Topic HS&E, Event
Date 11 Nov 2026
Galliford Try’s bi-annual HS&E Conference brought colleagues together at St George’s Park in Staffordshire under the theme ‘Under the Hard Hat’, placing a spotlight on the people, behaviours and leadership that drive outstanding performance and introducing the launch of PULSE, a new behavioural excellence programme.
Over 140 members of the HS&E team and Group HS&E Forum members were joined by Chief Executive Bill Hocking who opened the conference. Throughout the two days delegates collaborated in a series of interactive discussions and workshops, exploring the factors that influence how people behave and make decisions in organisational performance.
David Lowery, Executive Board member introduced these as key themes of the Group's new PULSE initiative, a five-pillar behavioural excellence programme that will support the Group ‘to be a high-performing organisation where safety, wellbeing, quality and operational excellence reinforce one another’.
Group HS&E Director, Mike Webb, followed with a session on ‘Looking Beyond Compliance’ which focussed on understanding what influences performance.
Matthew Cain, Divisional Head of HS&E introduced a running scenario titled 'Project Hawthorne' which asked delegates to consider a scene on a construction site which evolved throughout the day. Different intervals introduced circumstances affecting work planning, environmental controls and client expectations with insights and learning points from TakePoint Training.
The second day saw Mike Webb, emphasise the importance of strengthening connections and shared learning. It included techniques on listening to understand, coaching and constructive challenge.
The event concluded with what delegates have learned about their assumptions, behaviours and influence and captured personal commitments that reinforce curiosity, constructive challenge and facilitate leading by example.
Commenting on the conference, Mike said: "The energy, engagement and openness displayed throughout the conference demonstrate our shared commitment to continually raising standards across Galliford Try. The launch of our new behavioural programme PULSE is an important step in helping every colleague understand the impact they have on those around them and empowering them to make a positive difference every day."