Thirty founding members of the Association of Gas Safety Managers (AGSM) gathered at the Social Housing Conference and Exhibition in Birmingham on 17 September 2012 to launch the new professional Association.
Welcoming the new members, Bill Paton, Joint CEO of CORGI Technical Services, explained the reasoning behind setting up the Association and highlighted some of the key benefits that members will receive.
“The Association has been set up by CORGI in response to a demand from gas managers who are undertaking or have completed CORGI’s VRQs in Gas Safety Management,” said Bill. “It has been created to address industry issues with key stakeholders, creating one voice from the sector to key government departments. It also provides members with support, networking opportunities, training and many other benefits.”
“The AGSM has a founding membership of over 100 managers responsible for gas safety in their social housing and facilities management organisations. I am delighted to welcome so many of you to the launch event.”
AGSM members will be able to attend events such as the existing Inter-Authority Gas Forums, networking events and the Annual Conference, the first of which will take place on 24 April 2013 at the Belfry in Birmingham.
Claire Heyes, Joint CEO of CORGI commented: “The VRQ, which we set up last year, has proved very popular and of immense value to those who have taken it, helping to raise standards in gas safety. Following the success of the VRQ qualification, we have taken the next step by creating the Association. This will allow managers to be recognized as a professional body, help them to raise standards in their industry and, by continuing to work closely with CORGI Technical Services, ensure their organisations are working to the highest safety standards.”
“On a personal level,” concluded Claire, “the VRQ qualification and membership of the Association will give the members recognition of their achievements and demonstrate their professionalism, as well as give networking and CPD opportunities. We are delighted our initiative has been embraced by our founder members and the industry.”
