SPECIAL FOCUS
BESA appoints Nicholls as director of competence and compliance
T
he Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has named Jill Nicholls as its new Director of Competence and Compliance, succeeding Helen
Yeulet, who will transition into a strategic consultancy role within the organisation. Nicholls has stepped up from her position as head of service development this week, where she led initiatives to raise skills and training standards across the BESA membership. She joined the Association in 2024, following senior roles at the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, including Head of Construction and Transport, and previously worked at the Education Development Trust. BESA Chief Executive Offi cer David Frise praised Nicholls’ impact to date, stating: “Jill’s commitment and dedication to raising the bar for skills, training, and competence standards has already made a major impact. It is exactly what we need to take our crucial work around professional and technical competence and compliance to the next stage.” Yeulet, who previously held the role, will now focus on strategic industry-wide
projects and government engagement, including skills policy development and grant funding initiatives.
Nicholls said: “Competence and compliance are central to everything our members face – not least increasing scrutiny around building safety, the push to decarbonise buildings, and the wider adoption of digital technologies which require a new type of skilled worker.”
Arnold becomes CIBSE President
C
IBSE has appointed Vince Arnold as its President for 2025–2026, offi cially confi rmed during the Institution’s AGM on 10 June 2025. Arnold takes over the presidency from Fiona
Cousins, bringing over four decades of experience in Building Services Engineering, a deep commitment to professional development, and a long-standing history of service as a CIBSE volunteer and within the wider engineering community. His career spans construction, maintenance, design, project management, compliance and health and safety across both public and private sectors. Since joining CIBSE in 1998, Arnold has made signifi cant contributions to the Institution. He has served as a Professional Membership and Registration Interviewer, Interviewer Trainer, Moderator and was Chair of the Membership and Registration Panel for over 12 years. He also chaired the Education, Training and Membership Committee and served as a member of the Engineering Council’s Registration Standards Committee for 6 years. In 2020, he joined the CIBSE Board as a Trustee. As President, Arnold is expected to champion lifelong learning, competence in the profession, and collaboration across borders and generations, reinforcing CIBSE’s commitment to creating a safe, sustainable and inclusive built environment.
SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR SUCCESS
16 OCTOBER, THE BREWERY, LONDON
Whether you’re a rising star, a pioneering team, or a business redefining industry standards, it’s time to put your achievements in the spotlight. It’s your time to shine!
ENTRIES NOWOPEN
www.thebesa.com/the-besa-awards BESA hp ACR_HVR
Jul25.indd 1 11/6/25 16:42
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