At ADSL, safety and sustainability are not just priorities, they are the foundation of everything we do. On Friday 17 October, we proudly hosted our annual Safety and Sustainability Conference, bringing together our contractors to reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting our people, preserving the environment, and delivering excellence across every project.

 

This event was designed to do more than review performance; it serves as a platform for collaboration, learning, and inspiration. By sharing best practices and strategic insights, we aim to strengthen the culture of safety and sustainability that defines ADSL and drives our mission forward. 

The day began with a warm welcome from Leigh Bryce, ADSL Technical Director and Chief Engineer, setting the tone for an engaging and impactful day. Attendees were then moved by our Safe Start 2025 video, a powerful reminder to reflect on our personal motivations for safety, because at ADSL, we believe every individual has a ‘why’ that matters. 

The agenda featured updates from Alan McDonald, Head of Health and Safety, and Bernice Gunn, Head of Estates, alongside valuable perspectives from Lieutenant Colonel Vance Worsley of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. We also spotlighted wellbeing, with Julia Gilbank and Matt Walpole sharing their experiences as Mental Health First Aiders and reinforcing the importance of emotional support in the workplace. 

This year’s conference introduced three interactive workshops that explored essential themes. The Black Hats session examined the vital role of supervisors in maintaining safety standards and how introducing Black Hats on certain projects will strengthen compliance. The Behaviours workshop focused on how ADSL’s values translate into everyday actions and decision-making, while the Sustainability segment encouraged meaningful conversations about environmental responsibility through engaging displays and one-to-one discussions. 

Recognising excellence was a highlight of the day. Special Recognition Awards celebrated individuals whose dedication and leadership exemplify ADSL’s values. Presented by Richard Tindal, Capital Projects Director, and representatives from KBR, ADL, and DIO, these awards honoured inspiring stories of commitment and achievement. 

The conference concluded with an open Q&A and closing remarks from Leigh Bryce, reinforcing the key message: safety and sustainability are not just one-off discussions, they are principles we live by, every day, on every site. At ADSL, we are proud to work alongside contractors who share our vision of Zero Harm and sustainable progress. Together, we are building safer workplaces, stronger communities, and a better future.