Committee Members
Paul Young
Chairman
Paul has over 10 years’ experience as a health and safety professional within the construction industry and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). He has extensive knowledge in CDM, heavy plant operations, demolition and temporary works as well as H&S Management Systems, behavioural safety and cultural change. He is a keen advocate for mental health and supports this through charitable work.
Christopher Coombs
Secretary
With almost 30 years’ experience in the PPE Market, Chris is a Respiratory, Eye, Head and Face PPE Specialist employed by a global manufacturer. As one of ASG’s longest serving members, he has been an integral part of the group’s growth and success over the past decade.
Martin Hammond
Treasurer
As Head of Health, Safety & Wellbeing at Ayrshire College, Martin brings a wealth of experience from the Education sector and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Wellbeing is a key element of his role and in his spare time enjoys spending time with his family, jogging, and hillwalking, particularly in Arran.
Mia Sutherland
Marketing Co-Ordinator
Mia, as Marketing Coordinator supports Ayrshire Safety Group (ASG) and is responsible for the development and execution of strategies and campaigns, conducting market research, building member relationships, creating promotional social media content, website updates and organising member events. With a background in Business and Administration, Mia acts as a vital link between the Groups committee, members and wider audiences ensuring continued success.
John Brennan
Committee Member
Holding professional accreditations in both domains, John is a distinguished professional in the field of Health and Safety and Compliance. He holds esteemed qualifications and is recognised as a graduate member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and a member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM). John has amassed an extensive amount of experience in his field, with over a decade of Health and Safety Practitioner experience in both Social Housing and Construction. John’s passion for his work drives him to provide safe and secure places and environments, for people to live and work.
Gordon Whiteford
Committee Member
With over 20 years’ experience in operational and logistical management, Gordon’s current role involves the management of Lowmac Alloys Ltd’s day to day operations including, a skip business, a waste haulage transport fleet, two waste transfer stations and a resource recycling facility. Gordon is also responsible for the Safety, Health and Wellbeing of the team at Lowmac, enabling him to share valuable and current experience at ASG group meetings. Gordon has achieved qualifications in the management of resource recycling sites, transport manager certificate of professional competence, an advanced leadership diploma and most notably his NEBOSH General Certificate to bolster what has become a growing passion for Safety, Health and Wellbeing.
Honourable Members
Jim Brown
For the first 30 years of his career, from 1965 to 1995, Jim served as a dedicated member of the City of Glasgow Police, Ayrshire Constabulary, and the Strathclyde Police. In 1995, Jim embarked on a new professional path within Bioforce (UK) Ltd in Irvine as their HR and Safety Manager. Jim’s commitment and dedication throughout his 20-year tenure secured him a place as a Chartered Member of IOSH and gained him his Nebosh Certification (through the City and Guilds Scheme). During this time, Jim played a pivotal role in ASG, facilitating our monthly meetings and serving as Chairman. We are truly fortunate, at ASG, for Jim’s continued input and expertise over the years.
John McLaughlin
John embarked on his professional journey following the completion of his engineering apprenticeship in Glasgow, in 1961. He joined Pressed Steel Fisher in Linwood, which later transitioned into Chrysler UK, relocating to Johnstone with his wife, where they welcomed their three boys. After taking voluntary redundancy and moving to Ayrshire, John then devoted nearly 18 years to Hyster Ltd, in Irvine. His tenure at Hyster commenced on the shop floor, before he progressively assumed the roles of training officer, personnel officer, and, ultimately, safety officer. In this role, he also successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with the Open University, and further fortified his expertise by obtaining a Diploma in Safety Management. In 1989, John became self-employed, working with a multitude of clients, whilst serving as a trainer for ROSPA. He also became a Chartered Member of IOSH and was established as an Approved City and Guilds Centre, offering NVQ’s up to Level 5. John’s unwavering support of the group has lasted over 3 decades, working as various roles like Chairman and Treasurer.
William White
William’s professional journey began in 1967, marking the start of a five-decade career characterised by continuous development and adaptability. He started as an Apprentice Bricklayer at Wm. Paton & Sons, where he developed a keen interest in health and safety. As William developed his skills and knowledge, he progressed to leadership roles in various organisations, including Louden Construction where he pursued his NEBOSH General Certificate, and Myles Callaghan. William’s professional journey then led him through roles in the Civil Service and at Rentokil, before he transitioned into education, becoming a lecturer in brickwork at Ayr College. His teaching expanded to include Slating, Plasterwork, and Advanced Work up to HND level in Construction. During this time, William completed the NEBOSH Diploma in Health and Safety.
The combination of William’s industry knowledge and leadership skills ultimately led him to become Health and Safety Officer at Ayr College. In this role, he used his comprehensive understanding of the construction industry to create and maintain a secure environment for learning and working.
