The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has officially confirmed the appointment of Rebecca Emmett as a new non-executive director to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Board. This significant appointment, announced on 18th May 2026, sees Ms Emmett replace Martin Esom, who concluded his tenure on the Board in March 2026. Her extensive background in local government and the public sector is set to provide invaluable expertise to the HSE’s strategic direction.
Rebecca Emmett joins Board, replacing Martin Esom
Rebecca Emmett brings a wealth of experience that will significantly contribute to the HSE’s ongoing mission to prevent death, injury, and ill-health in Great Britain’s workplaces. As the Deputy Chief Executive at Basingstoke and Deane Council since 2022, she has demonstrated strong leadership and a deep understanding of public service delivery and regulatory frameworks. Her appointment is a key step in ensuring the HSE Board continues to benefit from diverse and robust professional insights.
Ms Emmett’s career began with a strong foundation in environmental science and geology, having earned her degree from Portsmouth University. She initially worked as a consultant for WSP, where she undertook critical geotechnical and contamination ground investigations. This early experience provided her with a practical understanding of complex environmental and safety challenges, which are highly relevant to the HSE’s regulatory scope.
Following her consultancy work, Rebecca transitioned into local government, where she spent over a decade leading a range of frontline services in and around London. Her roles included significant positions at the London Boroughs of Croydon, Hackney, and Southwark, as well as Three Rivers District Council. This broad experience has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of public sector operations, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of regulatory policies at a local level.
A notable highlight of her career includes her time at the London Borough of Hackney, where she was instrumental in leading the Council’s regulatory teams. In this capacity, she played a crucial role in supporting the delivery of the Olympic Park and the successful execution of the 2012 Olympic Games. This experience underscores her capability in managing large-scale, high-profile projects with complex regulatory requirements and ensuring public safety on an immense scale.
The HSE Board relies on its non-executive directors to provide independent oversight, strategic guidance, and expert challenge, ensuring the organisation remains effective and accountable in delivering its 10-year strategy. Ms Emmett’s proven track record in public service and regulatory leadership is expected to be a considerable asset, strengthening the Board’s capacity to guide the HSE in its vital work of improving workplace health and safety standards across the nation.
In addition to Ms Emmett’s appointment, the Secretary of State also confirmed the re-appointment of Debbie Gillatt as a non-executive director for a further five years to the HSE Board. This continuity of experienced leadership further stabilises the Board and ensures the ongoing benefit of Ms Gillatt’s established expertise and insights, reinforcing the HSE’s commitment to robust governance and strategic planning.
Recruitment for new non-executive directors is an ongoing and rigorous process, managed by the Public Appointments team within the Department for Work and Pensions, the HSE’s sponsor department. This process, which involves close collaboration with the Board Chair, Sarah Newton, ensures that highly qualified individuals are selected to fill these crucial roles as existing members conclude their terms, maintaining the high calibre of leadership essential for the HSE’s mission.
Originally published by the Health and Safety Executive.
