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23 September 2026Webinar
Occupational Medicine Doctors Careers Afternoon – Wednesday 23rd September
in partnership with the National School of Occupational Health
Registration for Online Attendance Only
Programme subject to change.
Agenda
1.30pm - 1.35pm Welcome - Nick Pahl, CEO SOM
1.35pm - 2.00pm Occupational Health – what it is and its medical training routes - Dr Ali Hashtroudi, National School of Occupational Health
2.00pm - 2.15pm What are recruiters looking for? - Dr James Fisher, Health Partners
2.15pm - 2.30pm Speciality Training experience - NHS and commercial provider formal training - Dr Jacqueline Thompson
2.30pm - 2.45pm My occupational health career through the Portfolio Pathway - Dr Sarwar Chowdhury, Work Doctor Occupational Health
2.45pm - 3.05pm Break
Opportunity for individual discussion slots with Dr Sarwar Chowdhury sarwar.chowdhury2@nhs.net
3.05pm - 3.30pm Placement café - bringing together occupational health professionals who support placement opportunities - Janet O'Neill, National School of Occupational Health My Clinical Journey: Hospital consultant to occupational health physician - Nadia Masood
3.30pm - 3.45pm My Clinical Journey: Hospital consultant to occupational health physician - Nadia Masood
3.45pm - 4.10pm Routes to entry via the Portfolio Pathway - Dr Jon Spiro
4.10pm - Close and Bookable slots available for individual 1:1 discussion after the event – email:
Dr Ali Hashtroudi AliAsad.Hashtroudi@gstt.nhs.uk
Dr Jon Spiro jon.spiro@tiscali.co.uk
Dr Jacqueline Thompson jacqueline.thompson@healthmanltd.com
Dr Sarwar Chowdhury sarwar.chowdhury2@nhs.net
- Contact nick.llewellin@som.org.uk for list of placements and information about joining SOM.
- For careers information, go to the SOM Careers page and FOM website.
This registration page is for online attendance only. The joining link will be sent upon registration.
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28 September 2026Webinar
FREE for ALL
Are Fit Notes Fit for Purpose?
Fitness for Work and Workplace Inclusion: A Changing LandscapeFit notes remain a topical issue as expectations of work, health and disability continue to change. This webinar will explore how the purpose of the fit note is evolving, the respective roles of GPs, occupational health, employers and HR, and how we can better support people with disabilities to enter and remain in work. The panel will also consider how other countries approach sickness certification, including recent employment law changes in Germany, and discuss what lessons the UK might learn from different international models.
Proposed Chair
• Mary Obele
Proposed Panel
• Lara Shemtob, GP
• Diana Kloss, Employment Lawyer
• Alex Rhind, Occupational Health Mental Health Nurse Specialist
• Clare Rayner, Occupational Health Physician
• Tracy Hudson, HR Representative
• Kevin George Bailey, Occupational Health Professional
• German Occupational Health Physician (to be confirmed)
Discussion Topics
• Are fit notes still fit for purpose?
• Supporting people with disabilities in entering and remaining in work.
• The role of GPs, occupational health, HR and employers.
• Mental health and fitness for work.
• Legal considerations.
• International approaches to sickness certification, including developments in Germany.
• Future opportunities to improve work participation and return-to-work outcomes.
• Audience questions and discussion.
FREE for ALL. You will then be sent the joining link.
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30 September 2026Webinar
The At Work Partnership - Workplace Health 2026
Join The At Work Partnership for a two-day annual OH seminar (supported by The Colt Foundation), Wednesday 30th September - Thursday 1st October, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Birmingham City Centre and Online.
Book and pay by Friday 7th August, and save up to £75+VAT with their early bird rates!
Join The At Work Partnership for one of the most anticipated occupational health events of the year. Over two dynamic days, Workplace Health 2026 will delve into the most pressing issues shaping OH practice today, giving you the insight and confidence to elevate your work as an OH professional.
Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Birmingham City Centre, and accessible online, the conference offers a comprehensive clinical and management update on cutting-edge developments across occupational health. You’ll also enjoy extensive opportunities to connect with peers during breaks, their exhibition, and the conference dinner.
This year’s programme brings together an exceptional line-up of expert speakers, including Dr Paul Litchfield (keynote), Alan Dovey, Dr Sam Farley, Mandy Kelly, Prof Diana Kloss, Dr Anthony Bell, Prof Chris Warhurst, Adam Siu, Dr Richard Peters, Ella Reynolds, Sean Gilroy, Andrew Whiteaker, Dr Aaliya Goyal, Janet O’Neill, Dr Clare Fernandes and Dr John Ballard.
