Shifting the safety focus from compliance to robust social governance

An interview with Howden Insurance Brokers, Australia's People Risk specialists Jacqui Milson, Damien Stinson, and Shehan Peiris.  

Howden Insurance Brokers Australia's People Risk specialists Jacqui Milson, Damien Stinson, and Shehan Peiris see a window of opportunity in the difficulties inherent in monitoring and developing workplace health and safety (WHS) systems to mitigate psychological risk in the workplace. Using ESG principles as a future focussed strategy to develop resilient responses that go above and beyond regulatory requirements.

Howden Insurance Brokers Australia always planned on bringing together a team of People Risk practitioners, who could bring expertise, solutions, and clinical experience to the table. “We’ve all supported the recovery of individuals and seen the impact of injury” says Shehan Peiris. “Now we are bringing that experience to have greater reach and impact and to develop strength-based solutions using Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles”. Collectively, Shehan, along with colleagues Jacqui Milson and Damien Stinson, have clinical experience in organisational psychology, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, nutrition as well as extensive safety governance experience. And the aim of participating in the World Congress? “It’s to demystify safety practice and demonstrate using ESG principles and SDGs to create transformative safety systems” says Damien.

Why focus on ESGs, SDGs and social governance? “Globally we have seen leadership from the International Organisation for Standardisations (ISO), World Health Organisation (WHO), and International Labor Organisation (ILO), with guidelines that define how to manage psychosocial risks”, Shehan says. “For us it was clear when SafeWork Australia released the Model Code of Practice that the architecture was there, but we believe there’s a piece missing”.  

Their World Congress workshop will give delegates the opportunity to unpack that missing piece. “It’s how to move from legislative compliance, to understanding the impact psychosocial risk and security has on people, and then how to build a framework or response that shifts the emphasis from compliance to using the ESG principles to create robust social governance”. Howden is offering a unique opportunity for attendees to collaboratively develop a white paper that expresses their collective expertise. This will be subsequently published with co-authorship from delegates in their session to reflect a future focussed definition of social governance.  

Jacqui outlines the upcoming workshop on Monday 27 November, which is free and included in all delegate’s tickets. “It’s aimed at shifting people’s thinking at an organisational level. We are taking attendees on a journey, really looking at how you shift from compliance to systemic change and acting”. 

“We are expecting organisations to grapple with ESGs and their meaning, it’s going to be a learning journey”, states Shehan. “Because if we don’t start with their meaning, how can we operationalise it?”. Damien is excited to be presenting on an emerging topic. “It’s important to look at this as more than just bolstering reporting. It’s a framework for the future, that everyone can adopt”. 

And the workshop has a very original offering for delegates. Shehan explains. “First, we will build the foundational knowledge of ESGs, social governance and the SDGs. What do they mean, why utilise them at all when it comes to prevention risk”. 

Then collectively, delegates will create a co-authored global whitepaper that will be published and shared through Howden’s global network across 52 countries. Shehan emphasises the value of this process. “This is really about a community of practice, that’s contributing to a practical resource, and also recognising their contribution to championing change”. “And let’s not forget” says Damien. “Delegates will be connecting with a group of like-minded people, a connection that will continue on beyond the workshop, to help everyone maintain the thought process and continue to develop ESG frameworks they can use in their organisations”. 

And what compelled Jacqui, Shehan and Damien to participate in the World Congress? They are all in agreement. “The World Congress is an amazing opportunity to absorb the concepts and global insights on offer from safety and health professionals, to see what’s emerging and where people are focusing their efforts’. Shehan adds, “many regions and countries are experiencing different challenges to Australia – political, environmental, societal, so I’m excited to learn about how they are looking after the wellbeing of their people and what systems are being put in place”. 

The From psychosocial risk compliance to an ESG strategy: A strength-based solution workshop is a unique opportunity for delegates to have an input into the development of a white paper, by capturing global input,  and creating a useable resource. Don’t pass up this opportunity to create a positive impact with other safety and health professionals. Register for the World Congress now and be an ESG champion of change.