On Wednesday the 12th of November 2025 our team visited Dover House, the London headquarters for the Scotland Office, having been invited by kind permission of the Secondary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP.
The event saw the Launch of BS30417 Provision of Inclusive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Guide, and was an inspiring afternoon bringing together politicians, NGO’s, trade unions, worker representatives, end users, suppliers, manufactures and industry associations.
With speeches from Anne Hayes, Director of Sectors for BSI, Anna Macmillan, Deputy Director of the Scotland Office, Kirsteen Sullivan, MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow, and Natalie Wilson, discussions explored the journey behind the Standard and what lies ahead for inclusive PPE across diverse sectors. The British Standards Institute summarised the discussions as highlighting “the real-life consequences that have occurred when a diverse range of PPE isn’t prioritised, how inclusive PPE can align with wider governmental and societal goals, and the importance of Standards to all businesses”.
BS30417 is practical guidance to help organisations ensure their PPE is safe, well-fitting and appropriate for all users. It enables you to:
- Select and issue PPE that fits and protects a diverse workforce.
- Evaluate suppliers and develop inclusive procurement specifications.
- Establish processes for training, inspection, and replacement of inclusive PPE.
- Demonstrate compliance with health and safety, equality, and employment law.
Download BS 30417 for free here: https://bit.ly/4fXwh6s
Reflections from Natalie Wilson on the Cultural Shift BS30417 Represents
Our Founder & MD Natalie Wilson led the committee to writing this Standard, along with a cohort of strong leadership and diverse voices. BSI commented: “[Natalie] acknowledged the hard work of the drafting panel members and the wide range of people involved, including end users, suppliers, NGOs and interest groups. She shared how the Standard signals a cultural shift for protective clothing, and encouraged organisations to take action, many of which will be small adjustments or considerations, to ensure the impact is felt”.
Natalie also highlighted how the Standard is already making an impact:
- Employers are considering how to integrate BS30417 into their procurement processes, evaluating the various wearer groups who stand to benefit, and potentially expanding its application beyond PPE.
- Suppliers are reviewing their current product ranges and considering new developments to enable buyers and employers to meet the needs of a diverse workforce.
- NGOs, trade unions and worker representatives now have a resource that enables them to drive and prioritise the application of inclusive workwear.
Reflecting on the event, Natalie said: “[the launch] was an overwhelming reminder of the impact we’ve already made – and how this Standard will change millions of people’s working lives for the better. In Standardisation, it’s not always obvious who will directly benefit from the work you do, or how the standard will make a true difference on a daily basis. I’m left with a feeling of immense pride, and genuine hope for the future for everybody to have the right to be safe at work in correctly fitting PPE”.
Panel Discussion – ‘Making the Case for Inclusive PPE in the Workplace’
The event continued with a panel discussion, chaired by Natalie, featured insights from Brian Tait (Product Regulatory Approvals – Respirex & Chair of PH/3 – BSI), Brett Egan-Briers (Vice Chair PPE and Clothing Committee – NFCC), Rowshi Hussain (Geo-Environmental Engineer – Cundall), Jane Middleton (Senior Assetts Management Consultant – AtkinsRéalis), and Edward Grigg (Chairman – PCIAW).
Ed highlighted: “positive change for good can happen when enough strong voices come together”.
BSI listed the following key takeaways from the session:
- PPE that does not fit creates real-life issues for people every day, from creating an uncomfortable working environment to causing or allowing serious injuries.
- A lack of definition on what suitable PPE should cover leads to confusion and inadequate PPE without ill intent.
- To get it right, we must involve the end users. Asking what challenges they’re facing and what they need will result in PPE that is fit for form.
- While some organisations may assume extra costs, provisioning inclusive PPE increases productivity and retention, reduces waste and lost time, and strengthens company morale.
Rowshi openly shared her experience wearing PPE as an Engineer working on construction sites – and her voice was twice as big as her jacket!
“I’ve realised that a picture truly says a thousand words and simply wearing a ‘size-small’ jacket visibly demonstrated the reality I’ve faced for years. The room’s reaction said everything. It was a powerful moment that highlighted exactly why this work matters”.
“I am incredibly proud to have been part of such an exceptional committee, whose commitment and collaboration have resulted in such a meaningful guidance that will help shape a more inclusive future for all”.
Raising Awareness and Driving Lasting Change
Our Quality & Technical Lead, Sarah Wilsher, attended the event having represented Sarah Wilsher Coaching Ltd on the committee that developed the Standard. Sarah Wilsher Coaching Ltd delivers training about Menopause and the impact it can have on people at home and in the workplace. “Navigating mid-life can feel challenging, but it also brings new opportunities and freedom”.
Sarah speaks on the event: “inclusive PPE ensures safety, comfort and dignity for every shape, size, gender, ethnicity, religion, and sex through every phase of their life including menstrual health, maternity and menopause – yet it’s an area still too often overlooked by employers”.
“If you, or someone you know, wears PPE that doesn’t fit properly – or worse, creates a health and safety hazard rather than offering protection – we’d love to hear from you. The more case studies we collect, the more impact we can make. Please share BS30417 with your networks and employers to help raise awareness and drive lasting change across industries”.
At Workwear Solutions, we strive to integrate practical insights that enhance comfort, usability, and wellbeing for all wearer groups. Sarah’s experience as a qualified Mid-Life & Menopause Coach brings an added dimension to our inclusive design approach, as it enables us to better understand the needs of employees across different life stages and create solutions that truly support a diverse workforce.
Next Steps
Natalie has further commented about the next steps for practical implementation of the Standard, including reviewing existing test methods and certification requirements, as well as developing a European Inclusive PPE Standard in her role as Convenor of JTC/23 WG-6 – Inclusive PPE. Additionally, with the support Kirsteen Sullivan and her colleagues, “we’ve started assessing what legislation needs amending. Kirsteen has seen this issue for what it is and understands why it is important. She is championing this cause in spaces we wouldn’t reach without her support”.
“Thank you to everyone who showed their support, encouragement, and enthusiasm for the work that’s been done and, most importantly, the impact it’s going to have. And a special mention to Sara Gibbs – who is always the first to raise up and support other women but stays on the sidelines making everything happen”.
The event partners and sponsors: Curtins , Respirex International Limited, British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF),Workwear Solutions International Ltd & Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide Ltd (PCIAW®).