In this landmark episode of SOM’s Diamond Days — celebrating the Society of Occupational Medicine’s 90th anniversary — host Amy McEwen and sits down with Dame Carol Black, patron of SOM and one of the most influential voices in UK work and health.

Dame Carol discusses why she believes occupational health must “rebirth” itself for the future — broadening scope, embracing prevention and psychosocial issues, and reshaping services to meet the real challenges faced by workers today.

From mental health and menopause to financial stress, bullying, and returning from long-term sickness — she explores how OH can adapt to support modern working lives and contribute to keeping Britain working. A must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of workplace health, policy, and the evolving role of the OH profession.
Key Topics

• Why Dame Carol believes OH needs a strategic reinvention
• Aligning OH training and services with the realities of the 2025 workplace
• The importance of de-medicalising health and work conversations
• Integrating clinical and non-clinical approaches (e.g. domestic abuse, bereavement, caring responsibilities)
• Supporting people back into employment — insights from her benefits work
• Collaboration between government, employers, health systems, and new workforce wellbeing models
• “If not now, when?” — the urgency of transformation

The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.

In this thought-provoking episode, host Steve Randall is joined by Professor Kim Burton, freelance occupational health researcher and former Professor of Occupational Health Care at the University of Huddersfield, and Janet O’Neill, Occupational Health Nurse Specialist and Deputy Head of the National School of Occupational Health.

Nearly two decades after Burton co-authored the influential 2006 report “Is Work Good for Your Health and Well-being?”, the panel explores what has—and hasn’t—changed in the relationship between work, health, and employer practice.

Together, they unpack:

• Why the application of evidence in occupational health has lagged behind the research
• The difference between the “what” and the “how” of workplace health interventions
• Why line managers (not OH) should often be the first point of health-related conversations
• The persistent cultural and knowledge-transfer gaps that block progress
• The role of training, including the Society of Occupational Medicine’s new Work & Health Conversation programmes
• How organizations can move beyond tick-box exercises to real behavioural change
• The importance of good work, organisational culture, and internal capacity before bringing in external services
• Practical ways employers can measure success—from retention data to wellbeing metrics and qualitative feedback

This episode is full of insight for OH professionals, HR leaders, line managers, and anyone responsible for workforce health and wellbeing.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Evidence isn’t the problem—implementation is Kim argues that we’ve lost sight of what OH should deliver, focusing instead on processes rather than content.
🔹 The “work and health conversation” is still missing Despite strong evidence, consistent messaging across OH, HR, line managers, and healthcare is still lacking.
🔹 Line managers should be empowered Janet highlights that early conversations about health at work should start with line managers—not only with OH.
🔹 Training is essential for cultural change SOM’s upcoming training programmes aim to equip non-health professionals to have effective work-and-health conversations.
🔹 Behaviour change requires more than awareness Consistency, employer commitment, and clear frameworks are needed to avoid tick-box approaches.
🔹 Measure what matters Retention, sickness absence, presenteeism, stress risk assessments, employee surveys, and qualitative feedback are all part of tracking real progress.

The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.

Our monthly SOM News Update brings you the latest stories and insights from SOM and the wider OH world. Hosted by Steve Randall.

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Links mentioned in the podcast:

The SOM/FOM Conference will take place in Nottingham next year. Save the date – 15th-17th June 2026. Bookings will open at the end of January but the call for abstracts is open now https://www.occupationalhealthconferences.com/call-for-abstracts-2026/

Mental Health & Wellbeing Outcomes reserach by ESRC: https://www.enterpriseresearch.ac.uk/publications/mental-health-and-wellbeing-practices-outcomes-and-productivity-final-project-report/

The Lane Lecture: The Artificial Stone Silicosis Epidemic - Lessons Learned for More Effective Prevention youtube.com/watch?si=gH9PTJw1z_RjGn4o&v=3xCCigUb17o&feature=youtu.be


SOM events webpage

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The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.

In this special Diamond Days episode, host Amy McEwen brings together two leading voices in workplace health – Professor Neil Greenberg, president of SOM and Peter Cheese, CEO of the CPID – to discuss the Keep Britain Working report by Sir Charlie Mayfield.

The conversation dives into the future of work, wellbeing, and the collaboration needed between HR and occupational health to address the UK’s growing challenge of economic inactivity due to ill health.

You will gain insights into how both sectors can build structured, evidence-based approaches to wellbeing, empower non-clinical workplace health professionals, and help businesses of all sizes create healthier, more productive workplaces.

 💬 Key Topics Discussed

• The Keep Britain Working review and its implications for the future of workplace health.
• The vital partnership between HR and occupational health in supporting employees.
• Building a “Healthy Work Life Cycle” — from early intervention to prevention.
• Developing non-clinical workplace health professionals and training frameworks.
• Supporting SMEs in accessing occupational health expertise.
• The importance of data, evidence, and measurement through the proposed Workplace Health Intelligence Unit.
• Creating a structured, science-based approach to wellbeing and reducing stress at work.

🔗  Keep Britain Working – Sir Charlie Mayfield Review

The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.

In this episode of The SOM Podcast, host Steve Randall speaks with Dr. Jo Feary.

