APS launches academy to boost fire safety and competence
APS honours Hackitt as built environment safety debate continues
Recognition of contribution to safety
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has recognised Dame Judith Hackitt with an Honorary Fellowship from the organisation.
APS said the award recognises her contribution to health and safety in the design and construction sector.
Mark Snelling, President of APS, said: “It is a privilege to recognise Dame Judith Hackitt as an Honorary Fellow.
“Her voice continues to shape critical conversations across the sector, and APS is proud to support and amplify her work in driving safer, healthier outcomes for all.”
Dame Judith Hackitt response
Dame Judith Hackitt said she was surprised and honoured to be recognised by APS.
She said: “I have a high regard for APS. It already has a strong profile and a clear commitment to safety as an integral part of delivering projects.
“I want to work with organisations in the built environment who get it, because there are still many who don’t.
“I am ready and willing to support those who want to act as leaders and make a real difference.”
APS leadership perspective
Andrew Leslie, Chief Executive of APS, said the organisation welcomed Hackitt’s recognition.
He said: “APS is delighted that Dame Judith sees the association as one of those leaders, helping to shape competence and culture across the built environment.”
APS role in competence
APS stated that Hackitt’s recognition reinforces its commitment to advancing competence-based assessment.
It added that the fellowship aligns with its work in professional development for members.
APS explained that it supports members to deliver safer and healthier buildings through competence standards and risk management practices.
Dame Judith Hackitt background
Hackitt is known for her leadership in building safety.
Her 2018 Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety for the UK Government set out recommendations following the Grenfell Tower fire.
Her role has continued to influence how health and safety frameworks are applied across design and construction.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The recognition of Hackitt by APS highlights the ongoing role of professional bodies in promoting competence in construction safety.
For fire and safety professionals, this reinforces the link between regulatory reform and practical safety outcomes in the built environment.
It also reflects the importance of collaboration between regulators, professional bodies and practitioners to embed safer practices across all stages of building projects.
APS awards fellowship to Dame Judith Hackitt: Summary
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has reported that Dame Judith Hackitt has accepted an Honorary Fellowship.
The fellowship was awarded in recognition of her contribution to health and safety in design and construction.
APS President Mark Snelling said the recognition reflects Hackitt’s continuing influence on safety in the sector.
Hackitt said she was honoured to be recognised and committed to supporting organisations that prioritise safety in the built environment.
APS Chief Executive Andrew Leslie said the recognition aligns with the association’s work on competence and safety culture.
Hackitt previously led the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety for the UK Government in 2018.
APS said the fellowship strengthens its commitment to competence-based assessment and professional development.
The organisation represents around 4,000 members working in design and construction health and safety risk management across the UK.
APS appoints Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO to support building safety strategy
Appointment strengthens APS leadership in UK building safety policy
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has announced that Sofie Hooper has been appointed as Deputy CEO, according to a statement published by APS.
Hooper previously served as Head of Policy and Research at the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), an international membership body representing over 11,500 professionals.
APS stated that Hooper’s appointment is effective immediately and will support the organisation’s focus on competence, policy development and training within the building safety sector.
Sofie Hooper brings experience in UK and EU public policy
APS reported that Hooper has spent a large part of her career as a Public Policy Advisor, with roles focused on both UK and EU-level policymaking.
While at IWFM, she co-authored the report Safer people, safer homes: Building Safety Management, which APS said played a role in shaping the post-Grenfell legislative environment.
APS stated that Hooper regularly engaged with the Building Safety Regulator, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and other policy bodies.
The organisation added that Hooper contributed to the integration of the Building Safety Alliance into early Parliamentary and Government documents ahead of the Building Safety Act 2022.
New Deputy CEO role to support APS strategic development
According to APS, the Deputy CEO position has been newly created to provide additional senior-level support as the organisation develops its policy and training strategy.
Hooper will report to CEO Andrew Leslie.
Her responsibilities will include leading on the APS competence and training schemes, contributing to policy development, and engaging with other professional bodies and business partners.
APS stated that the new role is designed to enhance the organisation’s capability to deliver on its strategic aims and meet increasing demand for expertise in building and fire regulations across the UK’s four nations.
Leadership responses to the appointment
Sofie Hooper said: “For three decades, APS has been the driving force in improving health and safety standards within the construction industry.
“I’m thrilled to be joining an organisation that continually strives to put excellence and innovation in building safety front and centre of a progressive agenda.
“I’m looking forward to engaging with APS members and our stakeholders to ensure best practice in building safety is not just vigorously upheld but proactively sought after.”
APS CEO Andrew Leslie said: “APS is delighted to welcome Sofie to the APS team in the newly created post of Deputy CEO.
“Sofie has a proven track record within the built environment and will add considerable knowledge and experience to the APS senior management team, and in particular provide essential additional support and expertise to enable both the President and CEO to deliver the APS strategy.”
APS President Mark Snelling added: “APS is extremely privileged to have Sofie join us as Deputy CEO.
“Sofie is highly respected within the industry and has been closely connected with the changes that have followed the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower.
“I look forward to working with Sofie and Andrew our CEO to ensure the APS both supports our members and drives the change that is required to ensure that the tragedy at Grenfell Tower is not repeated.”
APS appoints Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO to support building safety strategy: Summary
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has appointed Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO.
The announcement was made by APS on 7 May 2025.
Hooper previously served as Head of Policy and Research at the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management.
She has worked extensively in public policy in the UK and EU.
While at IWFM, she co-authored the report Safer people, safer homes: Building Safety Management.
She worked closely with the Building Safety Regulator and other policy bodies.
APS stated she contributed to early policy input for the Building Safety Act 2022.
In her new role, she will report to CEO Andrew Leslie.
She will oversee policy development, training schemes, and stakeholder engagement.
APS said the role supports delivery of its building safety strategy.
Her appointment takes effect immediately.