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.

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 Matt Higginson, occupational health nurse.


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 Lisa Harrison & Karen Phillpotts, occupational therapists. 

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 Karli Gibson, musculoskeletal physiotherapist. 

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 Alex Rhind, a mental health nurse in OH. 

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:

Free resources for Occupational Health Awareness Week from SOM

UK Government research on Understanding Occupational Health Provision

TUC review: Keep Britain working: an independent review into the role of employers in health and disability

Bevan Commission Employee Health and Wellbeing Best Practice Guide in English and Welsh. 

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.

Cannabis prescriptions are becoming more common in the UK, whether via NHS-approved routes or through private clinics. But how does this affect workplace drug testing and occupational health practice? In this CPD-focused episode, toxicologist Helen Vangikar explores:

• The difference between NHS-authorised cannabis-based medicinal products (per the BNF) and privately issued prescriptions.
• Why some organisations (e.g., Network Rail) will only accept BNF-listed cannabis prescriptions.
• How Medical Review Officers should handle positive test results when legitimate prescriptions are involved.
• The analytical challenges in laboratories—why they can’t distinguish private vs. street cannabis.
• The need for consistent policy development across sectors and internationally.
• The role of CBD vs. THC in testing and future trends in testing approaches and legal frameworks.

This episode offers occupational health professionals valuable insights to stay informed and confident in their practice.

 Resources & Links

• Helen Vangikar’s website: helenvangikar.com
• Connect with Helen on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
• Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM): som.org.uk
• Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM): fom.ac.uk

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, host Karen Wallace speaks with Dr. Lanre Ogunyemi about the DWP’s Pathway to Work Green Paper and its bold vision for integrating work, health, and welfare reform. Together, they explore:

• Why prevention and early intervention must be at the heart of any reform.
• How occupational health can be embedded within welfare and healthcare systems.
• The need for a tiered approach to functional assessment and return-to-work support.
• The importance of training, leadership, and building confidence in occupational health.
• The risks of getting reform wrong – and the opportunities if we get it right.

With some “blue sky thinking,” the discussion considers what a future system could look like if access to occupational health was universal, technology was harnessed effectively, and prevention was truly prioritised. Key Takeaways:

• The Green Paper offers a real opportunity for occupational health to shape the future of work and welfare.
• A stepped, tiered model could better match support to individual needs.
• Prevention and early intervention save money, reduce absence, and improve wellbeing.
• Embedding occupational health into the NHS and wider welfare system is essential.
• Without change, the UK risks worsening economic inactivity and rising welfare costs.

Guest: Dr. Lanre Ogunyemi
Host: Karen Wallace, SOM Functional Assessment Medicine Specialist Interest Group

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.

SOM 90th anniversary - 2025
Register here to attend the Anniversary dinner on Friday 26th September at the Apothecaries’ Hall, London. Guest speaker: Dame Carol Black.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

The competency framework will be formally launched this autumn via the SOM website and at the SOM Leadership Conference 2025, taking place on Thursday 9th October, 9.30am to 4.30pm at Alliance Manchester Business School. This will be a hybrid event, in-person and online. Register for in-person attendance here and online attendance here.

SOM and the Faculty of Occupational Health Nursing (FOHN) Join Forces to Drive Impact and Collaboration READ MORE

SOM blogs - What Occupational Health Is (and not) and OH: Managing the Hidden Risks of Health in the Workplace


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.

This episode of the Society of Occupational Medicine's Specialist Interest Functional Assessment Medicine Group podcast delves into the critical topic of reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

We explore the legal framework, practical considerations, and common challenges faced by both employers and employees.

Hosted by Dr Karen Wallance, joined by occupational therapist Helen Vall Russell and employment solicitor Kate Lawson, we discuss the definition of disability, the nuances of the Equality Act, affordability, employer expectations, and the crucial role of clinical opinion. 

The conversation also tackles prevalent issues such as neurodiversity, menopause, and the complexities of working from home in the context of reasonable adjustments. 

