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The Audit, Risk and Impartiality Committee (ARIC) has been established to provide independent oversight and governance of BESCA’s Competence and Compliance audit activities. The committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the impartiality, integrity, and effectiveness of the Competent Person Scheme (CPS), alongside all certification and compliance functions. 

 

Committee Purpose 

The ARIC serves as the mechanism for impartiality for BESCA’s UKAS-accredited certification activities, in line with ISO/IEC 17065 requirements. It is responsible for: 

  • Safeguarding Impartiality – Ensuring that certification activities are carried out in an unbiased manner, free from undue influence. 
  • Risk and Compliance Oversight – Monitoring BESCA’s internal controls, risk management systems, and adherence to accreditation standards. 
  • Audit Governance – Overseeing the effectiveness of audits within the Competence and Compliance framework. 
  • Policy and Best Practice Development – Advising on impartiality policies and supporting continuous improvement in certification and compliance activities. 

Committee Structure

The ARIC is comprised of independent representatives from professional and regulatory bodies, industry associations, audit and certification experts, and other key stakeholders. This balanced composition ensures that no single interest group can influence decisions. 

The committee is structured to meet UKAS accreditation requirements and to provide independent governance over BESCA’s certification processes. It operates with a clear commitment to:

  • Transparency and accountability
  • Impartial decision-making
  • Robust risk and audit management
  • Continuous monitoring and improvement of certification standards 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS

The ARIC is responsible for:

  • Monitoring impartiality risks within BESCA’s certification processes and advising on corrective actions.
  • Reviewing and advising on policies related to certification, competence assessment, and risk management.
  • Overseeing complaints and appeals, ensuring a fair and structured resolution process.
  • Providing strategic guidance on compliance, accreditation, and audit-related matters. 

GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING

The committee operates under an independent governance framework and reports to the Competence and Compliance (C&C) Board, ensuring that BESCA’s certification activities maintain the highest standards of credibility and trust. 

Decisions and recommendations made by the ARIC are reviewed by BESCA’s senior management to support regulatory compliance and continuous improvement in audit, risk, and impartiality processes.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE

Through its oversight and governance role, the ARIC helps BESCA maintain UKAS accreditation and ISO/IEC 17065 compliance, demonstrating its commitment to excellence, fairness, and public confidence in its certification activities.

Meet the BESCA Audit, Risk and Impartiality Committee – Driving Excellence in Building Engineering Standards and Compliance 

Nathan wOOD - CHAIR

Managing Director, Farmwood M&E Services Ltd

Nathan is an experienced leader in the building engineering services sector, currently serving as Managing Director at Farmwood M&E Services Ltd. With over two decades in the industry, he has developed extensive expertise in mechanical and electrical services, compliance, health and safety, and building services management. His leadership at Farmwood has helped the company establish a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, compliant solutions across a range of building services disciplines.

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A passionate advocate for indoor air quality (IAQ), Nathan has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the importance of ventilation and air quality in the built environment. Through his work, he has championed industry-wide improvements in IAQ standards, promoting healthier and more sustainable building practices. His expertise in this area has positioned him as a respected voice on the subject, driving conversations that influence policy, compliance, and best practice.

Beyond his role at Farmwood, Nathan plays a key part in shaping industry standards and governance. He is the Chair of the Audit, Risk & Impartiality Committee at BESCA, where he provides oversight on critical matters relating to impartiality, compliance, and risk management within certification schemes. Additionally, as a Regional Chair for the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), he actively supports the organisation’s work in promoting best practices, technical excellence, and professional development across the sector. 

Nathan’s career reflects a strong commitment to upholding health and safety standards, workforce competency, and regulatory compliance within the building engineering services industry. His dedication to indoor air quality and his wider contributions to the sector ensure that buildings are not only safer but also healthier environments for those who use them.

Marion Marsland

Chief Executive Officer, The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA)

Marion Marsland has been the Chief Executive Officer of The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) since 2013, bringing over 40 years of experience in the thermal insulation sector. Her career began in Sheffield, working for a thermal insulation contractor, before progressing into distribution with SIG PLC, where she spent more than 11 years.

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She then moved into manufacturing with Kingspan Insulation Ltd, spending nearly 14 years focusing on UK HVAC sales, export responsibilities across Asia and Australasia within the LNG and HVAC sectors, and overseeing certification and accreditation. 

