The new Chair of the volunteer managed, member-based forum, Birmingham Health, Safety and Environment Association (BHSEA) has been announced as Wayne Bishop, Health and Safety Manager of family-owned construction business, Speller Metcalfe based in Malvern, Worcestershire. The appointment was officially made at the Association’s Annual General Meeting at Walsall Football Club, Walsall.

BHSEA is a not-for-profit organisation with more than 325+ members across the West Midlands and exists to help local businesses protect their people and safeguard their businesses. As a BHSEA member, the services available include monthly networking events, training and e-learning sessions, up-to-date sector information, expert practitioner presentations, monthly newsletters and numerous CPD opportunities for all those with responsibility for health, safety and the environment in their roles.

BHSEA ‘s President, Rosi Edwards, Associate Non-Executive Director Shrewsbury and Telford NHS, said: “We are delighted to appoint Wayne as BHSEA’s new Chair. Wayne has been involved with the Association for several years now, and been an active member right from the start, contributing significantly to our development and strategic direction.

“BHSEA, like many organisations in recent years, has faced many challenges, and recently conducted a strategic review to ensure that the association continues to be focused on what its members want from it, and recognise the changes and dynamics of the health, safety and environmental sector at the same time. Wayne has been an active voice during this process and will now help direct and guide BHSEA through the future stages of our development.”

Wayne officially took up his new role from this month, April 2023. A chartered member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and a qualified member of the Chartered Management Institute, he brings a vast amount of experience and knowledge to his new role as Chair.

“It is a great honour and a privilege to be appointed Chair of BHSEA,” Wayne said. “I am very passionate about the sector I work in and recognise the value that an Association like BHSEA can make to individuals and organisations alike. 

“It is my mission, during my tenure, to raise awareness of BHSEA and to actively encourage more members to join the forum. This will be in conjunction with the continued development of the Association to satisfy the requirements of its members needs and to achieve the associations charitable aims.”

In addition to the Chair, co Vice Chairs were also announced as being Lisa Rollinson (HSE lead at Wieland Metals, Birmingham) and Mark Allso (Transport and Environment Practitioner at MPA Associates Ltd, Walsall). Other appointments at the event included Construction Co-Chairs as being Clark Hunter (Hudson Health and Safety Services) and Marisa Firkins (Director at Safety Forward Ltd, Birmingham).

Businesses of all sizes who are based within the West Midlands region, especially in Birmingham, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Solihull and Shropshire, can currently join BHSEA completely free of charge until January 2024.  The comprehensive website provides details about the next events, along with lots of other really valuable information to support not only the experienced, but those just starting out in the health, safety, and environment sector.

With more than 325 members already enjoying the benefits of membership, BHSEA aims to raise its profile and grow its member base over the next few years, and with Wayne as the new Chair, it is expected that his leadership and management skills will be at the forefront of helping the Association achieve its ambitions.