Hazards Forum

Who we are

The Hazards Forum is a UK-based registered charity and interdisciplinary community dedicated to advancing understanding, dialogue and action on hazards and risk management. Founded in 1989 by the UK’s four principal engineering institutions, we bring together professionals from engineering, science, industry, the public sector and charity sectors to share knowledge, challenge assumptions and contribute to safer outcomes for society.

We provide a trusted, neutral forum where experts and stakeholders from diverse disciplines can learn from one another and debate major hazard and risk issues. Our vision is to be the UK’s trusted facilitator of vital conversations on hazard and risk management, connecting our members and driving a safer and more prosperous society.

Our work includes regular events, webinars and collaborative activities that promote interdisciplinary learning and the dissemination of lessons learned. We champion open, evidence-based discussion and the effective communication of complex risk concepts to wider audiences. Through these activities, we support improved decision-making, informed policy development and systematic approaches to hazard prevention and mitigation.

We are a lean, agile organisation with a volunteer-led governance model, supported by a small professional team. Our membership encompasses professional bodies, regulators, corporate partners and individual affiliates committed to advancing safety and resilience across sectors.

Our culture and values

The Hazards Forum is a purpose-driven, collaborative organisation committed to advancing better understanding and management of hazards and risk in the UK. Our culture is shaped by professional integrity, evidence-based thinking, and a strong sense of public responsibility.

We value open, respectful dialogue and bring together people from different disciplines, sectors and perspectives to challenge assumptions and share learning. We believe that constructive debate and interdisciplinary collaboration lead to better decisions and safer outcomes for society.

As a lean, volunteer-led charity, we operate with a “player-coach” mindset. Trustees, volunteers and contractors work closely together, combining strategic oversight with practical delivery. We value initiative, accountability and a willingness to contribute beyond formal roles.

Our work is grounded in independence, neutrality and transparency. We engage with industry, government and academia in a balanced and objective way, ensuring that our activities remain focused on the public interest rather than sector-specific agendas.

Above all, we are committed to professionalism, inclusivity and continuous improvement, ensuring that our organisation remains relevant, credible and impactful in a changing risk landscape.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Hazards Forum is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We aim to ensure that everyone involved with the organisation – including Trustees, volunteers, contractors, members and partners – is treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and without discrimination.

We actively oppose discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics, including (but not limited to) age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, and pregnancy or maternity. Our approach is grounded in UK equality legislation and good governance practice.

As a small, volunteer-led charity, we seek to create an inclusive culture by encouraging diverse perspectives, valuing different professional backgrounds, and ensuring our recruitment and selection processes are transparent, objective and accessible. We aim to reduce barriers to participation and welcome applications from individuals who may be under-represented in our sector or in charity governance more broadly.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive organisation is better equipped to challenge groupthink, strengthen decision-making, and represent the society we serve. By fostering an environment of openness and mutual respect, we support our mission to improve hazard and risk management outcomes for the benefit of the public.