Jo is a Respiratory Consultant specialising in occupational lung disease at the Royal Brompton Hospital, and Researcher at Imperial College London. She is also the Clinical Lead for Lungs at Work, an NHS service supporting workers, clinicians, and occupational health professionals affected by respiratory hazards.

She sheds light on the growing concern around artificial stone silicosis — an aggressive form of silicosis affecting workers in industries like kitchen worktop fabrication. They discuss how artificial stone, while popular for its durability and aesthetics, can expose workers to dangerously high levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS).

Jo explains why traditional health surveillance methods may not detect cases early enough, what symptoms O professionals should look for, and what practical steps businesses can take to protect workers. This conversation highlights the urgent need for education, awareness, and proactive surveillance in tackling this preventable occupational disease.

Resources & Links: 🔗 Lungs at Work – NHS Service & Resources
📧 Contact the team via the email listed on their website for case inquiries or advice.
🏥 Free NHS referrals available for assessment within 6–8 weeks.

The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.

Our monthly SOM News Update brings you the latest stories and insights from SOM and the wider OH world. Hosted by Steve Randall.

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Links mentioned in the podcast:

SOM Occupational Health Awards 2025 - now open!

HR professionals underestimate role of OH in employee wellbeing, new YouGov survey reveals

Nye’s lost legacy: Towards a National Occupational Health Service to keep people well in work. Read more. 

Florence Nightingale Foundation’s Leadership Scholarships for 2025 now open. 


SOM events webpage

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The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.


The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.

SOM’s Diamond Days is a limited-edition podcast series celebrating 90 years of the Society of Occupational Medicine.

Each episode brings together voices from across generations to explore the evolution, challenges, and bright future of occupational health. In this episode, hosts Amy McEwen and Anna Jones sit down with Dr. Mike Goldsmith, founder of Medigold Health, and his son Alex Goldsmith, the company’s current CEO.

Together, they share a fascinating intergenerational look at how occupational health has evolved — from its “industrial medicine” roots in the 1970s to today’s AI-driven, wellbeing-focused practice.

Mike reflects on the early days of setting up Medigold, the challenges of pioneering occupational health when few doctors were trained in the field, and how he helped shape professional standards still used today. 

Alex discusses his unexpected journey from finance to healthcare, the pivotal role of technology and AI in the sector’s future, and why he believes the next generation is inheriting a stronger, more respected industry than ever before.
Key Topics & Moments

• (00:33) Introducing SOM’s Diamond Days 90th Anniversary Series
• (01:04) Mike Goldsmith: founding Medigold in the late 1970s
• (03:28) Early days of industrial health & the challenges for OH nurses
• (05:12) The changing perception of occupational health: from reactive to proactive
• (07:20) Alex joins Medigold – a career change sparked by family and opportunity
• (08:46) Maintaining quality and self-regulation in a growing industry
• (10:18) The role of AI and the digital future of occupational health
• (12:24) Father and son reflections: lessons, clashes, and shared pride

Guest Bios

Dr. Mike Goldsmith – Founder of Medigold Health, a pioneer of modern occupational health practice in the UK. Over five decades in medicine, Mike helped define the standards and training pathways for occupational physicians and nurses.

Alex Goldsmith – CEO of Medigold Health. Alex has led the company’s growth into one of the UK’s largest OH providers, championing innovation, technology, and clinician wellbeing.

The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.

In this episode of the Society of Occupational Medicine’s Specialist Functional Assessment Medicine Group Podcast, Karen Wallace is joined by Lara Shemtob (Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust) and Kim Burton (Work and Health Policy Advisor) for a deep dive into the growing challenge of long-term sickness and economic inactivity — and how we can respond more effectively.  

Together, they explore:

📈 Why long-term sickness is rising — from delayed access to care to changing workplace demands

🩺 The importance of early, personalised support and the role of clinical oversight in preventing work loss

💬 How support conversations can be reframed to empower individuals and promote recovery

🛠️ The potential of tech-enabled solutions — including digital platforms and predictive tools — to support return-to-work journeys

🏢 The need to engage employers and line managers early, and build a more joined-up approach across health and employment

📚 Why training a new workforce to deliver consistent, empathetic work-and-health conversations is key to future success

This episode is a call to action for clinicians, policymakers, employers, and anyone passionate about improving the relationship between work and health. Tune in to hear how we can move from assessment to empowerment — and build a future where support conversations truly make a difference.

The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.

Following on from the SOM Careers Event during Occupational Health Awareness Week 2025, we're hearing from OH professionals across various diciplines and from different clinical backgrounds about how they began their OH careers.

There are six episodes in total in this mini-series. 

In this episode, we hear from Nicola Jagieslski, psychotherapist and clinical director. 

The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.

Following on from the SOM Careers Event during Occupational Health Awareness Week 2025, we're hearing from OH professionals across various diciplines and from different clinical backgrounds about how they began their OH careers.

There are six episodes in total in this mini-series. 

In this episode, we hear from Sarwar Chowdhury, senior occupational health physician. 


The SOM podcast is sponsored by Orchid Live - specialist occupational health software used by a number of SOM members to run every aspect of their occupational health operations. They hold healthcare records for over 1 million UK workers and work with both in-house OH teams and OH providers. You can find out more at OrchidLive.com.