Key conference themes include:
- Work-specific psychological assessment
- Bullying, harassment and workers’ health
- The place of OH in a generative world order
- Functional capacity evaluation
- Fluctuating health conditions
- Improving work quality and wellbeing
- Chronic pain management
- Supporting night workers
- Neurodiversity and reasonable adjustments
- Health inequality
- Mentoring
- Supporting OH professionals facing complaints
- Plus key OH legal hot topics, disability discrimination update, and legal Q&ADon’t miss out on savings:
- Special early bird rates for places booked and paid by Friday 7th August – save up to £75 + VAT!
View full advert here.
For more information and to book your place click here.
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30 September 2026Webinar
FREE for ALL
Hosted in partnership with the London Centre for Work and Health
This workshop will cover the IMRD system of writing a paper, introduction, methods, results and discussion. Some details of the editorial process of Occupational Medicine will be included. Delegates of the writing a paper workshop at the Annual Scientific Meeting in Nottingham are encouraged to attend to fine tune their papers
Speaker Bios:
Dr Ira Maden was a Consultant and Professor in Occupational Medicine at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London. She is the former Academic Dean of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine and was Chief Medical Advisor to the Houses of Parliament for 23 years. Her broad-ranging career has combined clinical practice, teaching, research, and policy with a career-long interest in creating evidence for, and promoting the use of, evidence-based occupational health practice. She was formerly a member of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council and chair of a NIHR, Health Technology Assessment Panel. She was the co-founder and co-director of the London Centre for Work and Health and is a Scientific Trustee of the Colt Foundation. Ira was a keynote speaker presenting at the RSM/SOM event in May 2026 on women’s health in the workplace.
Chair: Dr Lara Shemtob
FREE for ALL. You will then be sent the joining link.
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05 October 2026Webinar
FREE for ALL
The presentation highlights some of the most important individuals that have impacted the progression of change within the field of Occupational Health.
Julie Staun is an independent work environment consultant in Denmark. Julie was born and educated in the UK where she qualified as a Registered Nurse (RN).
She moved to Denmark to work at the State University Hospital in Copenhagen and qualified first as a Danish RN, followed by a 2-year specialisation as a nurse anaesthetist- a role she continued until moving to the field of Occupational Health.
Julie was initially employed as an Occupational Health Nurse in an Occupational Health Center providing external services. (5 years). Subsequently Julie was engaged as advisor and manager of a multidisciplinary department with a major international research and chemical catalyst company in Denmark. Her interest became especially focused on how industrial workers perceive health at work.(23years)She has held several positions including Chairperson of the Danish Society of Occupational Health Nurses where she currently holds the position of International Representative.
Chair: Professor Anne Harriss
FREE for ALL. You will then be sent the joining link.
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10 October 2026London
Mastering Occupational Health Report Writing
Half-Day Interactive Course for OH Advisors (OHAs) and OH Physicians (OHPs)
3 dates available to choose from: Saturday 25th April, Wednesday 29th July, Saturday 10th October 9am-1.30pm
R-Health, 98 Burnt Oak Broadway, London, HA8 0BE
Price: £150 + VAT
The course is available in-person or online.
9.00-9.15 Welcome & Introduction
9.15-10.00 The Foundations of OH Report Writing
10.00-10.45 Translating Clinical Findings into OH Reports
10.45-11.00 Break
11.00-11.45 Practical Report Writing Workshop
11.45-12.30 Advanced Considerations for OH Reports
12.30-12.55 Polishing and Professional Presentation
12.55-1.30 Course Close
This course is led by Dr Satish Ranka, a Senior Consultant Occupational Health Physician, Deputy Chief Examiner at the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, and CSER Assessor. Dr Ranka is also Director and Responsible Officer of R-Health Limited, which he co-leads with his business partner and through which he provides specialist occupational health services to police forces and other safety-critical organisations across the UK.
Hosted by Propel Solutions, Backed by R-Health
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14 October 2026S Wales and W of England
FOR SOM MEMBERS ONLY £5
Beginning at 2PM, the tour will be a 1.5 hour guided tour around the cider/brandy production facility followed by an orchard walk.
During the tour you will see traditional methods and an opportunity to ask questions to workers. After the tour there is the opportunity to take in the view from the top of Burrow Hill.This is an opportunity to meet fellow SOM members in a friendly and relaxed environment.
Unfortunately, there is no Occupational Health person available for the tour, however the guide will be able to answer questions as we go round.
The address is: The Somerset Cider Brandy Company
Pass Vale Farm, Burrow Hill, Kingsbury Episcopi, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6BUYou can find out more about the tour online here https://somersetciderbrandy.com/gohome
Watch an interesting video on cider production from the owners here
SOM Members ONLY. If you are not a member, please join here www.som.org.uk
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17 October 2026London
Health Surveillance Essentials
Half-Day Training for Prospective and Diplomate Occupational Health Physicians
3 dates available to choose from: 18th April, 18th July, 17th October (all Saturdays), 9am-1pm
R-Health, 98 Burnt Oak Broadway, London, HA8 0BE
Price: £200 + VAT
This course is available in-person or online.
