Further new appointments boost MPA team
‘Shot in the arm’ for Mineral Products Association as Colin Mew and Joseph Hackett take on new roles
THE expansion of the team of experts at the Mineral Products Association (MPA) continues with the announcement of two new appointments.
Colin Mew, HM Principal Inspector with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), whose role includes Chief Inspector of Quarries, will be joining the MPA in a health and safety advisory role, focusing on helping to deliver the Association’s ‘Vision Zero’ strategy by 2025.
Mr Mew’s long-term association with the mineral products industry and other ‘heavy’ high-risk industries, such as iron and steel, has included major accident investigation work, policy roles, and a range of work involving engaging with stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
From his Doncaster Diploma/Leeds University route to degree level, he subsequently worked in a number of managerial positions in the quarrying industry before joining the HSE in 1993 as HM Inspector of Quarries. In 2009 he was permanently promoted to Principal Inspector, which included the role of Chief Inspector of Quarries where he has led a team of inspectors responsible for regulating health and safety in quarries in Great Britain.
Mr Mew (left of photo), who is looking forward to applying his knowledge and experience to bring about positive change, said: ‘The MPA stands out as the authoritative voice of the mineral products industry and I have enjoyed a close association with the Association and its members for many years. Throughout that time, I have observed the collaboration and determination of the MPA and its members to make workplaces safe and healthy.
‘I am delighted to be joining the MPA. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with talented and committed individuals and organizations as MPA members work towards their shared vision, ‘Vision Zero’, where everyone goes home safe and well, every day. It’s also exciting to be joining an organization that has health and safety as a strategic priority and core value, and so visibly supports and celebrates innovation and excellence. I’m really looking forward to adding my knowledge, experience, and commitment to that pool of talent.
‘So much good work has already been done. There’s a lot to build on and the commitment of individuals and members is palpable. Health and safety is written right across the MPA Charter with its core values: driving change, raising standards, improving perceptions. I’m ready for that challenge and I feel privileged to be in a position to bring with me my insight into the regulator, together with learnings from some unique experiences over my career.’
Meanwhile, Joseph Hackett (right of photo) joins the MPA as public affairs executive, following several years working for various Members of Parliament in their Westminster offices. His policy interests have included infrastructure projects and the supply chain behind them. He will bring his experience as gatekeeper of the MPs’ inboxes to step up the volume of the MPA’s Parliamentary engagement, including on All Party Parliamentary Groups.
MPA chief executive Nigel Jackson said: ‘It’s exciting to have so many talented and interesting team members joining us. They are a ‘shot in the arm’ which will invigorate us even more. We have a world-class team working across an ever-widening range of issues from climate change, resource use, technical standards, and design codes right through to nature conservation, and Colin and Joseph joining the team will help ensure we continue to both protect and promote the industry even more effectively.’
