ISS Manager recognised as Trailblazer in SHP Health & Safety Awards

The SHP Trailblazer Awards are part of the wider SHP Awards and recognise individuals who have responded to COVID-19 in the most effective or inspiring way - either on the frontline, in the community or in the workplace.

The award recognises Joel as a driving force in the delivery of first-class health and safety practices for our NHS healthcare clients during the first and subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Excellence in Healthcare

Award-winner Joel initiated and delivered the HSEQ programme for 11,000 ISS employees in the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, these key workers support 45 NHS Trust client sites across the UK – including the NHS Nightingale Hospital, London.

Joel was instrumental in setting up and delivering the HSEQ solution for Nightingale Hospital London – the 4,000-bed field hospital dedicated to caring for Coronavirus patients. ISS mobilised facilities management services to this hospital in just ten days. Joel’s professionalism and expertise for this ground-breaking project was one of many factors leading to his award.

As the Health and Safety lead, Joel developed comprehensive Safe Systems of Work for office staff, ward hostesses, porters and both clinical and non-clinical cleaners. With many ISS’ healthcare workforce occupied in their usual roles, the project saw a number of ISS employees volunteer to provide support. Joel’s exceptional skills ensured reinforcement and embedding of the controls - for both people and equipment - that kept all staff safe and able to care for patients.

Pioneering Health & Safety

Some of the innovative processes and procedures developed for Nightingale Hospital are being shared and used as best practice across other ISS business areas.

Tim Proctor, Director of Health, Safety, Environment, Quality & Corporate Responsibility, ISS UK & Ireland commented, “We’re incredibly proud of Joel and his achievement in the SHP Awards. Our HSEQ strategy at ISS is to ensure that we continuously improve the safety culture for Everyone in our organisation in Everything they do, Everytime that they do it. Joel and his team proved that we maintain our intention throughout the most challenging of times. His expertise continues to ensure that ISS connect people and places to make the world better, and safer.”

Thoughtful Leadership

Demonstration of going the extra mile was the other important factor of the Trailblazers category. It highlights those who went above and beyond to make a positive difference and showcase the up-coming pioneers in health and safety. 

Peter Walsh, Head of Health, Safety & Environment ISS public sector stated: “Joel is an extremely worthy recipient of the Trailblazer in COVID-19 Response award and I am very proud of his achievement. This recognises both his contribution to the company’s response to COVID-19 in general, and the drive and commitment he demonstrated along with his expertise, personal skills and positive can-do attitude in what has been an incredibly challenging period. Joel’s work ethic and ability to consistently deliver to an exceptionally high standard has been outstanding.“