Meet Michelle Reid: leading the next chapter for Edinburgh-based IOM Consulting

After eight years with IOM, Michelle Reid has stepped into the role of Managing Director at an important point in the organisation’s history.

Following the acquisition of IOM Consulting by Rcapital in July, Michelle is now leading the Edinburgh-based workplace health and scientific consultancy into its next chapter – building on more than 50 years of expertise while creating a strong, sustainable business for the future.

For Michelle, taking on the role is about building on what already makes IOM distinctive: its people, its independent scientific expertise and its ability to turn complex evidence into practical action.

“I’ve been part of IOM since 2018, so I know first-hand the depth of knowledge and experience we have across the business. We have people who are genuinely experts in their fields and who care about using that expertise to solve real problems for our clients.

“My priority is to build on those strengths while continuing to evolve as a business – listening to our clients, investing in our people and making it easier for organisations to access the expertise they need.”

Michelle brings more than 20 years of experience in people, leadership and organisational development. A Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the Institute of Leadership and Management, her career has included strategic planning, organisational change, leadership development and improving business performance.

That people-focused background is shaping her approach to leading IOM through its next stage.

“Growth matters, but it has to be sustainable and built around doing good work for our clients. That means working alongside organisations to understand the challenges they face, while creating an environment where our specialists can do what they do best.”

IOM Consulting works with organisations across the UK, including NHS trusts, infrastructure operators, law firms and industrial businesses. Its specialists help clients understand, manage and monitor workplace health risks through occupational hygiene, laboratory testing, ventilation, engineering and technical consultancy.

The business has deep roots in Edinburgh. Its history stretches back to the founding of the Institute of Occupational Medicine in the city in 1969, with IOM Consulting established as its commercial subsidiary in 1990. Today, the company operates from Pentland Science Park as well as locations in Stafford and Chesterfield.

For Michelle, that history provides a strong foundation, but the focus is firmly on what comes next.

“We have an opportunity to take everything that is strong about IOM – our independence, scientific rigour and experience – and continue adapting it to the changing needs of workplaces.

“Our purpose is straightforward: to use our expertise to help organisations understand risk, make informed decisions and take practical action that improves performance, protects people and ultimately improves workplace health. That’s what I want us to keep building on.”

Find out more www.iom-world.org