The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is pleased to welcome Steve Hadley as its new Chair, taking over from outgoing Chair, Philip Hines, who steps down from the role in April 2020, having completed his two-year tenure.
Speaking about his position as FPS Chair, Steve said: “It is an absolute honour to be appointed Chair of the FPS, but to be chosen from an independent SME company that meets the FPS’s high standards, it shows also how smaller piling companies can also lead the way in pushing the FPS standards ever higher and how they also have a role to play in shaping the industry, which by total turnover and staff numbers, represent the majority of the ground engineering sector.
“During my tenure I would like to oversee the formation of a network for under-represented groups working in the industry including women, BAME and LGBT+, which would do great things for diversity and inclusivity. I would also like to see the provision of a mentoring system to aid career development and action to encourage recruitment and retention, which through the recent establishment of the Early Careers Group, has already begun. Sustainability is also important, and I would like to see increased promotion of the carbon calculator tool through FPS and industry, as well as work with the supply chain and manufacturers to enable the use of lower emission alternatives to existing products.”
Whilst Steve is keen to continue develop further the Federation’s core aims and goals, he is looking to grow awareness of Health and Wellbeing, building on the already great strides it has taken following the release of its associated Charter. Already planned is a research project into fatigue, the promotion of mental health awareness throughout its membership and wider piling community, the establishment of a campaign for better welfare facilities and the production of best practice guidance for labour agencies. Sports events are also planned, as part of the FPS’s Health and Wellbeing drive.
For more information, contact the FPS by email [email protected] or visit the FPS website www.fps.org.uk.