Jo O’Neill and Adam Shipstone appointed in key roles at ASFP

Going forward, Jo O’Neill will be responsible for the smooth running of the ASFP’s Training Academy and further developing its services. Tasked with managing all the operational aspects of the Training Academy, O’Neill will welcome members and guests to the training and meeting room facilities and organise all of their training and hospitality requirements.

O’Neill joins the ASFP from the British Coatings Federation, where she served as administration and operations executive with responsibility for member and external meeting room bookings, meeting and greeting members and visitors, hosting meetings and setting up and clearing down meeting rooms. Further, O’Neill was responsible for ordering catering and office supplies and managing the maintenance of the building.

Prior to this, O’Neill spent over 16 years working in the hotel industry, which has provided her with valuable customer service, business administration and sales experience. Working in roles ranging from reservations supervisor, senior hotel receptionist, Front of House and personnel manager, O’Neill’s focus has always been on providing excellent customer care, while also ensuring services run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Technical and regulatory affairs

In his new role as technical officer at the ASFP, Adam Shipstone will support all technical, regulatory affairs and training aspects for the ASFP. Assisting with Technical Committees and Task Groups, Shipstone will draft and revise technical publications including technical guidance documents and advisory notes.

Shipstone will also aid in policy development and marketing activities and support Niall Rowan (technical and regulatory affairs officer) in influencing standards and regulations with a view towards them being improved.

In addition, Shipstone will have an active involvement in the ASFP’s educational activities, aiding in competency pathway development and delivering training courses.

Shipstone brings over 16 years’ worth of fire safety experience to bear having held a range of passive fire protection roles. He joins the ASFP from Novus Property Solutions where he held several roles. Most recently, he served as assurance manager with responsibility for ensuring the business met its statutory, legislative and third party accreditation requirements.

He took the lead on developing key roles within the fire/electric and gas safety structure and holds an IFE Level 3 qualification in passive fire protection.

Indeed, Shipstone began his career as a passive fire protection installer for Gunfire before becoming a passive fire protection inspector for BRFPC and contracts manager at Checkmate Fire Solutions. Shipstone has also worked as a contracts manager for Hughes and Associates Property Services where he managed fire door-focused contracts.

Proven track record

Welcoming the new members of staff, the ASFP’s managing director Mike Ward stated: “We’re thrilled that Jo and Adam are joining the team. Jo is already a familiar face for many ASFP members and guests who visited our offices when they were hosted by the British Coatings Federation. Bringing a wealth of hospitality expertise, I’m sure she will enhance the experience for all those professionals visiting the ASFP or booking for education sessions at the Training Academy.”

Ward continued: “Adam has a proven track record of delivering fire safety projects and has extensive knowledge of passive fire protection standards and legislation. He will be a valuable addition to the ASFP’s technical regime and provide excellent support to our competency and training teams.”

*Further information is available online at www.asfp.org.uk