For newly qualified or developing Occupational Health Physicians (Diploma-level) seeking to build practical competence in health surveillance delivery across key risk areas: respiratory, noise, and hand-arm vibration.
09:00-09:30: Introduction to Health Surveillance
09:30-10:00: Legal Foundation of Health Surveillance: Legislation, Employer Duties, Data Protection
10:00-10:15: The Role of the HSE
10:15-10:45: Respiratory Surveillance: COSHH and Spirometry
10:45-11:00: Break
11:00-11:30: Noise surveillance, NIHL and Audiometry
11:30-12:00: HAVS: Tiered Surveillance and Regulation
12:00-13:00: Hands-On Practical: Audiometry and Spirometry
This course is led by Dr Satish Ranka, a Senior Consultant Occupational Health Physician, Deputy Chief Examiner at the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, and CSER Assessor. Dr Ranka is also Director and Responsible Officer of R-Health Limited, which he co-leads with his business partner and through which he provides specialist occupational health services to police forces and other safety-critical organisations across the UK.
Hosted by Propel Solutions, Backed by R-Health
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20 October 2026Webinar
The At Work Partnership - Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) 2-day course and examination
Day 1: Tuesday 20th October 2026 (Virtual); Day 2: Friday 23rd October 2026 (Birmingham)
Enhance your expertise and confidence in the recognition, diagnosis and management of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) with The At Work Partnership’s intensive two-day Certificate in HAVS course, led by consultant in occupational medicine, and a leading expert in hand–arm vibration syndrome, Dr Roger Cooke.
Designed specifically for occupational health professionals, this comprehensive programme provides a thorough understanding of health surveillance requirements for workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration. Delegates will also explore best practice in the assessment, diagnosis and ongoing management of individuals affected by HAVS.
Through expert-led learning and practical insights, delegates will gain an in-depth understanding of the condition and the pivotal role occupational health plays in protecting workers and managing vibration-related risks in the workplace.
Over two days, you will learn all aspects of the syllabus for HAVS competence as defined by the FOM including:
- Basic Principles
- Legal background
- Workplace assessment
- Health surveillance and clinical assessment
- Occupational health action and adviceThe course will provide a comprehensive understanding of HAVS and the role of OH, enabling qualified OH professionals to clinically assess HAVS-related conditions and to undertake health surveillance. The FOM examination will take place at the end of day 2 of the course.
Course tutors:
Dr Roger Cooke, the course leader, is a consultant in occupational medicine, and a leading expert in hand–arm vibration syndrome.
Three other expert tutors play an important role in the teaching on our HAVS courses:
Andrew Cooke, clinical director at Clarity Healthcare
Dr Susanna Gillibrand, independent consultant occupational physician
Dr Bernard Yew, medical director, PAM GroupWho is the training designed for?
This training is designed for OH nurses and doctors, who want to improve their competence in HAVS and gain the FOM certificate qualification. This course forms part of The At Work Partnership’s series of HAVS courses aimed at providing high quality HAVS training for various levels of experience. For beginners, or those new to HAVS, there is an introductory level course specifically for OH technicians and nurses which takes place each Spring; for those who have already taken the 2-day course, they also provide refresher courses every Autumn.
Please view full course details, including the programme and the course brochure here.
Don’t miss out on savings:
- Special early bird rates for places booked and paid before Friday 11th September – save up to £20 + VAT!
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20 October 2026Webinar
FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website first).
Summary of presentation:
Bridging the Gap: Workplace Mediation, Mental Health Absence and Return to Work
With mental health-related absence continuing to rise and reforms proposed to the fit note system, organisations are being encouraged to adopt earlier and more collaborative approaches to supporting employees.
This session explores how workplace mediation can help address the communication breakdowns, workplace tensions and relationship issues that often sit behind prolonged absence. Drawing on the Government’s Keep Britain Working Review agenda; the presentation considers how mediation can support sustainable return-to-work outcomes and become an integral part of future work and health strategies.Speaker bio:
Louisa Spicer is an independent HR consultant, accredited workplace mediator, and Non-Executive Director of the College of Mediators. A former employment lawyer and senior HR practitioner, she specialises in complex workplace issues, including investigations, grievances, disciplinary matters, and conflict resolution. Her current focus is on how workplace mediation can support sustainable returns to work following mental health-related absence and contribute to the objectives of the Government's Keep Britain Working agenda.
Chair: Dr Charlie Vivian
FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website). You will then be sent the join link.