Key Themes & Discussion Points:

• Defining Disability: A deep dive into the legal definition of disability under the Equality Act and the challenges employers face in identifying who is covered.
• The "Reasonableness" Factor: Understanding what constitutes a "reasonable" adjustment, considering factors like practicality, financial cost, disruption to the business, and the size and resources of the employer.
• The Role of Clinical Opinion: Discussing how occupational health practitioners provide guidance on disability and suggest adjustments, emphasizing the importance of clinical reasoning over simply repeating employee requests.
• Communication is Key: Highlighting the vital role of open communication between employers, employees, and occupational health professionals to ensure effective and mutually beneficial adjustments.
• Addressing Substantial Disadvantage: The core principle behind reasonable adjustments – identifying and alleviating the specific disadvantage experienced by a disabled employee.
• Common Challenges & Practical Solutions:
  • Neurodiversity: Exploring various adjustments beyond just working from home, such as quiet rooms, noise-cancelling headphones, and flexible working arrangements.
  • Menopause: Discussing how menopause symptoms can amount to a disability and the range of individualized adjustments that can be considered, from temperature control to managing anxiety and confidence.
  • Working from Home: Examining when remote work is a beneficial adjustment and when it might not be the best solution, especially concerning isolation or specific functional needs.
• Access to Work: How this scheme can support employers in making otherwise unfeasible adjustments.
• Functional Approach: Emphasizing the importance of focusing on how a condition impacts an individual's function rather than solely on the diagnosis when recommending adjustments.

Speakers:

• Dr. Karen Wallace: Host, Society of Occupational Medicine's Specialist Interest Functional Assessment Medicine Group
• Helen Vall Russell: Experienced Occupational Therapist and Director at Ergocom
• Kate Lawson: Experienced Specialist Employment Solicitor and Director at Element Law

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

SOM 90th anniversary - 2025
Register here to attend the Anniversary dinner on Friday 26th September at the Apothecaries’ Hall, London. Guest speaker: Dame Carol Black.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Occupational Health Audits guidance 

Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper -Response from SOM here

Parliamentary Question - Peter Lamb, MP submitted a question about what the Government is doing re. introducing a women’s health workplace strategy – response from the Government, here.

Draft AI guidance - iOH / SOM have produced draft guidance and risk assessment for OH and AI. 



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 Mini CPD Series, host Steve Randall speaks with renowned pain coach Richmond Stace to explore a transformational approach to chronic pain—one that moves beyond the traditional biomedical model.

Richmond introduces the principles of pain coaching, rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and patient-centred care. Learn how shifting the focus from “fixing pain” to “understanding the person experiencing it” can unlock better outcomes in workplace health and recovery.
🔍 Key Topics Covered:

• Why chronic pain isn't always about where it hurts
• Limitations of the biomedical model in occupational health
• The science behind pain as a lived, conscious experience
• How beliefs and narratives shape pain
• Personalising movement and recovery strategies
• Building supportive, empathetic workplace cultures
• The crucial role of communication in pain management

📖 Related Reading:
👉 Chronic Pain in the Workplace: A New Perspective for Occupational Health — [Read Richmond's article on the SOM site]
📲 Connect with Richmond Stace:

• 📷 Instagram: @paincoach
• 💼 LinkedIn: Richmond Stace
• ✉️ Substack: Pain Talking Newsletter

In this episode of the SOM Occupational Therapists Series, host Jo Vallom-Smith is joined by Helen Valls-Russell, a passionate and experienced occupational therapist specialising in vocational rehabilitation (VR).

Together, they unpack what VR really means, how it integrates with occupational health, and why early intervention is crucial to successful work return outcomes.

Helen shares insights into the multidisciplinary nature of vocational rehab, discusses how it can be a bridge between healthcare and employment, and explains how OTs are uniquely equipped to assess and support functional work readiness.

Whether you're an occupational therapist, a case manager, or just curious about how rehabilitation meets the world of work, this episode is full of practical insights, evidence-based discussion, and real-world applications. 

Key Topics:

• What is vocational rehabilitation?
• How VR differs from and complements occupational health
• The importance of early intervention in return-to-work outcomes
• Functional restoration and work hardening
• The role of OTs in VR and how to get involved
• Challenges and opportunities in small and medium-sized businesses
• Collaborative working with employers and other stakeholders

Resources Mentioned:

• Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VRA)
• Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM)

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

SOM 90th anniversary - 2025
Register here to attend the Anniversary dinner on Friday 26th September at the Apothecaries’ Hall, London. Guest speaker: Dame Carol Black.


Links mentioned in the podcast:

SOM President election




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.