Ceramics UK Celebrates 25 Years of Health and Safety Excellence at Annual Pledge Conference and Awards

Ceramics UK marked a major milestone at its annual Pledge Conference and Awards on 9th October at the DoubleTree Hilton, Stoke-on-Trent, bringing together ceramic manufacturers from across the country to celebrate 25 years of the Ceramic Sector Health and Safety Pledge Scheme.

Launched in 2000, the Pledge Scheme was created through collaboration between the ceramics industry, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and trade unions as part of a government-led initiative to improve sector-wide health and safety standards. A quarter of a century on, it remains a cornerstone of the industry’s commitment to safer, healthier workplaces.

“This year is a very special milestone – we are celebrating 25 years of the Ceramic Sector Health and Safety Pledge,” said Lauren Darby, Safety, Health & Environmental Director at Ceramics UK. “It’s inspiring to see the continuing commitment and support from across the industry, the HSE, and trade unions. Together, the UK ceramics sector have made the Pledge not just a statement, but a lasting foundation for safer, healthier workplaces.”

The conference featured an impressive line-up of speakers, including:

Hannah Ault, President, Ceramics UK – Presidential Address
Francis Morrall, former C-UK Deputy Chief Executive & Chair of the Pledge Board – 25 Years of Pledge: How Did It All Begin?
Michael Bone, Director of Inspections, HSE – Reflections on Pledge & Current HSE Priorities
Elizabeth Hyde, Director, Hesper GRC Ltd – Health & Safety Leadership & Psychological Safety
Darren Sutton, Performance Psychologist – Changing the Way Leaders and Organisations Think, Feel and Act About Safety, Health and Wellbeing
Paul Verrico, Global Head of EHS, and Phil Crosbie, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland – Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future: 25 Years of Health and Safety

Recognising excellence across the industry, the Pledge Awards celebrated individuals, companies, and contractors for their outstanding contributions:

42 Individual Recognition Awards honoured employees from Furlong Mills Ltd, Northcot Brick, Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC, Ibstock PLC, Forterra PLC, Wienerberger, Emma Bridgewater Ltd, and Hepworth.
Emerging Talent Award went to Holly Clarke-Kellow of DSF Refractories & Minerals Ltd for her dedication to promoting a positive health and safety culture.
Contractor Awards recognised 11 organisations including MinExp, Chevron Green Services, Hoverdale UK Ltd, Johnson Construction Ltd, Central Scaffolding Ltd, The Institute of Quarrying, Paul J. Smith, E J Parker Technical Services (Central) t/a MARCH, Mark Kirby, DBS Fabrication, and INSPEC Solutions.
40 SME and Company Awards were presented to organisations demonstrating best practices that can be shared across the sector. Recipients included Hepworth, DSF Refractories & Minerals, Emma Bridgewater Ltd, Wienerberger UK, Forterra PLC, Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC, Ibstock PLC, Vulcan Refractories, York Handmade Brick, Denby Pottery, and Dyson Technical Ceramics.

Special accolades included the Pledge Award of Excellence for Ibstock PLC and the inaugural SME Award of Excellence for Vulcan Refractories Ltd, recognising their leadership in health and safety and proactive occupational health risk management.

Reflecting on the milestone, Ceramics UK emphasised that while the Pledge initially focused on safety, it has evolved to include employee health, wellbeing, and psychological safety, ensuring the scheme remains forward-looking and relevant.

“The Pledge isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about leading the way,” said Lauren Darby.

As the sector looks ahead, Ceramics UK and its members reaffirm their commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared learning, ensuring the UK ceramics industry continues to be a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for all.