Women in Safety Leadership Programme

Empowering women to lead in health and safety - at work, at home, and beyond.

Since 2017, RoSPA and L’Oréal have worked together to go beyond workplace safety – helping individuals lead safer lives in their homes, communities and families. Through our Safe@Work-Safe@Home Partnership, we are proud to support the next generation of female leaders in health and safety.

A unique, fully funded leadrship opportunity

Sponsored by L’Oréal and certified by the Institute of Leadership, this free, one-day training course is designed to empower women in leadership roles across all sectors. Whether you're a business owner, director, senior executive or aspiring leader, this programme offers practical tools, proven strategies, and a supportive network to help you grow your influence and impact in health and safety.

What is the Women in Safety Leadership course?

Launched in 2023 and developed by Karen J. Hewitt of Leaderlike Ltd., this course builds on the success of previous RoSPA and L’Oréal training initiatives. It provides a safe, collaborative space where women from diverse industries can explore their leadership potential and develop their ability to influence across organisations.

Approved by the Institute of Leadership, this programme focuses not just on health and safety, but on authentic leadership – helping women lead in ways that reflect their values and strengths.

Who is the course for?

This programme is ideal for:

Women business owners, directors and senior executives
Women with leadership responsibilities in any sector or organisation
Health and safety professionals seeking to progress to more senior or strategic roles

“One of the most powerful parts of the programme was being surrounded by other women who were breaking ground in their industries. The solidarity, encouragement, and no-judgement zone we built was more than professional networking; it was an engine for real growth.”

— Elaine Osborne, SAM Mouldings

We particularly welcome applications from women who are underrepresented in health and safety leadership. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of L’Oréal, a limited number of fully funded places are available worldwide.

What you will gain from the course

The training is built around three core themes:

Leadership by Design

Leadership in Action

Leadership in Strategy

You will also develop:

A clear personal vision for making a difference in health and safety
Insight into the challenges women face in leading safety – and how to overcome them
An understanding of transformational leadership
Tools to communicate and influence across cultures and organisations
Your own personal pitch for transformational change

For you

Boosts your confidence, clarity and leadership capability
Connects you with a like-minded community of women leaders
Sharpens your communication and influence skills
Benchmarks your leadership against best-in-class standards
Includes professional membership of the Institute of Leadership

For your organisation

Increased engagement and ownership of health and safety
Reduced incidents, absenteeism and related costs
Improved productivity, morale and business continuity
Enhanced reputation with clients, partners and regulators
Lower insurance premiums and legal risks

How is the Women in Safety course delivered?

The course is delivered online via Zoom, making it accessible to participants around the world (time zones permitting) and easy to fit into busy schedules. The interactive sessions include group discussions, breakout activities, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from peers in a supportive environment.

Following the main session, participants will also be invited to a 90-minute action planning session on Zoom, designed to help apply what they’ve learned and set clear, practical next steps for their leadership journey.

Meet your trainer: Karen J. Hewitt

Karen J. Hewitt, founder of Leaderlike Ltd., is a globally recognised expert in safety leadership. With 12+ years of experience in creating leadership movements within major international companies, Karen blends transformational leadership with change communication to drive real, lasting impact.

She is the author of the acclaimed book People Power – Transform your Business in the Era of Safety and Wellbeing, and her TEDx talk “The Two Questions That Could Save Your Life” is a must-watch for anyone interested in leading safety differently.

From confidence to influence - Karen J. Hewitt explains the Women in Safety Leadership Programme

Ongoing mentoring and support

Following the training, each participant will be matched with a personal mentor identified by Karen J. Hewitt and Malcolm Staves, L’Oréal’s Global Vice President of Health and Safety – to support their continued leadership journey.

With women still making up fewer than 30 per cent of professionals in occupational safety and health, our mentoring programme is designed to help close the gap and build lasting confidence. It’s not just about skills – it’s about belief.

Apply now - limited places available

To apply for a fully funded place, complete the form below and tell us why you would benefit from this course.

Applications now closed

Inspiring Women

The Award was created to recognise an individual who has made a significant inspirational impact in the world of health, safety and wellbeing, through activities within the workplace, or by use of their skills and expertise beyond the workplace.