webinar
FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website first).
Overview:
tbc
Speaker: Susan (Su) Chantry, Occupational Health Nurse
Europe & Africa Consulting PracticeSu Chantry is a Senior Occupational Health Nurse with the Europe & Africa Consulting Practice, based in London.
Su has extensive experience working in occupational health, specialising in evaluation and assessment of a wide range of work skills and capacities, with a comprehensive scope of occupational health management in the workplace.
Amongst her key competencies are, advising, implementing & managing health surveillance programmes, safety-critical medicals; conducting workplace risk assessments; planning and managing complex return-to-work rehabilitation cases; sickness absence assessments and ergonomic workstation evaluations. Su also provides public health advice related to work activities; oversees travel health and occupational immunisation programmes and addresses and advises on occupational-acquired illnesses and diseases.
Prior to joining International SOS, Su worked across a broad sector of organisations ranging from corporate and manufacturing, to nuclear facility sites, oil and gas, education, as well as Formula 1 motor sport. She has also been involved in practitioner mentorship, civil law expert witness case work, education and research, and has had several papers published in occupational health journals.
Su holds a BSc in Occupational Health Nursing, a Civil Law Expert Witness Certificate and a Certificate in Managing Occupational Health Services. She is also a member of the Society of Occupational Health Medicine, Royal Society of Medicine and Fellow of The Queen’s Nursing Institute.
Chair: Janet O'Neill
FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website). You will then be sent the join link.
We'd like to thank our sponsor - Orchid Live. Orchid Live is specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1.5 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com
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20 May 2025Webinar
FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website first).
Overview:
This exclusive webinar for SOM members will:
• Discuss the context of the evolving pattern of shiftwork
• Identify the legal requirements for employers in managing shift work
• Identify best practice for the management of shiftwork
• Discuss the impact of shiftwork and sleep on health
• Provide highlights for:
o sleep management for shift workers
o planning optimal nutrition
o managing family life
o managing fatigue
Presenter: Christine Poulter RGN RM SCPHN BSc BA MSc
Honorary Strategic Clinical Advisor for the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) and Clinical Director of OHCP (an independent Occupational Health Consultancy).
Following a career as a nurse, midwife, and public health, Christine has around 20 years of experience in Occupational Health.
Her broad range of experience includes NHS, corporate, armed services, manufacturing, higher education and public health.As an independent practitioner, she focuses on delivering top-quality service to small businesses, SMEs and charities through her own business, which she set up in 2016.
Christine has had an interest in sleep management since her early career in ENT nursing, as a midwife, health visitor and now with adults, utilising her skills in CBT, CBTi and hypnotherapy.She has assisted several companies move from a one-shift-only system to a 3-shift system, including night work. This required presenting evidence for best practice and management of the impact on health.
She contributes to the SOM Sleep steering group and has published the SOM Managing good sleep practice for night workers guidance document.
Chair: Kim Sunley
FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website). You will then be sent the join link.
We'd like to thank our sponsor - Orchid Live. Orchid Live is specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1.5 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com
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21 May 2025London
Society of Occupational Medicine and Royal Society of Medicine joint meeting
Venue: Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 0AE
In today’s rapidly changing world, the intersection of health and employment is more critical than ever. This one-day conference brings together leading experts to address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing professionals in occupational health and related fields.
Why is it important?
With workplaces evolving due to technological advances, shifts in workforce demographics, and global and national health trends, staying informed on how these changes impact health and employment is essential for delivering effective support and policies.Why now?
As we navigate post-pandemic realities, a growing emphasis on employee well-being, and complex legislative changes, there has never been a more crucial time to unite and share knowledge.Broader context:
This event situates occupational health within the larger framework of workforce sustainability, public health, and organisational performance, offering unique perspectives from diverse leaders and experts in the field.Why you won't want to miss this event:
- A unique opportunity to hear from high-profile speakers with expertise spanning research, policymaking, and practical occupational health delivery.
- Insight into current trends and future directions in health and employment, not readily available elsewhere.
- A multidisciplinary audience fostering networking and collaboration across HR, healthcare, and occupational health sectors.Learning outcomes:
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of emerging challenges, innovative approaches, and actionable insights to adapt to this era of rapid change—knowledge not easily replicated at competing events. This conference is a must-attend for anyone committed to advancing health and well-being in the workplace during times of transition.Discounted rate for SOM members. For further details and to book, visit the RSM website.
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21 May 2025North East
ALAMA 2025 Conference
Wednesday 21st - Friday 23rd May
Crowne Plaza Stephenson Quarter, Newcastle
ALAMA is delighted to announce its 2025 Conference: ALAMA Occupational Health: Newcastle
The ALAMA Annual Conferences are unmissable events for Occupational Health physicians to polish their skills, network with others and earn valuable CPD. The Conferences are open to ALAMA members.
