EMCOR UK and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have launched a Health and Safety Academy as part of the former’s Sir George Earle Trophy legacy, an accolade bestowed by RoSPA.
The Academy is designed to evolve organisational health and safety by having apprentices develop safety skills, earn a qualification as part of their career progression, and guide EMCOR UK’s own health and safety practices. It was launched in January 2025, and three apprentices secured a place on the development pathway in April.
EMCOR UK won the Sir George Earle Trophy after being selected from the highest-performing Industry Sector Awards winners. EMCOR UK has also won the Facilities Management sector award for the last three years.
The Academy offers apprentices sponsorship through the RoSPA National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) certificate, alongside their ongoing apprenticeship training at EMCOR UK.
Eleven applicants went through a detailed application process and were interviewed by a panel of EMCOR UK senior leaders and RoSPA representatives, and three were successful: James Matthew, Kemar Perrin, and James Wright. Together, they now form part of the Safety, Quality and Risk Community of practice. They will also attend senior strategic health and safety meetings and will be instrumental in guiding EMCOR UK’s health and safety thinking at the highest level.
Jonathan Gawthrop, executive director of safety, quality and risk, said: “Of course, we were thrilled to have received the Sir George Earl Trophy. What makes it even more special is the opportunity to work with RoSPA in establishing a lasting safety legacy through our apprenticeship programme. We are really excited to develop and learn from these outstanding apprentices, bringing our best together in delivering our award winning approach to health and safety.”
Andrea Sims, head of strategic partnerships at RoSPA, said: “It was both an honour and a privilege to represent RoSPA during the recent interview process. I was truly impressed by the exceptional talent and enthusiasm displayed by all the candidates, and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the interview panel. This programme is a testament to EMCOR UK’s ongoing commitment, following their RoSPA Sir George Earle Trophy win.”
