The achievement places the University’s in-house service among a select group of organisations demonstrating exceptional standards in managing health, safety, and wellbeing in complex operational environments.
What the Seal of Excellence means
The BPIF Health and Safety Seal of Excellence recognises organisations that go beyond basic legal compliance and actively embed health and safety into every aspect of their operations. It assesses criteria such as risk management, staff training, workplace culture, incident prevention, and continuous improvement.
For the University, the award confirms that robust systems are in place to safeguard employees, students, and visitors, while maintaining highly efficient and reliable services. Importantly, it represents an ongoing commitment, with continuous monitoring and regular review required to retain the accreditation.
A collaborative approach to safety
Led by Helen Clarke, the Print, Post and Logistics Lead, and supported by Mat Poynton, the team’s Safety Officer, a defining factor in achieving the Seal of Excellence has been the close and collaborative working relationship with the University’s Health and Safety team, with support from Estates and Facilities Management colleagues in addressing specific issues.
Helen Clarke explains: “This partnership has ensured a joined-up and consistent approach to safety across all operations. By working closely together, the team has been able to share expertise, align procedures, and implement improvements more effectively across print production, handling processes, and logistics activities.”
Mat Poynton added: “Regular engagement, advice, and oversight from our Health and Safety specialists has helped me to ensure that all systems, infrastructure, and practices meet both University-wide standards and industry best practice.”
Building a culture of safety
The journey to achieving the award has involved embedding a strong culture of safety throughout the department. Over the last few years, Print, Post and Logistics has implemented a wide range of measures, including:
- comprehensive risk assessments across all operational areas;
- ongoing staff support and development, ensuring confidence in safe working practices;
- clear procedures and documentation aligned with both University policies and industry standards;
- proactive hazard reporting systems, encouraging staff to identify and address risks early within their own space and the wider environment within which they work;
- investment in equipment and maintenance regimes to reduce potential hazards.
Continuous improvement at the core
Central to the team's success has been a commitment to continuous improvement. Using her experience from a secondment in the Change team, and lean manufacturing skills developed within the role to maximise efficiency by eliminating waste while improving quality, Helen explains: “Rather than treating health and safety as a one-off exercise, the team has adopted an approach that evolves alongside changing operational needs.”
This has included:
- regular internal audits and inspections;
- continuous review of processes and workflows;
- monitoring of key safety performance indicators;
- adapting practices in response to feedback and identified risks.
Supporting the University community
As a vital service supporting staff, students, and external partners, Print, Post and Logistics plays an important role within the University’s wider infrastructure. Their work includes exam printing and scanning, producing student coursework, such as was seen at the recent SDCA Degree Show and marketing materials to support student recruitment. Achieving the BPIF Seal of Excellence demonstrates that these services are delivered with safety, professionalism, and responsibility at their core.
The recognition also aligns with the University’s broader commitment to wellbeing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Looking ahead
Following this success, Helen notes that: “The team remains focused on maintaining the high standards required by the Seal of Excellence. Continued collaboration with the Health and Safety team will be key to sustaining and building on this achievement.”
Future plans include ongoing process refinement and exploring new ways to enhance safety through innovation and technology, whilst striving to meet the University's cost-saving targets.
By achieving the BPIF Health and Safety Seal of Excellence, the Print, Post and Logistics team—supported by strong partnerships—has set a benchmark for excellence, demonstrating that safety and operational success go hand in hand.