With a new president, the debut of the Principal Designer Building Regulations Register and political change all round, it’s certainly going to be a busy summer for APS, says Andrew Leslie.
This wasn’t quite how I expected my semi-retirement to start, however I am delighted to take on the role of interim chief executive at APS and look forward to leading the association through an exciting time ahead.
I must first express my heartfelt gratitude to Lesley for her invaluable contributions to APS. Her kind and compassionate leadership of the HQ team, effective elevation of APS’s visibility, enhancement of member support and services and adept navigation of the association through the uncharted waters of the pandemic have been truly commendable. Thank you, Lesley, for everything.
The association has seen a further change at the top with Mark Snelling taking up the presidency in March. And now we are on the hunt for his successor – it could even be you!
As you’d expect, we hear first-hand from Mark on his agenda for APS and his efforts to raise the game when it comes to competence. Central to this is the new Principal Designer Building Regulations Register, giving expert practitioners the means to demonstrate their competence. Joining the register is all about showcasing what you know so the competency requirements have been rigorously peer-reviewed to ensure APS has one of the best schemes out there.
Mark has been at the heart of discussions on how the Building Safety Act will be delivered. APS is very lucky to have in our president an expert with his finger firmly on the pulse of what the powers that be are thinking. He is well placed to make your voice heard at the highest levels in government – all the more important as everything gears up for the general election.
Around the country
But change is not confined to Westminster. We take a look at the implications for medium and high-rise multi-residential buildings in Scotland as debate gets underway at Holyrood on the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill. APS is, of course, active around the country and we have plans for face-to-face events coming to your area starting in the autumn.
For now, we have a timely reminder, as aircon goes on, about legionella, as well as fascinating insights into how ripples from Grenfell are having implications for safety in all buildings. We consider the additional duties introduced by way of the Building Regulations etc (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 and changes to the Building Regulations 2010 with the introduction of the new Part 2A.
And we hear from members how, in the first months since new dutyholders came into force, many people remain concerned about the rules and worried about how things may pan out.
APS will always work to keep you up to date with changes as they impact you at work. Don’t just rely on the list in the magazine. You’ll find all the events inclusive to your membership at www.aps.org.uk/events. We add new things all the time.
APS is not just what you see in these pages, on our website or at events. APS is, and always will be, its network of wonderful, expert members. You are our association – and long may that continue.
Andrew Leslie is interim CEO of the Association for Project Safety.
