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) - Dr Lanre Ogunyemi
  • The Immediate Past President - Dr Shriti Pattani
  • The President Elect - Professor Neil Greenberg
  • The Honorary Secretary - Dr Rae Chang
  • The Honorary Treasurer - Dr Sheetal Chavda
  • The Chair of the SOM Council - Dr Victoria Mason
  • Other Trustees - Amitabh Shah, Dr Lucy Wright and Jonathan Gawthrop

The Board is informed by

  • The Council, which influences and debates issues affecting OH. Members are Regional Group Chairs; the SOM Education Lead - Professor Kaveh Asanati; the Occupational Medicine Journal Editor - Professor Steve Nimmo; 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.

Our history

  • 1935: A small group of doctors formed the Association of Industrial Medical Officers. The twenty founder members included Leonard Lockhart of Boots, Howard Mummery of Lyons and Donald Stewart of ICI Metals. They were enthusiastic about the scope of medical services in the workplace and saw them as an important contribution to both the health of the nation and the viability of the enterprises for which they worked. From the start their interest was the improvement of industrial health practice for the benefit of the employees, the enterprise and themselves. Lockhart presented the paper at the inaugural meeting on 'The Future of Occupational Medicine'. He identified industrial medicine as a function of management, stressed the need to extend services or face extinction, and noted the economic benefits of treatment in the workplace, all issues which remain contentious to this day.
  • 1938: The constitution was written with a clear and simple statement: 'To form a group of medical men and women engaged in the practice of Industrial Medicine in any of its branches for the purpose of scientific study, social intercourse and mutual help.'
  • 1965: The Association of Industrial Medical Officers became The Society of Occupational Medicine.
  • 2010: The Society celebrated its 75th anniversary and undertook the biggest review in its history.
  • 2012: Associated healthcare practitioners engaged in improving working age health became eligible to join from 2012. The change has been instigated to reflect modern working practices where many different groups of professionals are now involved in improving the health of the UK’s workforce. 
  • 2025: The SOM celebrated its 90th anniversary.
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