In her role as CEO of TICA, Marion reports directly to the board and holds overall responsibility for the trade association, certification body, industry standards and regulations, as well as the National Apprenticeship Training Centre and the organisation’s site in Darlington, Northeast England. A key aspect of her work is ensuring a skilled and employed workforce, advocating for high industry standards and professional development within the sector. She also plays a crucial role in industry negotiations, holding main signatory status to both the TICI and NAECI agreements, where she represents employers in discussions with GMB and Unite trade unions. 

Marion’s extensive background, combined with her business studies degree, allows her to navigate the complexities of trade associations, workforce agreements, and industry regulations effectively. She is particularly passionate about vocational skills, apprenticeships, competency, fair working practices, and the journey toward net-zero. Her leadership ensures that TICA continues to support and develop the thermal insulation industry, driving forward initiatives that promote professional excellence and sustainable solutions.

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Adam Heeley

CHILTERN AND SOUTH BUCKS COUNCIL, BUILDING CONTROL MANAGER 

Adam Heeley is an accomplished Building Control Manager at Chiltern and South Bucks Council with extensive industry experience and qualifications in Building Control, Building Studies, and Industrial Management. His robust career is marked by significant contributions to the field through his involvement in various technical and policy-formulating groups. 

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Current Role and Responsibilitie
As the Building Control Manager at Chiltern and South Bucks Council, Adam oversees the enforcement of building regulations, ensuring that construction projects comply with safety and quality standards. His leadership and expertise have been pivotal in maintaining high standards of building control within the council's jurisdiction. 

Professional Contributions 
Adam is the Chair of the Local Authority Technical Working Group and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. His role involves: 

Providing critical insights into building control processes and regulations. 
Bridging the gap between policy and practice to ensure consistency and clarity in implementation. 
Engaging with the BRE, BSI, industry stakeholders, and governmental groups to influence and shape government policy. 

Industry Impact 
Adam has played an instrumental role on the BESCA Schemes Board, where his insights from a building control perspective have significantly influenced Competent Person Schemes. His understanding of current building regulations ensures that these schemes meet and exceed compliance standards. 

Commitment to the Building Industry 
Adam maintains a keen interest in the building industry, regularly visiting construction sites to stay informed about the latest developments. His proactive approach to professional development ensures that he remains at the forefront of industry changes and innovations. 

Ongoing Engagement 
Adam’s involvement with industry and governmental groups highlights his commitment to ensuring that building control practices are understood and consistently applied. His work with the BRE, BSI, and other organisations demonstrates his dedication to developing and refining building regulations and policies. 

Adam Heeley’s extensive experience, professional qualifications, and active engagement in the building industry make him a highly respected figure in the field. His contributions to building control and policy formulation ensure that standards are maintained and continuously improved, benefiting both the industry and the wider community.

Andrew Geens

BG CONSULT LTD 

Andrew Geens is the Director of BG Consult Ltd, based in South Wales, and a former Chair of the BESCA Schemes Board. He retired as the Director and Head of Certification at CIBSE Certification Ltd in September 2022 but continues to support the organisation as a consultant. In this role, he assists the new Head of CIBSE Certification in operating personnel certification schemes, primarily related to the energy performance of buildings and management system certification schemes for ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and 50001. 

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Andrew has a distinguished career in both the professional and academic arenas. Before his consultancy work, he spent over 11 years leading CIBSE Certification Ltd, ensuring operational control of personnel and management system certifications. His extensive experience in building services engineering also includes a significant tenure as a Principal Lecturer and Professor at the University of Glamorgan, where he served for over two decades in the Faculty of Advanced Technology. 

Andrew's academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng Hons) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Environmental Engineering. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). His expertise is particularly focused on indoor air quality, energy performance, and low energy building design, informing the diverse range of projects he currently engages with. 

Andrew is well-networked within the industry, maintaining professional relationships with numerous stakeholders. His professional journey reflects a commitment to advancing the field of environmental engineering and upholding high standards in certification processes. 

Andrew's combination of practical experience, academic insight, and leadership in certification and consultancy makes him a respected and influential figure in the building services engineering sector. His ongoing contributions continue to shape best practices in energy performance and environmental standards

Dean Osborne

Contract Director HOB Mechanical Services 

Dean Osborne is the Contract Director at HOB Mechanical Services Ltd, based in Rochester, England. With a career rooted in mechanical services, Dean has developed extensive expertise in managing complex projects and leading teams to deliver high-quality solutions.

