Health & Safety Commission: Judith Hackitt to become chair

Judith Hackitt will take over as chair of the Health and Safety Commission in September when Sir Bill Callaghan retires from the role.
Ms Hackitt is returning to the HSC from an assignment as director of the Chemistry for Europe project with the European Chemical Industry Council based in Brussels.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Peter Hain said: "I would like to place on record my and the Government's thanks to Sir Bill Callaghan for his inspired leadership of the Health and Safety Commission over the last eight years. There is no doubt that his leadership has contributed hugely to our continued commitment to the improvement of the crucial issue of health and safety at work in this country.

"At the same time I am delighted to announce Judith Hackitt's appointment as Sir Bill's successor. Her extensive industrial experience, particularly in the field of health and safety, will be an enormous asset in her undertaking the complex and demanding role of Chair of the Commission."

Ms Hackitt said: "I am very pleased to be re-joining the Commission as its Chair. I recognise the enormous challenges of improving still further health and safety in our workplaces, and I look forward to working with all the members of the Commission, the staff of the Health and Safety Executive and with Local Authorities to take this critically important work forward."