First President of the Association of Gas Safety Managers

02 January 2013

The First President of the Association of Gas Safety Managers is to be Chris Bielby MBE, who is currently the Director of New Energy & Stakeholder Engagement for the Scotia Gas Networks and a past President and Fellow of the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM).

The Association of Gas Safety Managers (AGSM) has been set up for managers in Social Housing and Facilities Management organisations who are responsible for all aspects of gas safety. The Association was been set up by CORGI Technical in response to a demand from gas managers for a professional Association which can address industry issues with key stakeholders and create one voice from the sector to key government departments. It also provides members with support, networking opportunities, training and many other benefits. All of the current 120 members are undertaking or have completed CORGI’s VRQs in Gas Safety Management and collectively look after the gas safety management of over one million homes across the country.

Chris Bielby has spent the past 25 years tirelessly lobbying and canvassing support for gas safety issues, particularly around carbon monoxide as chairman of the Gas Industry Safety Group, Gas Safety Trust and the Gas Task Group. He was president of the Institution in 2005.

Joining the industry in 1972, Chris started his career as a gas engineer before moving into other operational and senior managerial roles. He is now the Director of New Energy & Stakeholder Engagement for the Scotia Gas Networks (SGN), an IGEM Industrial Affiliate (IA) member.

Claire Heyes, Joint CEO of CORGI Technical Services who founded the Association of Gas Safety Managers commented: "We are very pleased and proud of the appointment of Chris as President of the AGSM as he is very active in a wide range of groups in promoting gas safety. He will play a very valuable role in helping to develop the Association and will be an inspirational President."