At RoSPA, our commitment to preventing accidents is at the heart of everything we do. In line with this vision, we are excited to introduce Adrian Simpson as our new Head of Policy and Press!

With the arrival of a new government, fresh leadership at RoSPA, and an impending national accident prevention strategy, the timing couldn't be better! Adrian's passion for safety and policy is a perfect fit for our mission to improve lives by reducing accidents.

We caught up with Adrian to learn more about his vision for policy development, and outline how he plans to work with our incredible community of members to achieve these goals.
 

Introducing Adrian Simpson

I’m so excited to be joining RoSPA! I was really attracted to RoSPA as the brand is so well known, respected and RoSPA makes a direct, positive impact on all of our lives.

Prior to joining RoSPA I was at the British Retail Consortium, leading on non-food policy for the UK’s household name retailers. In my time at the BRC, I supported retailers through COVID recovery, Retained EU Legislation and the cost-of-living crisis.

Following a degree in journalism, I began my career in Trading Standards, initially as a consumer advisor, helping consumers resolve their issues with traders, and later worked in enforcement, mainly in London Boroughs. Later, I joined membership bodies focussing on trading standards, and eventually renewable energy, before moving into retail.

Membership bodies and charitable causes are close to my heart and have always been part of my career and personal life. For the last 20 years I have been a member of the Chartered Trading Standards, and in 2021, I was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of CTSI. In the past I have been a Samaritan, Samaritan trainer, mentor and Director.

Empowering members through policy and communication

As Head of Policy and Press my role is to take the aspirations of members and RoSPA policy leads to policymakers (which can be government, other charities or organisations) and try to turn them into a reality.

I’m sometimes asked, just what is policy and what does it mean for members?

My interpretation is that policy is setting out what you want the world to look like for members, citizens and businesses. Our members are highly skilled, caring organisations that genuinely want to make the world a better and safer place, so they will shape policy.

Good policy, executed well, with robust evidence, will I believe make the world a better and safer place. Our members hold a lot of information and opinions, and we want to learn from you and listen to your opinions. Through our press team, I want to share the amazing work that you are doing with the world.
 

A passion for collaboration

My team and I here to listen to members, policymakers and citizens’ concerns, and understand what makes their jobs, roles, environments difficult and take potential solutions to those that can make the rules and laws.

My ambition is for RoSPA and our members to shape the policy environment in which we operate, rather than being reactive to policy. Members are at the heart of what we do, and we couldn’t make the world better and safer without members’ valuable input.

Outside of work I have the misfortune of supporting Tottenham Hotspur. I also enjoy cycling with friends and family, particularly my children Riley, Oliver and Isadora. When not on my bike I am also an avid musician and have set myself the aim of writing and recording an album within 12 months.

Join us in welcoming Adrian to the RoSPA team.

We are confident that his expertise and enthusiasm will drive our mission forward, and we are excited to see the positive changes he will bring to RoSPA and our members.

Together, we look forward to making a significant impact in creating a safer society.