Another year, another great House of Lords luncheon! We saw some big changes this year, with a new host Lord: The Right Hon. Lord McKenzie of Luton, a new Chairman: Peter Hall who takes over from Keith Scott, and a new Chief Executive: Phillip Pearson who takes over from Brian Nimick.

Both old and new Chairmen and Chief Executives were in attendance alongside senior representatives from organisations such as RoSPA, BOHS, IOSH and Exelis.

After pre-luncheon drinks on the terrace overlooking the River Thames and beautiful London cityscape, guests were updated on the latest IIRSM news. Following this Michael Clapham, former MP for Barnsley West and Penistone gave the keynote speech which, among other things, highlighted the many successes the industry has had in the banning of asbestos - and the continuing representation victims of mesothelioma and their families need.

I’m happy to report guests included Alan Leibowitz, Scott Lawson and Paige Holt from the US firm Exelis, also represented by IIRSM Board Member Trevor Cooke.

Other international guests included Middle East representatives Dr Al Salem AL Qaiwani, Director of Occupational Health and Safety at the UAE Ministry of Labour and David Bass from the IIRSM Middle East Branch.

I’m very pleased to announce IIRSM Chairman Peter Hall and Dr Ali Salem signed a Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of IIRSM and the UAE Ministry of Labour following the luncheon. This was to augment a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two organisations in September in Dubai.

This event provides a great opportunity to network while enjoying the surroundings of the prestigious House of Lords. You can view pictures from this event here and register your interest in attending next year by emailing perminder.dhillon@iirsm.org. You can complement this with a tour of the Houses of Parliament before the luncheon to make the event even more memorable.

Eleanor Doherty, IIRSM Marketing and Events Manager