The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is delighted to announce two new appointments. Jo O’Neill has been appointed to the newly created role of Academy Manager and Adam Shipstone joins as the fourth Technical Officer in the Association’s technical and training team.
Jo O’Neill will be responsible for the smooth running of the ASFP’s training Academy and further developing our Academy services. Tasked with managing all the operational aspects of the Academy, Jo will welcome members and guests to the training and meeting room facilities and organise all their training and hospitality requirements.
She joins the ASFP from the British Coatings Federation (BCF), where she was 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. Jo was also responsible for ordering catering and office supplies and managing the maintenance of the building.
Prior to this, Jo 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, Jo’s focus has always been on providing excellent customer care while ensuring services run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Adam Shipstone joins the Association as a Technical Officer. He will support all technical, regulatory affairs, and training aspects for the ASFP, working closely with the Head of Technical and competency team. Assisting with Technical Committees and Technical Task Groups, he will draft and revise technical publications including ‘Colour Books’, Technical Guidance Documents, and Advisory Notes.
He will also aid in policy development and marketing activities and support the Regulatory Affairs Officer in influencing standards and regulations to improve industry standards. Adam will have active involvement in the ASFP’s educational activities, aiding in competency pathway development and delivering training courses.
Adam brings over 16 years of fire safety experience, having held a range of passive fire protection roles. He joins ASFP from Novus Property Solutions where he held several roles. Most recently he was Assurance Manager, where he was responsible for ensuring the business met its statutory, legislative and third-party accreditation requirements. He took a lead in developing key roles within the fire/electric and gas safety structure and has an IFE Level 3 qualification in Passive Fire Protection.
He started his career as a passive fire protection installer for Gunfire before becoming a Passive Fire Protection Inspector for BRFPC and Contracts Manager for Checkmate Fire Solutions. Adam also worked as a Contracts Manager for Hughes and Associates Property Services where he managed fire door contracts.
ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward, welcomed Jo and Adam to the team, stating:
“We are thrilled Jo and Adam are joining the ASFP team. Jo is already a familiar face for many ASFP members and guests who visited our offices when they were hosted by BCF. Bringing a wealth of hospitality expertise, I am sure she will enhance the experience for all visiting the ASFP or booking our Academy services.
“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 technical team and will provide excellent support to our competency and training teams.”
For further information on the ASFP and for passive fire protection advice, visit www.asfp.org.uk
About the Author
Dave Staddon - Publisher
Co-Founder of MDM Publishing Ltd. He has worked in fire publishing for close to 30 years. The company's portfolio includes International Fire Protection, International Fire Fighter, Asia Pacific Fire, Gulf Fire & UK Fire.
