About us

What we do

The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) is the UK organisation for healthcare professionals working in or with an interest in occupational health (OH). SOM is concerned with the protection of the health of people in the workplace, the prevention of occupational injuries and disease and related environmental issues. SOM stimulates interest and research in OH and works with the government, the healthcare community, health charities and other bodies to promote a healthier workforce. It acts as the voice of OH, responding to consultative documents and media enquiries on issues affecting the sector. A national leader in providing continued professional development and education, it is also a forum for the exchange of ideas, best practice and networking. SOM works with Government, including the DWP/DHSC Work and Health Unit, is a NICE stakeholder, supports NIHR grant making, engages with consultations and is a member of the Council for Work & Health. It works closely with the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, with joint UEMS representation, an annual conference and awards committee. SOM is a founder member of the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative.

A registered charity, founded in 1935 as the Association of Industrial Medical Officers, it changed its name to become The Society of Occupational Medicine in 1965. In 2012, the SOM opened its membership to health professionals working in occupational health. SOM's Companies House number is 11380861, Charity in England and Wales number is 1184142, and Scottish Charity number SC049793. It hosts a Golden Jubilee Award that funds a travelling fellowship for SOM members. The Objects of the SOM can be found in our articles of association. The SOM’s strategy and targets are developed through the SOM Strategy 2024-26.

SOM publications, covering key guidelines and reports on Occupational and Workplace Health, can be found in the SOM Publications Catalogue here.

How we are run

SOM is run by a Board of trustees,  made up of members as authorised by the Constitution. Members are:

  • The President (Chair) - Professor Neil Greenberg
  • The Immediate Past President - Dr Lanre Ogunyemi
  • The President Elect - Professor Druscha Lalloo
  • The Honorary Secretary - Dr David Fox
  • The Honorary Treasurer - Chris Rhodes
  • The Chair of the SOM Council - Dr Charlie Vivan
  • Other Trustees - Amitabh Shah, Dr Lucy Wright and Jonathan Gawthrop

See below for a warm welcome from SOM’s newest president, Professor Neil Greenberg.

The Board is informed by

  • The Council, which influences and debates issues affecting OH. Members are Regional Group Chairs; the SOM Education Lead - Dr Shairana Naleem; the Occupational Medicine Journal Editor (interim: Dr Dipti Patel); SOM elected members of the Board and the CEO.
  • A Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. Launched in 2020, which produced an inclusion directory (on the members website) and carried out unconscious bias training for Board members. Links were made with organisations such as the BMA and the King's Fund. Presentations occurred via webinars and national conferences. SOM carried out a self-assessment to ensure inclusion of our diverse membership in all services and activities. SOM's Statement of Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion is here. The Task Force is currently focusing on Women’s Health at Work – view more information here. Minutes of the meetings available on request.

The SOM Board and Council agreed this Code of Conduct at their December 2024 meetings.

Patrons of the SOM are The Rt Hon. the Lord David Blunkett, Sir Norman Lamb, Dame Carol Black and Lord Popat.

View a list of SOM Past Presidents here. Annual reports are below, with archived reports available upon request.

Policy

SOM is a leading voice for OH in the UK and around the world. SOM has policy positions on key OH issues, consulting with members in the process. SOM regularly writes to Ministers, hosts Ministerial visits and parliamentary events and poses parliamentary questions. SOM has provided evidence to several Parliamentary committees and APPGs. Governments and other official bodies regularly consult SOM on policy issues. Examples of SOM Policy activity includes the following:

SOM works with international networks and partners, including ICOH, ILO and the World Health Organization.


National Honours SOM FOM Committee

The Committee recommends those who have contributed to the work of occupational health and medicine and FOM and SOM. Anyone can make a recommendation to the Committee. This can either take the form of nominating an individual to be put forward or seeking a letter of support for an existing nomination via communication twice a year to the membership as follows. Do submit a nomination - please provide an explanation of why you believe the person deserves recognition. You do not need to specify the level of award, just the contribution. If the SOM and FOM decides to endorse the nomination, we will seek letters of support from relevant individuals or groups. When submitting, do consider and comment on the potential sources and the level of additional support. The SOM and FOM will contact them at the appropriate time. Please send to honours@som.org.uk or ask any questions about the process. Nominees should be in active practice or within six months of retirement. Nominations for those are retired are unlikely to be considered except under exceptional circumstances. Holders of existing national honours are not normally considered for elevation until after a period of five years. See https://www.gov.uk/honours/honours-lists. The Honours Committee Members meet twice a year and consists of the following people.

  • FOM President and SOM President - co chairs
  • Sir Anthony Newman Taylor (deputy chair)
  • Dr Alasdair Emslie, Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order
  • Dr Olivia Carlton, OBE
  • Air Commodore David McLoughlin, OBE
  • Dr Steve Boorman, CBE, Chair, Council for Work and Health
  • Nurse representative
  • SOM and FOM CEOs

Our history

Download SOM’s 90th Anniversary booklet here.

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