NEBOSH is pleased to announce that Sir Bill Callaghan will become Chair of NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) from March 2011.

Sir Bill takes up his role at NEBOSH at a time when health and safety faces ongoing change. Lord Young’s eagerly awaited review of health and safety on behalf of the Coalition Government will set much of the agenda going forward. NEBOSH is recognised globally as a mark of professional competence, and will therefore have an important role to play here.

“I’m expecting some lively debate among health and safety professionals in the months ahead, and I’m looking forward to taking part in this as Chair of NEBOSH.” said Sir Bill. “I see NEBOSH as a custodian of the profession, with its high standards and highly respected qualifications. I’ll be doing all I can to ensure that the integrity of our profession is maintained.”

Outgoing NEBOSH Chair, David Morris, will have served the maximum allowable term of 9 years in the position by next March. David said he was honoured to have held the position for so long, and welcomed the appointment of Sir Bill Callaghan.

He said: “I have seen a lot of change at NEBOSH over the past 9 years. I am especially proud of the way NEBOSH is responding to the increasingly dynamic health and safety agenda, with its broader range of new and highly relevant qualifications.

“Sir Bill is very highly regarded, not only for what he’s achieved in health and safety, but for what he’s done more widely for the welfare of working people. I cannot think of a better person to take up the role of Chairman.”