Shield Safety, the UK’s trusted provider in food safety, health and safety, and fire safety, recently hosted its annual Golden Shield Awards – a celebration of dedication, performance and excellence across the entire organisation. 

Held to honour the achievements of its people over the past year, the event reflected Shield Safety’s ongoing commitment to recognising talent and driving forward its vision to make the world a safer place to eat, work and play.

The event shone a spotlight on the vital contributions made across all departments. It reflected the shared effort behind the company’s progress, with every team member playing a part in upholding high standards and driving its mission forward.

From new starters making an early impression to seasoned professionals consistently delivering excellence, the evening underscored how collaboration and commitment shape lasting success.

Among those celebrated at the Golden Shield Awards were team members recognised for their outstanding contributions across a wide range of roles and departments. Culture Champion awards went to Tadas Plauska, Head of Training, Mahdi Ahmed, Product Owner, and Gem Duffy-McCormack, Technical Product Manager, all praised for their passion, adaptability and embodiment of Shield Safety’s core values.

Andy Holman, Fire Safety Consultant, was recognised as a Newcomer of the Year for his expertise and wealth of knowledge within the fire safety team, alongside Lindsey Carter, Divisional Environmental Health Practitioner Manager, who was described as a respected and inspiring leader. Both made a notable impact in a short time, earning admiration from colleagues and clients alike.

Outstanding Achievement awards were presented to Vicki Wood, Principal Safety Consultant, for her innovative work with leading supermarket groups, and David Radcliffe, Commercial Financial Analyst, whose contribution was key to the delivery of several commercial and financial projects throughout the year. 

Deborah Bailey, Divisional Environmental Health Practitioner Manager, was named Manager of the Year following her successful leadership in onboarding a major supermarket contract.

Tamisha Estephan, Auditor, earned Auditor of the Year for her work across multiple clients while progressing through the CIEH pathway, and fellow Auditor, Edmund Linehan, received the Special Recognition Award, acknowledging his exceptional contribution and continued commitment to the company’s mission.

Each award served as a reminder of the diverse talent within the business and the importance of recognising both everyday impact and long-term commitment. The day was more than a presentation of accolades – it was a celebration of culture, connection and the ‘People First’ approach that continues to shape Shield Safety’s ongoing success.

Dr Mark Flanagan, CEO and Founder, Shield Safety, commented: “The Golden Shield Awards are about recognising the people who make Shield Safety the trusted and innovative business it is today. Across every department, our team continues to deliver excellence, support our clients and push boundaries in safety and compliance.

Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and winners, your passion and professionalism embodies our vision to make the world a safer place to eat, work and play.”

Shield Safety is the trusted name in food safety, health and safety and fire safety. For over 20 years the company has been delivering safety solutions that do more than protect your business – they drive growth, improve well-being and save lives.

They represent the largest team of environmental health practitioners in the UK. Working in close partnership with industry leaders and stakeholders, Shield Safety ensures that every service they deliver for customers is grounded in the highest expertise and quality.

The business is a leader too, supported by industry partners, Shield Safety, is the leading food safety provider in the UK – they are the first Certification Body for Safe to Trade, the standard that ensures people stay safe and businesses thrive.

Their shared values of passion, excellence and putting people first, guide our behaviours and help to shape who they are.