British Ceramic Confederation team member named in the first WiTA Powerlist of inspiring women in trade associations

A director with the trade body for UK ceramic manufacturers has been named in the first Women in Trade Associations Powerlist which recognises 100 inspirational women in trade associations.

Lauren Darby, the Safety, Health and Environment Director, at the British Ceramic Confederation made the list after being nominated by BCC’s Chief Executive Rob Flello.

The Trade Association Forum (TAF), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the CBI joined forces to launch the Powerlist and champion the role of women in trade associations, celebrate their achievements and encourage the next generation of women into the association sector.

Lauren, who has been with the BCC for more than 10 years, was chosen from more than 200 nominations to be a part of the 100-strong group.

She said: “I get a great deal of satisfaction from my work supporting the UK ceramics sector. If my expertise can make a difference then I am delighted, so I was not expecting any formal recognition of the work that I do, which makes this announcement a lovely surprise.”

Rob added: “I am delighted that Lauren is on the Powerlist; it is where she deserves to be. She has a deep knowledge of the UK ceramics sector and its people and is a real champion of health and safety. She is especially skilled at encouraging people to work together to benefit the sector through continual improvement, and her knowledge is invaluable.

“However, the laurels do not all rest with Lauren. We are a small but strong team, with a tremendous depth and breadth of knowledge that is put to good use for our members. UK ceramics is a forward-thinking, modern, dynamic sector that we are proud to represent.”

Lauren leads on health and safety within the BCC and chairs the tripartite body for industry, trade unions and HSE (‘CHARGE’), which works to deliver health and safety improvement for the ceramic, glass and glazing, cement, concrete, and stone industries.

She chairs the sector’s H&S Pledge Board, leading on strategy delivery. The annual Pledge Conference and Awards has grown and strengthened under her tenure and will be held in October. She has developed new industry leading H&S KPIs as part of this work.

Lauren also leads on Land, Property & Minerals responding to consultations and advising on topics, including planning reforms and biodiversity net gain. As part of the BCC sustainability team, she supports sector sustainability reporting and provides secretariat to the BDA Sustainability Group. She also sits on the CPA Sustainability Committee, CBI Minerals Group & UK Minerals Forum.

Following the submission of a UK ceramic sector response to the consultation to inform the draft Scottish Aggregates Levy Bill, which was led Lauren, BCC has been invited to join the Advisory Group by the Scottish Government.

She is chair of the Joint Advisory Board (industry, BCC and IOM3) developing clay quarry managers’ CPD, including the annual seminar.

She also engages extensively with tableware members, supporting the British Ceramic Gift and Tableware Manufacturers Association. As chair of the Compliance Group, her food contact work involves liaison with international bodies: Cerame Unie and the US Coalition for Safe Ceramics.