Paul Richards, quality, health, safety and environment (QHSE) director for Interserve, has been appointed chairman of the Health and Safety Working Group of the Facilities Management Association (FMA).
The FMA is the UK’s leading representative trade body for employers in the FM sector engaged in delivering non-core services to a broad range of public and private organisations. The trade body works to increase standards of service and value within the industry, as well as encouraging innovation.
Having worked in the industry as a health and safety professional for more than 18 years, Richards brings a wealth of experience to the role, and will be working to champion health and safety innovation in FM.
Commenting on the position, he said: “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with the FMA and its members to introduce new ways of improving health and safety that will benefit the industry as a whole. Health and safety is, of course, a major priority for all employers and I want to see FMA members at the forefront, helping to drive through initiatives that will deliver a safer, more productive environment for all.
“To achieve this, I will be looking to increase participation in the Health and Safety Working Party to provide real and grounded advice, guidance and solutions to the ever-demanding health and safety challenges in FM. I see this as a real opportunity for the group to make a difference, to break down barriers and to collaboratively improve health and safety practices through a consistent best practice approach. This is not about changing what organisations do; for me it is about simplifying our approach to prevent our employees from being harmed. If we stop believing it is possible, it becomes impossible”.
Chris Hoar, FMA chief executive, added: “The Health and Safety Working Party is at the forefront to drive through innovation, benchmarking and good practice for its members. I am looking forward to working with Paul and to seeing his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm drive the FMA Working Party forward.”
His chairmanship will last for a period of two years.