The conference programmes are designed to feature topics which confront OH physicians in their day-to-day work and to deliver a comprehensive update on the latest clinical evidence, research results and legal opinions.
Expert speakers have been secured, including leading academics and key medical specialists to ensure that the very latest information is covered in the programme. You can see what is in store so far by viewing the programme here.
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02 June 2025Webinar
FREE for ALL (please log in on the SOM website first).
Engagement with policy makers to prevent ill health at work and to sustain people in their work, and the importance of national standards
The purpose of this webinar is to promote discussion of how we in the occupational health community can most effectively engage in current national initiatives, in the interest of preventing ill health at work and sustaining people in their work.
This exclusive webinar will cover:
• The AOMRC statement
• The Charlie Mayfield Review
• Supporting ICS in implementation
Speaker: Robin Cordell
MBA FRCP FFOM
President of the Faculty of Occupational MedicineRobin Cordell is an accredited specialist in occupational medicine engaged in day to day clinical practice, and in the specialist training of those in the resident posts established in Cordell Health, a social enterprise which provides occupational health services to a wide range of organisations in the public, private and charitable sectors.
Robin has broad experience, including more than 20 years in the Defence Medical Services, as a Past President of the Society of Occupational Medicine (2015/16) and a director of the Council for Work and Health since 2016 (to May 2025). He led the review of the Safe Effective Quality Occupational Health Service (SEQOHS) standards and launch of the new standards, with a focus on outputs and outcomes, in June 2023.
In September 2024, Robin was elected President of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM). As President of the FOM, Robin is also Chair of the Board of Trustees of the charity, and responsible for strategy and governance. He leads the Faculty team’s engagement in initiatives aimed at improving health at work nationally, and in advancing professional education and standards in occupational health. In all his work, Robin is engaged in promoting workplace health, advising on preventing ill health related to work, and on supporting those with health problems to be sustained in good work.
Chair: Dr Lanre Ogunyemi
FREE for ALL. You will then be sent the joining link.
Full session details:
The current two principal consultations on health and work, Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/pathways-to-work-reforming-b... and the Independent report by Sir Charlie Mayfield Keep Britain Working Review: Discovery at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keep-britain-working-review-d... .
We in FOM and SOM will comment on these consultations by 30 May 2025. FOM and SOM will also contribute to a response from the Council for Work and Health, of which both organisations are among the 37 members (as at: https://www.councilforworkandhealth.org.uk/https://www.councilforworkand... ).
FOM is also engaged with those other members of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and Allied Health Professionals Federation (AHPF) that brought together the 2025 update on the Healthcare Professionals’ Consensus Statement for Action on Health and Work at: https://www.aomrc.org.uk/publication/2025-healthcare-professionals-conse... . Observations from this group representing the breadth of health professionals across the UK include that the work being led by Sir Charlie Mayfield has a focus of those who are in work, and what can be done by employers to prevent people falling out of work. The principle is good work is good for mental health. The Get Britain Working Green Paper is more focused on those with disabilities; there are concerns that those with mental health conditions in particular might be disadvantaged.
We see these as two different groups, for which different approaches may be appropriate.The publication on 10th March 2025 of the Health Foundation’s Commission for Healthier Working Lives report Action for healthier working lives at: https://www.health.org.uk/reports-and-analysis/reports/action-for-health... draws attention to the lack of a universal standard for occupational health service delivery. SEQOHS is specifically mentioned positively in this context, but the report states that it difficult for employers to identify cost-effective, high-quality support. The centrality of standards will be discussed, to provide assurance that occupational health service delivery is of the right quality and delivers value.
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03 June 2025Webinar
FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website first).
Session details:
- How might the Equality Act 2010 provisions apply to someone with a neurodiversity?
- Key case law
- One or two case studies depending on what time might permit.Synopsis
It is estimated that 15 to 20% of the UK population is neurodivergent, translating to around 1 in 7 people or 13 million people. These statistics mean that it most workplaces have a significant neurodivergent workforce, whether they are aware of it or not.Awareness around neurodiversity in the workplace has gained significant momentum in recent years. Many individuals do not receive diagnoses until late in their careers, or, even with a diagnosis, they may choose not to declare it to their employer or to their work colleagues. This can create significant issues from a legal, reputational and cultural perspective. We have seen these exemplified in employment tribunal claims relating to neurodiversity discrimination; they often arise from a basic misunderstanding between the neurodivergent employee and their manager, leading to a deterioration of their relationship and resultant dispute which could arguably be prevented through effective management, awareness and training.
Chaired by Professor Nancy Doyle, Emma Bartlett (Partner and employment lawyer from CM Murray LLP), this webinar will be exploring the following topics:
• What is neurodiversity and how does neurodiversity fit into our disability legislation under the Equality Act 2010?
• A review of the case law in this area and lessons to be learned from them.
• Practical tips on recruiting neurodivergent staff.
