In 2024, the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) continued its commitment to raising electrical standards in the home, the workplace and in the social housing sector. Each of the ESR group participants met virtually and have discussed the issues affecting electrical safety and set objectives to resolve or highlight within industry.
Following the 2024 general election, which saw Labour return to Government, the latter part of the year has been focused on engaging with stakeholders and working on objectives and initiatives for 2025. With proposed changes to legislation and policies, we will be looking at what new campaigns we can bring to the ESR in 2025 and respond to relevant consultations.
We also look forward to collaborating with industry experts to bring independent electrical safety guidance to consumers and the industry.
As we step into 2025, we reflect on the work of each group in 2024.
ESR Home Group
In September 2024, the ESR Home group launched new guidance to help consumers ensure a smooth and safe Electric Vehicle ChargePoint installation at home.
After three years Chris Pack has taken the decision to step down from his role as Chair of the ESR Home group.
Chris chaired his last meeting in December 2024 and has displayed great passion for the industryβs promotion of electrical safety. Chris has led our meetings with determination and the ESR would like to thank him for all his support.
Commenting on his time as Chair of the ESR in the Home group, Chris Pack said:
βEnsuring that we have safe and well-maintained electrical systems in every home is absolutely critical. It is also vital that the electrical system in each home is fit for purpose as we increasingly adopt exciting new technologies to ultimately achieve our Net Zero target.
During my three years as Chair of the ESR Home group, it has been a privilege to have worked with my ESR colleagues and stakeholders to help support our industry to both identify problems, and help promote solutions to these new challenges, and the ESR Home group is extremely well placed to support the wider industry to meet those future challenges.β
Nick Hayler stepped up as the new Chair of the ESR Home Group and co-chaired his first meeting in December.
Commenting on his new position as Chair, Nick Hayler said: βAs the ESR enters its 13th year, I am very pleased and humbled to be chairing the ESR Home group from 2025. Firstly, Iβd like to thank the past Chair, Chris Pack, who continued the great work of this committee during his tenure and continued to drive the efforts of this collaborative industry group.
With 30 years in the electrical industry in both manufacturing and as Head of Building Electrical Systems at BEAMA, I welcome the opportunity to become Chair and support the group in increasing our visibility to the wider sector and sharing our combined knowledge and reach to improve safety and quality of life.β
ESR Social Housing Sub-Group
The ESR Social-Housing sub-group, chaired by Martin Simmonds, looks forward to continuing to collaborate with industry experts to bring independent electrical safety guidance to consumers and the industry.
He said: βThe Electrical Safety Roundtable Social Housing Sub-Group continues to address the electrical safety challenges within the social housing sector.Β Looking ahead, I am eager to see what 2025 brings and hope that we can continue to be as successful in raising electrical safety awareness.
I look forward to seeing the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill continue to progress in Parliament. It has been encouraging to hear the discussions around this Bill and highlighting the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes and e-scooters.
Additionally, I am eager to move forward with highlighting the issues faced in industry, including the costs of βno accessβ to properties in order to carry out EICR checks in properties rented out by social housing landlords, the checks ensure electrical systems in the home are safe, and will not cause any fire risks or electric shocks.β
ESR Workplace Group
The Electrical Safety in the Workplace group, chaired by Paul Meenan, started the year with the Above and Beyond Award winners being chosen and announced. This was the second Awards year, and it was great to see the work taking place within the industry to improve electrical safety, raise standards and expectations within the workplace.
Chair of the ESR Workplace group Paul Meenan said: βThe general election and change of government has meant it has slowed our ability to progress the electrical safety issues that we are very keen to highlight to theΒ Government for change. Β It has been a great year with lots of engagement with stakeholders as well as a successful Above and Beyond Awards(ABA) that celebrated those within the industry who prioritise electrical safety, andΒ we look forward to the next Awards in 2026.
We now have many areas established where we canΒ create content to support informed safety judgment. An example is our diverted neutral guidance is coming in 2025. Plus, other things. So, stay tunedβ¦β
With the focus on net-zero and more homes being built, the Future Home Standards, product Regulation and Metrology Bill and Renters Rights Bill progressing through parliament, as well as the review of Building Regulations Guidance, we have a lot to look forward to in 2025.
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