Laura Bradley named WISH Diversity Champion of the Year

A personal commitment to inclusion is helping OCS colleagues feel heard, respected and supported at work.

The Women in Safety & Health (WISH) Awards recognise the achievements of women working in health and safety and promote greater diversity across the sector. This year, Laura Bradley, Engagement and Social Value Manager for OCS UK&I, was named WISH Diversity Champion of the Year for her commitment to inclusion and the difference she makes through everyday conversations and actions.

The award is particularly meaningful because Laura’s peers nominated her. Their recognition shows the impact of her approach and the support she offers to colleagues who want to feel accepted and understood at work.

A Personal Experience That Informs Her Approach

Laura’s commitment to inclusion is rooted in personal experience. Her son experienced bullying during secondary school because of his sexuality. Seeing the impact this had on him strengthened her drive to challenge prejudice and help create a workspace where colleagues feel accepted for who they are.

“I’m incredibly proud of my son and who he is,” Laura says.

That experience continues to inform her work as an OCS Identity Champion. Laura speaks openly about why inclusion matters, including during colleague inductions, encouraging people to consider how their words and actions affect those around them.

“Nobody should feel excluded because of who they are or the challenges they face,” she says.

Listening Helps Colleagues Feel Supported

For colleagues starting a new role or facing a personal challenge, someone who takes the time to listen can make a meaningful difference.

Matt Rich, a Helpdesk Scheduler, spoke to Laura about his ADHD and autism diagnosis as he started a new role. Laura took time to listen, ask questions and understand his perspective. The conversation was brief, but it had a lasting positive impact.

Matt later shared his experience in a testimonial that formed part of Laura’s award nomination. His account showed how a supportive conversation can help a colleague feel accepted and understood.

Reading his words was one of the highlights of Laura’s award experience.

“It’s nice to know that I’ve kind of helped, even just a little bit,” she says.

Matt’s experience also demonstrates how everyday communications can create opportunities for colleagues to connect and support one another. When people feel comfortable sharing their experiences, others may find the confidence to ask questions, seek advice or talk about their personal challenges.

For Laura, inclusion starts with understanding the individual and recognising that a small act of support can make a difference to someone’s working day.

Creating Opportunities For Colleagues To Connect

Laura’s contribution goes beyond individual conversations. She has previously chaired and co-chaired OCS’s culture group, supporting initiatives to improve physical and emotional safety at work.

She has also changed the approach to colleague communications within the Critical Environments sector on her contract. Previously, employee spotlights focused on a colleague’s role and length of service. Laura introduced a wider approach, with each feature focusing on something different, giving colleagues more opportunities to share their experiences.

Matt was among the first to take part, choosing to talk about neurodiversity. Laura created space for him to share his perspective through his role and personal experiences.

The response showed the value of that change. After the feature, colleagues have approached Matt for advice about their own personal struggles. His story has helped open up conversations that might otherwise have been difficult to start.

More recently, Laura has been promoting the Champions Network, connecting colleagues with those who are able to offer guidance, signpost available support or take time to listen. The network covers not only mental health but wellbeing, communication and digital inclusion.

Together, these initiatives help colleagues find relevant support and encourage a workplace culture where people feel able to raise concerns and ask for help.

Laura believes that even small changes can have a lasting effect on an individual’s experience.

Her approach shows how every colleague has the power to contribute to a more inclusive workplace.

Recognition That Reflects OCS’s TRUE Values

Laura was one of 12 nominees in the WISH Diversity Champion of the Year category. Receiving the award was especially meaningful because the nomination came from her colleagues.

“It’s just really lovely to be recognised in the first place by my colleagues,” she says.

Her contribution demonstrates the TRUE Values in practice. By listening without judgement, sharing her experiences, and helping colleagues find the right support, Laura helps create a workplace where people feel able to speak openly and be themselves. How people listen, communicate, and respond to one another helps determine whether colleagues feel respected and comfortable being themselves.

The WISH award recognises the impact of that approach, from the confidence one colleague gains through a conversation to the wider connections created when people feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

For Laura, the difference lies in the small actions that make someone feel understood and listened to. Her work shows that inclusion grows through everyday choices, and every colleague has their part to play.