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His educational background includes studies at The Hundred of Hoo Academy, providing a foundation for his technical and managerial skills. In his role at HOB Mechanical Services Ltd, Dean oversees various aspects of mechanical services contracts, ensuring that projects meet client expectations and adhere to industry standards. His leadership contributes to the company's reputation for excellence in the mechanical services sector.

james Williams

Director, 3Core2 Certification Ltd 

James Williams is an accomplished certification and inspection professional, currently serving as Director at 3Core2 Certification Ltd. With extensive experience in inspection, certification, and accreditation, he provides strategic leadership across all elements of the certification process.

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His expertise spans ISO 17021-1, ISO 17065, and ISO 17020, ensuring that certification services are compliant, innovative, and value-driven for clients and stakeholders. 

Throughout his career, James has played a pivotal role in maintaining global accreditations and driving continuous improvement. At Intertek Plc, as Technical Director & Field Operations Director, he had ultimate oversight of UKAS accreditations and led teams covering management systems, product certification, and corporate social responsibility. His leadership was key in enhancing technical compliance, reducing non-conformances, and streamlining audit processes. 

Prior to this, James spent several years at Alcumus ISOQAR Ltd, where he led technical operations, accreditation compliance, and certification decision-making. During this time, he developed and implemented a new competence management system, played a key role in transitioning to remote auditing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and successfully introduced new certification products such as ISO 55001. His hands-on approach to mentoring teams and ensuring the highest standards of compliance has consistently delivered positive outcomes for the organisations he has worked with. 

James’s ability to align strategic direction with regulatory compliance ensures that 3Core2 Certification Ltd remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering high-quality, accredited certification services.

jerry Whiteley

Technical Manager, Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) 

Jerry Whiteley is a highly experienced professional in the plumbing and heating industry, currently serving as the Technical Manager at the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE). His career began with an apprenticeship, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience under the guidance of skilled mentors.

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This early foundation not only provided technical expertise but also instilled a passion for lifelong learning and professional development. His ambition led him to establish his own plumbing and heating business, where he employed and trained apprentices, passing on the skills and values he had acquired. 

Recognising the importance of education in shaping the next generation of professionals, Jerry transitioned into the further education sector, working in various roles from lecturer to middle management. He found great satisfaction in mentoring students, many of whom later expressed their gratitude for the role he played in their careers. His dedication to education and training continues in his role at CIPHE, where he supports industry professionals through the Technical Helpline, contributes to policy discussions on skills shortages and apprenticeship schemes, and works closely with training providers to enhance professional standards. 

Jerry’s passion for recognising and celebrating industry talent is evident in his involvement as a judge for several prestigious competitions, including the HIP Learner of the Year, All Female Skills Competition, Heating Installer of the Year, Installer Merit Awards, and PHAM News Energy Efficiency Awards. These competitions showcase the best in the industry and highlight the dedication of individuals who go above and beyond in their craft. His commitment to the sector extends beyond technical support, as he actively engages with young people to inspire careers in plumbing and heating, providing opportunities to interact with industry leaders and gain valuable insights. 

His influence also reaches the wider public through media engagement, having appeared on ITV’s Tonight programme to discuss energy efficiency and the impact of green initiatives on household bills. His broad experience, spanning hands-on work, education, and industry advocacy, allows him to contribute meaningfully to discussions that shape the future of the sector. 

Jerry’s extensive industry knowledge, combined with his commitment to professional development and technical excellence, ensures that CIPHE continues to uphold and promote the highest standards in plumbing and heating. His work supports not just industry professionals but also the broader community of individuals who rely on the expertise and integrity of skilled tradespeople.

NICK Tilley

Property Technical Risk Manager at AXA Insurance

Nick Tilley is a senior property risk engineer and consultant with extensive experience in the insurance industry. His career has encompassed various roles focusing on property risk management, engineering, and consultancy.

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In his current role at AXA UK, Nick serves as the Property Technical Risk Manager, where he applies his expertise to assess and mitigate property risks, ensuring clients receive tailored risk management solutions. His responsibilities include conducting comprehensive risk assessments, developing risk improvement strategies, and providing technical guidance to both clients and internal teams. 

Nick is actively involved in industry training and development initiatives. He has hosted immersive risk management events at the Fire Service College, collaborating with insurance brokers to enhance their understanding of fire risks and safety measures. These events demonstrate his commitment to elevating industry standards through education and practical training.  

Throughout his career, Nick has demonstrated a dedication to advancing property risk management practices within the insurance sector. His technical proficiency and commitment to professional development have made him a respected figure among colleagues and clients alike.