BOHS welcomes new president

Williams took over the role at BOHS’ annual general meeting from John Dobbie, who becomes the Society’s Immediate Past-President. Kelvin is a Chartered Occupational Hygienist and completed a BSc in Occupational Hygiene at South Bank in 1987. He has worked as an Occupational Hygiene consultant for over 30 years providing a wide range of occupational hygiene services to clients in the public and private sectors.

Prior to establishing a consultancy business, Kelvin’s experience included roles as Head of Environmental Health and Safety at Stanger Consultants, Chief Occupational Hygienist at Wimtec Environmental and Operations Director for the Occupational Health and Environment Divisions at National Britannia Ltd. Speaking on his new role, Kelvin said: "It is an honour to be appointed BOHS’ President for the forthcoming term, I can honestly say that I did not anticipate the approach to consider the role. The challenges ahead will be novel. The last month or two have already seen a substantial commitment from volunteer members to urgently address the issues of the day.

"I have witnessed first-hand the goodwill and support of membership and the strength of our Head Office in fast-moving uncertain times. I am delighted to have the wise counsel and experience of John Dobbie and Alison Margary to draw upon in the Presidential Trio. I look forward to playing my part in continuing the progress the Society is making, in terms of raising awareness and effectively promoting worker health protection not only in the UK, but also globally.

“I presume many folks will be aware that I have focussed on standards in occupational hygiene consultancy. Despite current distractions I will not lose sight of the work that needs to be done to realise a higher vision of professional occupational hygiene consultancy practice. Other core aims remain increased visibility of occupational hygiene, leading to opportunities for our membership and development of skills and qualifications that reflect the academic rigour required of an occupational hygiene professional.

BOHS CEO Kevin Bampton added: “John Dobbie will be a tough act to follow, especially in the leadership, wisdom and insight that he has provided to the Board and beyond in a fast-changing environment. Kelvin, with his remarkable diversity of experience, his energy and his eloquence has definitely hit the ground running and promises to be a highly effective champion of the organisation and occupational hygiene through a crucial time in its history.”