| Details: | Step Change in Safety, the UK oil & gas industry health & safety initiative, today announces the appointment of Alison Goligher, Managing Director of Schlumberger Oilfield Services, as its new Chairman. The Chairman for the last two years, Tom Botts, former Managing Director of Shell UK Exploration and Production, is moving to The Hague to take up his new role as Chief Executive Officer for Shell's Exploration and Production European operations.
Tim Summers, Director and Business Unit Leader, BP Exploration Operating Co Ltd, also joins the Step Change in Safety Leadership Team as Vice Chairman.
Alison Goligher said:
"I am delighted to take up this very important role at what is a critical time for North Sea activity. Under Tom's stewardship, Step Change has delivered several excellent guidance documents and reviews, which provide practical help to stakeholders of all sizes. I look forward to working with the companies already engaged with Step Change and to addressing those who have still to contribute and gain value from being involved.
"I'd like to thank Tom for his confidence in supporting my appointment and on behalf of the Step Change Leadership Team wish him the best in his new role."
Taf Powell, Head of Offshore Division, Health and Safety Executive said:
"Alison joins the team as a number of key Step Change leaders move away from the area, and at a testing time for our industry with the spotlight firmly on offshore safety.
"I've worked with Alison for some time on safety and health matters and her energy and commitment have impressed me. Last year she joined other industry and government leaders and overseas regulators at a workshop to shape safety strategy for the UKCS for the next seven years and was influential in shaping the vision for the UK to have the world's safest offshore sector by 2010. Alison clearly has the credentials to do justice to this important job and I look forward to working with her.
"I can't let go the opportunity to pay tribute to Tom Botts who has been one of the UK offshore industry's most outstanding champions of partnership to improve health and safety. We owe him a great deal."
Tom Botts, reflecting on his two years as Chairman, said:
"The Step Change in Safety effort here in the UK is unique and proof that senior leaders throughout the industry can work together to make a difference to the safety of our Industry. It has clearly delivered significant change and is the best Industry vehicle to keep driving that positive change, but we are still not where we need to be. The tragic event on Brent Bravo on 11 September is a stark reminder that we still have some way to go to achieve our safety vision in the UK."
Mr. Botts added: "Step Change is built on the solid foundations and momentum established by previous Chairmen George Watkins (Conoco) and Paul Blakeley (Talisman). I welcome Alison Goligher as the new Chair. I've worked closely with Alison on Step Change and admire her passion and commitment to safety. This is the first time a Managing Director from the contracting community has been Chair and Alison's appointment is a vivid demonstration that Step Change is a genuine partnership between stakeholders, operators, contractors, regulators and trade unions".
In the last 12 months, 40 new companies and organisations have registered their interest in Step Change, bringing the total number now participating in the campaign to 120. |
Back to press releases
