2015 – to date
Director, JS Risk Management Ltd
My client list includes: those from the electrical power industry, principally DNOs and one IDNO as well as one major UK water utility company all of which I have successfully advised on asset management and maintenance issues as well as on recommendations following one accident that involved several duty holders and which had pan-industry repercussions. In July 2016, I ran a 3-day course in Dubai on “Advanced HSE & Asset Management Excellence – Power”, that was well attended and received from delegates from across the world. Towards the end of 2017, I carried out some consultancy work for a top-tier COMAH industrial chemicals factory – successfully drawing up a business plan and policy to address earlier HSE concerns and avoid the possibility of enforcement action. I also lecture on electrical safety (about 4 times a year) on a very popular course (“HSE Inspectors’ Guide to Electrical Safety”) run by the HSE.
2006 – 2015
HM Principal Specialist Inspector (Electrical Networks), Health and Safety Executive, London
Sole portfolio holder responsible for the enforcement of the safety aspects of the Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002, as amended [ESQCR] in Great Britain. Warranted Inspector both under Health and Safety at Work Act and the Electricity Act. Assisting Field Operational staff with a number of work-related investigations. Provision of expert opinions and statements on cases, appearances in Crown and Magistrates’ Courts and at several Coroner’s Inquests. Carrying out own specialist-based investigations and enforcement work including taking personal statements, the issue of several enforcement notices and a successful Crown Court prosecution. Since 2012, I have led on the “exploding pavement” investigations that have involved a variety of network equipment and have used a range of enforcement approaches including direct liaison with other regulators that has led to the asset owner making successful improvements in their asset management systems. The incidents attracted much public and media interest directly involving me.
I have lead on the analysis of safety data, reporting trends and as a result mounted several evidence-based interventions. Liaison with other Government Departments (principally Ofgem and DECC) on the safety aspects of ESQCR and the strategic policy issues common to all organisations. Liaison with DECC on some joint investigations under ESQCR.
2000 – 2006
Department of Trade and Industry, London
Engineering Inspector, then Senior Engineering Inspector.
Responsible for all aspects of the enforcement of the ESQCR for several duty holders in the UK. Technical/advisory role for Northern Ireland. Responsible for carrying out regular safety management audits, dealing with the resolution of complaints and accident/incident investigations. Investigated the 2003 blackouts (London, Birmingham and abroad), direct submissions made to Minister for Energy.
Lead specialist at the DTI on the subject of electromagnetic fields (EMF). Provided policy support and briefing Ministers on the issue of skills shortages in the UK power industry. Led with the inauguration of the IEE’s Power Academy, with the launch by Stephen Timms MP.
Chaired around 10 public inquiries and wayleave hearings, making formal submissions and recommendations to the Secretary of State.
1998 – 2000
Development Engineer, Scottish & Southern Energy, Maidenhead.
Project management of embedded generation projects involving 50MW open-cycle gas turbine plant and 10MW gas-fuelled reciprocating engines.
1994 – 1998
Risk Assessor, Safety Department, Southern Electric, Maidenhead
Interpreting legislative requirements and making safety policies, carrying out inspections and investigations. Introducing CDM Regulations and carrying out site audits. Developed a safety case agreed with the HSE for the new gas operations and pipeline business.
1989 – 1994
Senior Engineer, Special Projects, Southern Electric, Maidenhead
Developed risk-based maintenance policies, development of condition-based asset replacement policies. Re-engineering of £50m revenue budget.
1983 – 1989
First/Senior Engineer, Distribution Developments, Electricity Council, London.
Development and review of strategic and innovative developments involving distribution switchgear and transformers. Development of industry-wide improvements in maintenance policies, led with the development of UK-based best practice in oil handling and treatment. Pro-active work on plant standardisation. Involving switchgear, surge arresters and transformers. Operated the National Fault and Defect Reporting Systems. Carried out reliability studies, improving operational standards, gained expertise on lightning and power systems; wrote papers on reliability statistics.
1976 – 1983
Staines District & Uxbridge sub-transmission, Southern Electricity. Planning of large redevelopment capital schemes, planning equipment replacement, capital budget programme, operational (including Control) duties. Construction, operation and maintenance of equipment up to and including 132kV, arranging plant outages and management of teams of staff. Senior Authorisation, 11kV, 33kV & 132kV PTW & SFT.
1974 – 1976
Graduate Engineering Trainee, Oxford District, Southern Electricity.