Programme for Gas Safety Management Conference announced

  • Topics to cover legislative drivers to change, the pressures of welfare reform on costs, a focus on Carbon Monoxide poisoning issues, renewables and a discussion on the pros and cons of using “In-house staff versus Contractors”

21 February 2013

A wide ranging programme of senior speakers and topics has been announced for the Gas Safety Management Conference which is taking place at The Belfry on Wednesday 24 April 2013.

Attended by over 120 senior managers with responsibility for gas safety and who work for Housing Associations and other organisations, the Conference will cover some of the key issues being faced by gas safety managers today. With top industry speakers, debates and focused break-out sessions, the Conference is the first to focus specifically on this sector. The Conference is also the inaugural Conference for the Association of Gas Safety Managers (AGSM) and the first National Inter Authority Gas Forum.

Highlights of the Conference include:-

  • Keynote speech given by David Kidney, Chair of the Carbon Monoxide All Fuels Action Forum and a former MP and Minister in the Department for Energy and Climate Change. He will address some of the key legislative drivers which are having an impact on gas safety.
  • Carbon Monoxide – Past, Present & Future – a subject which will be addressed by Chris Bielby MBE, President of the AGSM and a past President of the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) and Stacey Rogers, President of the Dominic Rogers Trust
  • Costs vs Compliance – Charlie Norman, CEO of St Vincents Housing Trust will address the issues faced as welfare reform continues to put pressure on resources and funding
  • Debate on “In-house versus Contractors” chaired by Keith Simpson of Just Housing (UK) and a panel of experienced and knowledgeable Gas Managers
  • Corporate Manslaughter – addressed by Sally Roff, Partner at DAC Beachcroft and Trevor Batt of CORGI Technical Services giving case studies and highlighting some of the key issues which need to be faced by senior management
  • Renewables in Social Housing – this session will provide valuable information on Renewables in Social Housing with David Matthews, CEO of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association and practical advice from Charlie Norman, CEO of St Vincents Housing Association
  • Influencing your Board is an important issue for all senior management, highlighting risk exposure for the organisation and influencing stakeholders – an important skill for any manager. The session will provide some personal development for delegates with Martin Luckett, a CMI Consultant from the Chartered Management Institute
  • Break-out sessions including presentations from the IGEM, CMI, CORGI Technical Services, and FLAE (Fire, Legionella, Asbestos and Electrical) given by Ian Softley, MD of SaferSpaces and Neil Haydon of the Electrical Contractors Association. Kevin Winship of CORGI Technical Services will also facilitate the National Inter Authority Gas Forum which will meet to discuss industry agenda topics for 2013 and key industry themes to raise with stakeholders.
  • Exhibition with key suppliers to the sector
  • Pre-Conference Dinner on Tuesday 23 April with a talk from Chris Bielby MBE, President of the AGSM and presentations to AGSM members who have passed their Level 4 VRQ qualifications in Gas Safety Management

Claire Heyes, Joint CEO of CORGI Technical Services commented: “The Gas Safety Management Conference will cover a range of important issues being faced by Gas Managers, giving them an opportunity to hear from leading figures in the sector, add their voice to the discussions and learn from their peers. We are very pleased with the programme of top speakers and the very positive response from the 120 delegates who have already booked.”

The Conference has been organised by CORGI Technical Services in association with the AGSM and National Inter Authority Gas Forum. The Platinum sponsor for the event is Ideal Heating and the Green sponsor for the Renewables session is Mears Energy. Silver sponsors are IGEM, Kane, Kidde Safety, Vokera and Infomil.  The Media Partner is Inside Housing.

The Conference is taking place at the prestigious Belfry which is located in Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.

Tickets for the Conference are still available and can be booked at www.agsm.uk.com. Discounts are available for AGSM and Gas Forum members. All enquiries should go to enquiries@agsm.uk.com or 01256 548040