Key figures gather for Process Safety Management Summit 2025

Industry leaders, regulators and experienced professionals from across the high-hazard sector gathered in York on the 22nd of July for the Process Safety Management Summit 2025.

Hosted by Cogent Skills on behalf of the Process Safety Management Competence Programme Board, attendees explored the state of process safety in the UK’s high-hazard industries.

The Summit marked 15 years since the board’s formation and reflected on both the progress which has been made and the pressing need to future-proof process safety practices across traditional and emerging sectors. In that time, over 25,000 delegates have gone through the process safety management training programme developed by the board and delivered through Cogent Skills.

Chair of the UK PSM Competence Programme Board, Richard Roff, said: “This Summit marks a milestone in our journey, not just in celebrating 15 years of continued progress, but in recognising the work still to do. As risks evolve, so must we – investing in skills, qualifications and leadership is an essential aspect of maintaining a strong safety culture across both established and emerging sectors. Process safety management concepts must remain at the core of how we operate, innovate and lead.”

Below are some highlights of the event.

Process Safety Is Not Optional – It’s Strategic

The Summit underscored that while major incidents may be fewer, complacency is the enemy of safety. Industry case studies from Encirc and Grain LNG demonstrated the importance of structured training, strong safety culture and robust management of change.

The energy transition was cited as both a challenge and an opportunity; hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture technologies bring new process safety profiles; and both leaders and regulators agreed that PSM principles must evolve and adapt – but not be forgotten.

Climate Change Is Changing the Risk Landscape

Dr. Mike Nicholas from the Environment Agency challenged operators to integrate climate change risks, including flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat into their hazard assessments. Most COMAH sites still lack fully embedded adaptation measures, highlighting a growing gap in climate-aware process safety management.

Workforce Capacity and Competence: An Urgent Priority

Findings shared by the COMAH Strategic Forum showed that 50 per cent of surveyed COMAH sites report skills or capability issues in delivering safe operations. 53 per cent of surveyed organisations lack a formal competency framework, and the risk of losing experienced professionals to retirement or sector transitions looms large.

Training and Qualifications: Building a Future-Ready Workforce

A highlight of the day was the launch of new Ofqual-regulated qualifications, introduced by Cogent Skills and SIAS, designed to create clearer entry points into the profession and strengthen ongoing development. The new qualifications are: SIAS Level 2 Award in Process Safety Awareness, SIAS Level 3 Award in Process Safety Operations and SIAS Level 3 Award in Process Safety Management.

These qualifications are fully aligned with the PSM training standards and offer accessible, fundable options for organisations aiming to improve their internal competence.

In addition, a Level 2 Award in Hydrogen Safety has also been developed to support safe transition in clean energy sectors. Developed with the Hydrogen Skills Alliance, the qualification targets operators, technicians, and contractors working with hydrogen – where the industry’s rapid growth is outpacing its safety skills base.

Leadership at All Levels

Peter Davidson of the Tank Storage Association reminded attendees that process safety leadership must go beyond compliance. His call to re-commit to the PSLG Principles, recently re-signed by the COMAH Strategic Forum, reflected a collective intent to place leadership, culture, and accountability at the heart of every high-hazard operation – emphasising that process safety management should start at leadership level.

The Process Safety Management Summit 2025 made it clear that in managing process safety in a rapidly evolving world, training isn’t merely a box to tick – it’s the foundation for safer, smarter operations.

Cogent Skills has been supporting high hazard industries with their Process Safety requirements for more than a decade. For an informal discussion about how Cogent can help your business, contact our team on 01325 740900 or at [email protected].