EML’s Megan Bell has been named a finalist in the Outstanding leadership category at the 2026 PIEF Excellence in Personal Injury and Disability Management Awards, recognising her significant contribution to the workers’ compensation industry and her commitment to improving outcomes for injured workers, employers and the broader scheme.
As Return to Work Group Manager at EML and the most senior leader in EML’s Geelong office, Megan is known for her ability to bring people together, inspire high-performing teams and deliver meaningful, lasting change through collaboration, innovation and care.
With almost 20 years of industry experience, including the past decade at EML, Megan has built a reputation for leading with integrity, empathy and a clear focus on achieving better recovery and return to work outcomes.
Leading innovation and collaboration
Throughout her career, Megan has championed programs and initiatives that improve the experience of injured workers while delivering measurable benefits for employers and the broader scheme.
One of her most significant achievements has been leading the implementation of the Navigator Support Program, an early intervention initiative supporting workers at risk of poor recovery outcomes.
Over more than two years, Megan worked closely with claims teams, employers, treating practitioners and occupational rehabilitation providers to successfully transition the program from pilot to business-as-usual operations.
The program has supported more than 500 injured workers and delivered a 19% improvement in return to work outcomes at 52 weeks, while also generating significant benefits across the scheme.
Megan has also played a key role in shaping EML’s Mobile Case Management model and developing initiatives focused on early support and engagement for workers with complex injuries, including those experiencing mental health challenges.
A trusted leader
Megan’s influence extends beyond program delivery.
Colleagues, customers and industry partners consistently describe her as collaborative, professional and committed to achieving positive outcomes.
Adam Price, Head of Operations at EML, said Megan’s leadership is grounded in empathy, accountability and fairness.
Throughout her career, Megan has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes
Her commitment to developing others is equally valued. Team Leader Robyn Bruce highlighted Megan’s ability to build confidence and capability within her teams through trust, support and collaboration.
Megan’s leadership has also fostered strong engagement within her teams, creating an environment where people feel empowered to learn, grow and contribute to meaningful outcomes.
Reflecting on her nomination, Megan said the workers’ compensation industry has provided far more than a career. She said the past 10 years at EML have been among the most rewarding and innovative of her career.
This industry has provided me with far more than a professional career; it has given me a deep sense of purpose. EML has fostered an environment that encourages creativity, bold thinking and continuous improvement
Megan’s finalist nomination recognises not only her outstanding leadership, but also her lasting contribution to injured workers, employers, colleagues and the broader workers’ compensation industry.
Congratulations to Megan on this well-deserved recognition as a finalist in the 2026 PIEF Awards. We wish her every success at the awards gala and thank her for the positive impact she continues to make across EML, our customers and the industry.
