Phil Buckle

Phil Buckle Retires from Electrical Safety First

gazza — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 11:42:19 +0000

Phil Buckle Retires from Electrical Safety First gazza Sat, 05/10/2019

Phil Buckle has retired from his position of Chief Executive of leading UK charity, Electrical Safety First. Phil, who has led the charity for over ten years, has seen it grow from a niche organisation into one of the UK’s leading consumer protection bodies.

“I am, of course, sad to depart from the organisation but I leave with great satisfaction at what has been achieved”, says Phil. “And I would like to thank my colleagues for their dedication and support in helping to make the charity what it is today – a key player in UK consumer protection.”

During his tenure, Phil has overseen the charity extend its influence into Government policy; establish a major product safety conference; and create a series of campaigns placing product safety firmly on the media and political agenda.

“We would all like to thank Phil for his hard work and dedication over the last decade”, adds Chair of Electrical Safety First’s Board, Alison Parkes. “Phil has been in the role of Chief Executive at the Charity during a period of intense change – yet one in which the organisation has always ‘punched above its weight. He is leaving the organisation with a recognised reputation in the field of electrical and consumer safety.”

Phil Buckle

Electrical Safety First

Kevan Parker is the new Managing Director of Certsure

gazza — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 12:02:17 +0000

Kevan Parker is the new Managing Director of Certsure

gazza Tue, 09/04/2019

Kevan Parker has been appointed as the Managing Director of Certsure. Kevan has been with Certsure since 2016 when he joined the operations team as Director of Certification and Operations. He has been undertaking the interim Managing Director position since December following the departure of Emma Clancy.

Phil Buckle, Chair of the Certsure board commented: “During his time in charge Kevan has demonstrated both a passion for Certsure and a strong ability to lead the
Strategic Leadership Team. He has proven himself as a team player and has the skills to make a positive contribution to the future development of Certsure.”

Kevan said he is looking forward to the challenges ahead, adding: “I’m very excited about the future for Certsure. We plan to build on our technical excellence to provide
a service offering to our customers that is second to none. This, combined with working more closely with the Certsure LLP members, will see us go from strength to strength.”

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Electrical safety checks now mandatory

gazza — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 17:04:14 +0000

Electrical safety checks now mandatory

gazza Tue, 29/01/2019

Commenting on the Government’s announcement regarding mandatory electrical safety checks in the private rented sector (PRS), Phil Buckle, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, comments: “We warmly welcome this initiative and are delighted the Government has recognised the importance of regular checks in the PRS, as this will protect both tenants and landlords.

“Electrical Safety First has led the charge for this to be made a mandatory requirement for PRS homes in the UK and has successfully lobbied for them to be introduced in Scotland – with Wales and Northern Ireland set to follow suit.

“Electricity causes almost half of all fires in UK homes, so it is time electrical safety is put on a par with that of gas – as PRS landlords have been required to make an annual gas safety check since the 1990s.

“But it is essential that the Government provide clarity regarding how these inspections will be enforced – and that the enforcement body has sufficient funding to undertake its work effectively. We have also emphasised the importance of using an electrician who is qualified and assessed as competent, to undertake these essential safety checks.”

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Electrical Safety First

Phil Buckle

eicr

Planned Legislation Giving EU Consumers the Right to Repair

gazza — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 17:26:00 +0000

Planned Legislation Giving EU Consumers the Right to Repair

gazza Wed, 16/01/2019

To address environmental concerns around product obsolescence and recycling, the EU is planning legislation giving EU consumers a ‘right to repair’ – forcing manufacturers to make longer lasting goods that are easier to repair. Commenting on this, Phil Buckle, Chief Executive of leading safety Charity, Electrical Safety First, explains why it is not quite as simple as it might seem.

“We understand that many consumers get frustrated with products that break down just after a warranty ends and they find it uneconomical to get it repaired and cannot fix the item themselves.

“There are a number of products which are not designed to be ‘user-serviced’ and it’s particularly difficult obtaining parts for many tech products, as the manufacturer often retains stock for in-house repairs only. But for many people now carrying their life in their mobile phone, for example, waiting a month for a repair via the manufacturer is inconceivable. Instead they are likely to take the faster, cheaper option, by using an unauthorised repair shop – which often use non-approved parts. Alternatively, consumers might buy a component online, to undertake the repair themselves.

“However, these components can often be substandard, untested and potentially dangerous. And using a high street repairer is equally problematic. Without the technical expertise, equipment or experience, it is not surprising that complex repairs can be counter-productive, often creating further safety issues.

“Electrical Safety First has been raising this issue with manufacturers for some time now and we are encouraging them to support a network of authorised repairers. We also want them to consider - when it makes economic and environmental sense - making products more accessible to self-maintenance. This would, we believe, provide consumers with a repair solution that meets their needs.”

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right to repair

Electrical Safety First

Phil Buckle

electrical repair