A gold standard attitude to health and safety in the workplace was marked at one Suffolk and Essex charity last week when it received a top award at a ceremony at the House of Lords.

The Suffolk and North Essex Occupational Safety Group (SNEOSG), which promotes health and safety practice to local businesses, scooped the prestigious gold standard award for the second year in a row at the ceremony held by Safety Groups UK.

The launch of an outreach programme to promote health and safety practice among young people and high school pupils was among the factors which saw SNEOSG win the award for the second time.

Making the accolade even more of an achievement is the fact that they were one of only nine groups across the country to receive the gold status.

SNEOSG chairwoman Natasha Wales said: “Receiving the gold standard for a second year in a row gives our group a massive sense of achievement. Whilst we always believe the work we do is worthwhile, it is great to have this confirmed by others outside of our group.

“A second year in a row means that the management committee has managed to go above and beyond this year on the gold standard achieved last year.

“Our work being recognised is a true testament to the time and effort put in by all of our members, committee and supporters, and gives us great enthusiasm to continue our hard work.

“However, for the group it is not about the awards we can achieve but about the times we are told by our members that the group helps them.

“We are most proud of the responses we have from members when we have helped them develop plans to aid safety improvements in their businesses, or supported them in their development.”

For more information on SNEOSG or to join the charity, visit www.sneosg.org.uk/