Create Group's safety lead wins distinguished service award

Claire Oakes receiving her RoSPA Distinguished Service Award from Lord Jordan of Bournville, RoSPA vice president

Claire Oakes, SHEQ director at Create Construction - Blackpool, has been presented with a ‘Distinguished Service Award’ at the RoSPA Health & Safety Awards, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on June 6th 2019.

RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) recognises individuals and teams who have demonstrated excellence at an organisational level and more recently, the stand out efforts of individuals, who protect the safety of others.

Claire’s new ‘Distinguished Service (Inspiration) Award’ recognises her long-term, sustained contribution to improving health and safety and highlights the commitment she has demonstrated cross her career so far in the Construction Industry. Claire received her RoSPA ‘Distinguished Service Award’ from Errol Taylor, RoSPA CEO and Lord Jordan of Bournville, RoSPA vice president.

Since 2003, Claire has had involvement with NWCSG (North West Construction Safety Group), where she served as vice chairperson 2010-12 and held the position of the first female chairperson from 2012-2016. She is also a Chartered Fellow Member of IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health).

In 2014, Claire was honoured with a ‘RoSPA Guardian Angel Award’and in 2017, was invited to Buckingham Palace due to her work with the NWCSG, to celebrate RoSPA’s centenary. 

Claire was awarded a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by the NWCSG in 2017 and presented with the ‘Maurice Adamson Award’ by Safety Groups UK in 2018,both which recognised her outstanding contribution to health and safety. In January of this year, Claire was requested to attend the House of Lords in recognition of her continued support and dedication to Safety Groups UK.

Claire’s new ‘Distinguished Service Award’ from RoSPA also represents the extremely valuable work she has initiated in embedding an excellent safety culture throughout Create’s group of companies. The Group already holds several awards and accreditations thanks to the work of Claire and her team, including a four ‘RoSPA Gold Awards’for Create Construction and a ‘RoSPA Silver Award’for their residential arm, Create Homes.

Claire Oakes, SHEQ director at Create, commented: “I am humbled to be the recipient of one of RoSPA’s new Inspirational Awards.  My commitment for Health & Safety is purely driven by my personal passion to see the Construction Industry thrive, as well as to ensure the workforce return home at the end of each working day, without harm or injury."

Julia Small, RoSPA’s head of qualifications, awards and events, said: “Claire’s commitment and drive to make the Construction Industry a safer place for all is overwhelming. Her dedication to Create Group and the North West Construction Safety Group (NWCSG),is inspirational.”

Paul Mathison, CEO of Create Construction commented: “Claire’s leadership, commitment and mentoring skills cannot be contested. She takes a hands-on approach to best practice across the business as her team continues to grow and her approach and ‘create a safer future’ initiative, ensures our companies protect their people and environments at all times. She has greatly contributed to the success and growth of our businesses and is an inspiration to all women in the Construction Industry.”

L to R: Two of Create Construction’s current developments in Morfa Road, Swansea and Norton Street, Liverpool