Trio of Trustees appointed to IIRSM Council

At the IIRSM Council meeting this morning, Council formally co-opted Anna Keen, John Pares and Jonathan Biney as Trustees. With their appointment, IIRSM seeks to bring their expertise and skills to contribute to the effective governance of the Institute and to drive our strategy forward. 

Jonathan Biney FIIRSM, Health, Safety and Environmental Manager at Castings Technology has more than 15 years’ experience in HSE and fire management. His leadership, analytical and technical skills have been developed through previous experience in the British Army and in his current role overseeing the safety and compliance of Europe’s largest titanium casting facility.

Jonathan said: “I am honoured to join IIRSM Council as a Trustee and am eager to contribute to the continued growth and success of the Institute. By fostering a more inclusive and diverse membership base, we can ensure that IIRSM remains a dynamic and responsive organisation, well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of our global membership. I look forward to working closely with my fellow Council members to deliver on these objectives and drive the Institute forward.”

Anna Keen has spent the last 20 years recruiting and developing health and safety professionals across the globe and, in 2015, founded Acre Frameworks to raise the importance of non-technical development in the profession and to create a development pathway for individuals and teams.

She said: “I’m delighted to take on the role as a Trustee with IIRSM as there is great alignment between their ambition and my purpose when it comes to supporting and enabling a global community of professionals. I am excited to work with my fellow Council members and the IIRSM team to deliver against a strategy that delivers genuine value to its members and the broader profession."

John Pares FIIRSM is currently Chair of the IIRSM Europe Branch and is a consultant with expertise in safety culture, human and organisation performance, and health and wellbeing. He previously spent 16 years in EHS leadership with Swiss flavour and fragrance manufacturer Givaudan.

John said: "Risk management has been a critical part of my career, which has covered engineering, operations, HR and EHS. It is also clear that many people misunderstand it. I am delighted to now be in a position where I can help to direct IIRSM’s strategy to promote wider and deeper understanding of risk management and improve competence in this area. I can’t wait to get started!”

IIRSM Chief Executive Phillip Pearson said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome our new Trustees, and we look forward to working with Anna, Jonathan and John. Our Trustees play a vital role in holding IIRSM to account against its near-term delivery and performance, in addition to shepherding the organisation towards a bright future.”

The role of Trustee is performed on a voluntary basis. In accordance with our governing documents, the new Trustees will be required to stand for election by IIRSM Members at the Annual General Meeting in December. If elected, their initial term will run until December 2026. 

Council will be looking to welcome applications for further Trustees in 2025 to enhance our breadth of skills.