Speaker bio:Emma Bartlett, Partner, CM Murray LLP
Emma Bartlett is a Partner specialising in employment and partnership law at CM Murray LLP. Emma is also D&I lead at the firm.Emma advises on a varied cross-section of employment law matters, including unlawful discrimination, whistleblowing, equal pay, unfair dismissal, breach of contract, restrictive covenants, protecting confidential information, boardroom and partner disputes and claims under TUPE. She has particular expertise in dispute resolution and litigation, notably discrimination, bonus, whistleblowing and trade union issues. She is a specialist in contentious discrimination matters and handling high-value contentious claims for employers and senior individuals.
Emma acts for employers, senior executives, partners, partnerships, LLP members, LLPs and trade unions/associations. Her broad client base spans several key sectors, including financial services, professional services (including legal and architectural), surgical, pharmaceutical/biotech and design/media. Amongst these clients are a number of growing, dynamic businesses (including UK start-ups), as well as long-established financial institutions.As a litigator, Emma’s knowledge is underpinned by a strategic approach to negotiations – representing clients in the High Court and in tribunal cases, including in obtaining, executing and defending interim injunctions against former employees alleged to have breached confidentiality provisions.
Emma frequently publishes articles and is quoted in relevant trade publications, such as International Employment Lawyer (IEL), and the national press and most recently has spoken on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Radio 5, Radio 2’s Woman’s Hour, LBC and BBC regional news on various employment issues including the use of NDAs/confidentiality clauses, harassment, positive action in recruitment, and the menopause. Emma is also general editor of Thompson Reuters, Employment Precedents and Company Policy Documents and records podcast series relating to board diversity and legal issues faced by women in sport.
Chair: Professor Nancy Doyle
FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website). You will then be sent the join link.
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04 June 2025Webinar
Certificate in Managing Mental Health at Work
Wednesday 4th - Friday 6th June, A virtual course
Mental health issues are amongst the most common, complex and costly problems that OH professionals deal with in the workplace. This practical three-day qualification is designed to give OH professionals the in-depth knowledge, strategies, skills and techniques to successfully manage mental health in the workplace.
Join The At Work Partnership this June, virtually via Zoom, to gain this fantastic qualification that will help you to employ the right strategies, interventions and create a more engaged and productive workforce.
Benefits of attending for you and your organisation
You will gain:
- A comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of different strategies/interventions that organisations can adopt – so that you can review what will work in your workplace
- Detailed knowledge and practical skills to manage specific cases including an indepth understanding of different conditions
- The ability to assess the severity of a condition and its impact on a person’s job – so that you can recommend the best interventions to put in place for a particular case
- Enhanced skills and knowledge to use during OH consultations and in giving advice to managers
- In-depth understanding of reasonable adjustments in practice
- Advice on tools, resources and action plans
- Guidance on the relevant lawTheir expert speakers:
The team of lecturers on the course have an outstanding level of knowledge and expertise and will use a combination of lectures and group work to ensure that you come away with the detailed knowledge and methods to make a positive impact on the mental health of the employees within your workplace.The course is led by Dr Nerys Williams, and speakers include Dr John Ballard, Dr Paul Litchfield and Prof Diana Kloss. View the full line-up of speakers and programme at the link below.
Click here for full course details and to book online
EARLY BIRD RATE OFFER: Book and pay before 16th April and save £100 + VAT!
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04 June 2025Webinar
https://ariops.org.uk/conference/
The Association of Railway Industry Occupational Practitioners (ARIOPS) is delighted to announce the opening of Registration for this year's ARIOPS Conference and AGM, which will take place online on the afternoon of Wednesday 4th June.
The online event will be recorded so even if you are not available to attend live, you can watch it at your convenience afterwards - for registered delegates only.
Keynote Lecturer for 2025 will be Richard Hines, HM Chief Inspector of the Railways / Director of Railway Safety at the Office of Rail and Road. Other topics for this year include Mental Wellbeing in the Rail Industry, Implementation of the Neil Rail Standard RIS3789 and Mindfulness for Attention and Performance Enhancement in a Train Driver Population.
Come and be part of this year's ARIOPS event which is consistently CPD approved by FOM. Early Registration Fee is £75 (£45 for Trainees and Students). Registration Fees increase after 26th May so book early to secure your place and save.
This event is sponsored by Medigold Health.
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04 June 2025Central Southern England
FOR SOM MEMBERS ONLY £22
We have secured a tour and tasting visit to the Shepherd Neame brewery in Kent on Wed 4th June 2025 at 2PM. This is the oldest brewer in Britain so will be a fasinating experience for members.
No occupational health person is on site, howeve a risk assessment will be shared by the H&S officer.
You are welcome to take photos around the brewery and the tour guide can also inform on number of employees and working hours.
Spaces are limited to the first 14 SOM members to book on.
You can find out more online here https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/visitor-centre/brewery-tours
SOM Members ONLY. If you are not a member, please join here https://www.som.org.uk/membership