The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced a significant new appointment to its Board. On 11th August 2026, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions confirmed Louise Hosking as a new non-executive director, with her tenure set to commence in September 2026. This strategic move strengthens the HSE’s leadership in occupational safety and environmental health.
Louise Hosking joins Board, bringing vast safety expertise
Louise Hosking brings an impressive career spanning over 30 years to her new role. Her background encompasses health and safety, environmental health, governance, and regulatory assurance. This experience is anticipated to provide strategic insight and oversight to the HSE’s critical mission of protecting people and places across Great Britain.
Prior to this appointment, Ms Hosking held a range of senior executive and non-executive leadership positions. She previously served as a Local Authority Environmental Health Officer, gaining firsthand experience in the practical application of health and safety regulations. Her leadership roles also include Executive Director of Environmental Health at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), where she played a pivotal role in shaping professional standards and advocacy.
Further demonstrating her standing within the global safety community, Louise Hosking has also served as President and Chair of Council at IOSH, the global professional body for occupational safety and health. Her leadership at IOSH involved guiding the organisation through strategic initiatives and advocating for improved safety practices worldwide. This diverse experience across the public, private, and voluntary sectors equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the regulatory landscape.
Sarah Newton, Chair of the HSE, warmly welcomed the appointment, expressing her delight at Ms Hosking joining the Board. Ms Newton emphasised that Louise’s considerable expertise and commitment would undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the HSE Board. She highlighted that Ms Hosking would be a valuable addition to the team of effective and dedicated non-executive directors, all focused on enabling the delivery of the HSE’s vitally important mission.
Non-executive directors play a crucial role in providing independent oversight, strategic guidance, and robust governance to public bodies. Their diverse perspectives and expertise are essential for ensuring that organisations like the HSE remain effective, accountable, and responsive to evolving challenges in workplace safety and health. Ms Hosking’s appointment is part of an ongoing process to ensure the HSE Board benefits from a broad spectrum of skills and experience.
Louise Hosking will succeed Professor Gina Radford, who is scheduled to depart from the Board in September 2026. The recruitment process for new non-executive directors is managed by the Public Appointments team within the Department for Work and Pensions, which serves as the HSE’s sponsor department. This process involves close collaboration with the Board Chair to ensure the selection of highly qualified individuals who can contribute effectively to the HSE’s strategic objectives.
The Health and Safety Executive continues to be the national regulator for workplace health and safety in Great Britain, striving to prevent death, injury, and ill-health in workplaces. Appointments such as Ms Hosking’s reinforce the organisation’s commitment to maintaining strong, experienced leadership to guide its regulatory activities and strategic direction.
This story was originally published by HSE Media Centre.
