The Association for Project Safety (APS) announces that following his successful tenure as interim and then Chief Executive Officer, for his work in delivering to our members messaging and advice in the post Grenfell aftermath in relation to the Building Safety Act, Building Regulation across the UK and competence schemes, leading the HQ team and his key role in recruiting his successor, Andrew Leslie is leaving APS.

Andrew has been working on succession planning for the last 9 months to pave the way for the Deputy CEO to step up. To facilitate this Andrew moved to part-time in February 2026, with the intention of stepping down at the APS AGM on 9.09.2026.

The Board would like to place on record its gratitude to Andrew for his valuable contribution to our organisation over the past six years. Everyone at APS wishes Andrew every success in his retirement.

Professor Sam Allwinke Independent Chair of APS Board said: “I would like to thank Andrew for his major contributions to the profession and discipline of safety and his achievements in raising the profile and position of APS and his leading work in standard setting in the various regulatory jurisdictions. Going forward APS will build upon his legacy and wish him a healthy and long retirement.”

Looking towards the next chapter of the organisation’s development, the Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Sofie Hooper as Chief Executive Officer. Having worked alongside Andrew for over a year, Sofie’s appointment marks an important milestone in the association's continued commitment to supporting members, advancing competence and championing excellence in the broader health and safety and building safety agendas across the UK.

Sofie brings extensive experience in policy, strategy development, stakeholder engagement and building safety reform, alongside a deep understanding of the organisation, its members and its strategic objectives.

Since joining APS as Deputy CEO, Sofie has been instrumental in driving the association's strategic priorities, leading on policy, outreach and cross sector initiatives focused on organisational management of competence. She has worked closely with members, professional bodies, regulators and industry partners to strengthen APS's position as a trusted voice on building safety, competence and professional standards.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for both APS and the wider construction sector as the industry continues to adapt to evolving regulatory requirements and increasing expectations around competence, capability and building safety management.

As Chief Executive Officer, Sofie will lead the delivery of APS's strategic vision, supporting members across the built environment sector while continuing to strengthen the association's influence in shaping policy, standards and professional practice throughout the UK.

APS President Mark Snelling said:

"The Board is delighted to appoint Sofie as Chief Executive Officer. She has already made a significant contribution to APS, helping to drive our strategic direction and strengthen relationships across industry, Government and the wider professional community.

Her leadership, vision and understanding of the challenges facing the sector will be invaluable as APS continues to develop services, standards and support for members during a period of profound change in building safety and construction regulation."

Sofie Hooper said:

"I am honoured to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of APS and to continue the important work of supporting our members and advancing professional excellence across the built environment.

The construction and building safety landscape is evolving rapidly, creating both challenges and opportunities. APS plays a vital role to play in helping individuals and organisations navigate these changes, develop competence and deliver safer outcomes for the people who design, build, manage and occupy our buildings. I am excited about the future of APS and look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place to ensure the association continues to lead, innovate and grow."