PRESS RELEASE Date: 27/05/24

The Association for Project Safety (APS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Leslie, HonFaPS, as the interim Chief Executive, marking a significant step forward in the associations commitment to empowering members and professionals for a safer and more proficient construction industry.

Andrew brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Initially joining as one of the association’s earliest members in 1995, combining architecture with CDM, then moving from architecture to CDM consultancy, before joining the headquarters team in 2014 as Technical and Standards Manager, Andrew played a key role in crafting the APS Principal Designers Handbook, a testament to his expertise and leadership

Subsequently, he further honed his skills in consultancy, focusing on CDM support services and training for regeneration projects in London, during which time he was deeply involved in post-Grenfell developments leading up to the Building Safety Bill.

His return to APS as Head of Membership in 2021 further solidified his commitment to advancing the profession. Andrew has, together with APS President Mark Snelling, played a pivotal role in navigating the industry through the complexities of the Building Safety Act and ensuring APS's voice was heard in various regulatory consultations over the past twelve months.

His dedication to elevating industry standards is evident in his efforts to establish competence benchmarks. Andrew spearheaded the development of the APS Principal Designer Building Regulations register for individuals and an organisational capability framework for companies, underscoring his commitment to fostering excellence across the sector.

As interim Chief Executive, Andrew Leslie will lead APS into a new era of innovation and excellence, driving initiatives that empower members and promote a culture of safety and competence within the construction industry.

Andrew Leslie said: “These are exiting times for APS. The recent changes to Building Regulations in England have opened up opportunities for APS to develop competence schemes and membership development scenarios which impact the whole industry. Wales will follow as will Scotland where a different regime is planned for building safety risk management, and eventually Northern Ireland will follow. These opportunities and developments will provide APS with a firm foundation for the future and I am delighted to be involved with initiating this next step in the development of APS.”

Notes for Editors

About APS

The Association for Project Safety [APS] is the professional body dedicated to eliminating deaths, reducing injury and tackling ill-health associated with the built environment. APS aims to improve, and promote excellence in, professional practice in design and construction health and safety risk management, helping everyone manage risk and implement building regulations effectively and proportionately. The association contributes to the national debate on building and infrastructure safety, regulation and legislation, providing training, education and support and member networking opportunities. APS works with other bodies and partners to improve – through good design and throughout the life-cycle of projects and buildings – health and safety for everyone involved in construction and use.

About the APS Board

APS is a company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. It has a board of directors made up of:

James Addley - Director without portfolio, Professor Sam Allwinkle - Independent chair, Philip Baker - Director for membership & standards, Ceri Camilleri - Director for education & training, Andrew Leslie – Interim Chief Executive, Mark Snelling - President, Bryn Wilde - Director for finance, Richard Wilks - Director for the regions

Media queries Media should contact Kevin Dorrian at Kevin Dorrian on kevin.dorrian@acumen-pr.com