Yorkshire businesswoman's 10 years in top health and safety role

E033:09 8 May 2009

A Yorkshire businesswoman is to chalk up a decade of championing better safety and health in the workplace - becoming the longest serving board member of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Judith Donovan, from Ripon, was appointed to the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) in 2000. When HSC and HSE merged on 1 April 2008 she became a board member. Board members are appointed for a maximum of 10 years and Judith has had her appointment extended until 2010, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has announced.

A successful marketing consultant and author, Judith is one of nine non-executive board members at Britain's national regulator for health and safety.

Judith Hackitt, HSE Chair, said:

"Judith brings an enormous amount of specialist insight and practical experience and in conjunction with board colleagues she has been integral to the development of our forthcoming strategy.

"Judith's reappointment ensures we have robust strategic direction and provides us with continuity - an essential factor as we face the challenge of making Britain's workplaces safer."

Judith Donovan said:

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to remain involved in HSE work. Workplace safety is a significant issue in Great Britain. Even today, there are far too many people who are injured at work or suffer from work-related illness. More than 200 people a year die in their workplace.

"As well as constituting deep, personal tragedies, these incidents have a huge financial and reputational impact on the businesses concerned. I believe good health and safety practice is also good for business.

"As the appointed board champion for agriculture, which is one of the most dangerous sectors to work in, I am determined to push for heightened awareness - and better practices - of health and safety in farming communities."

Notes to editors

1. Photographs are available by contacting HSE PR on the numbers below.
2. The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and Health and Safety Executive merged on 1 April 2008, when the commissioners became non-executive board members. Board members are appointed for a maximum of 10 years.
3. Judith Donovan started her own marketing agency in 1982 and built a workforce of 50 and a turnover of £12.5million before selling it in a management buy-out in 2000. She has a portfolio of public roles, including board member of the Big Lottery Fund and British Wool Marketing Board and a governor of Legacy Trust UK. She takes an active role in public life in Yorkshire, supporting York Minster and Ripon Cathedral as well as being a member of the Lord Chancellor's advisory committee for North Yorkshire. Judith has also served as Chair of the Yorkshire Tourist Board, Chair of Bradford Training and Enterprise Council and President of Bradford Chamber of Commerce. She was awarded a CBE in 1997.

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