Judges announced for ECN Awards 2024

Frank has been an integral part of the electrical installation industry for over four decades. Initially starting out in the Scottish electrical contracting industry, Frank moved to London in the late 1980’s to begin specialising in inspection and testing.

As NAPIT Chief Technical Officer and Trade Association Chairman, Frank sits on a wide range of influential industry committees, including the BSI/IET Wiring Regulation Committee JPEL/64 and Sub Committee A, BSI Committees, EAS Management Committee, Electrical Safety Roundtable, and the Electrical Safety First Technical Committee.

Paul Collins, Technical Director – NICEIC

Paul started his career as an electrical apprentice in 1990. He moved on to become a NICEIC Qualified Supervisor and gained vast experience in the electrotechnical, gas, plumbing, heating, and renewable sectors before joining NICEIC in 2009.

Paul has held a number of positions within NICEIC, including Helpline Engineer, Head of Consulting, Head of NICEIC, Head of Operations and, most recently, Head of Technical Services. In his role as Technical Director, Paul continues represent NICEIC on various committees and working groups.

Ruth Devine MBE, Managing Director – SJD Associates

Ruth Devine MBE owns SJD Associates, a high-growth, industrial electrical contractor based in Milton Keynes. She is Chair of both The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) and ECA’s Skills Committee, supporting occupational competence, valid training routes and industry career pathways.

Ruth is a founding member of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) Construction & Built Environment Route Panel, responsible for the approval of occupational standards for apprenticeships and technical education products. She is also a member of the Building Safety Regulator’s Industry Competence Committee, with functions including monitoring industry competence and helping industry to improve competence.

Richard Harvey, Electrical Installation Safety Engineer – Electrical Safety First

With a robust foundation of over 30 years in the electrical industry, Richard’s career is a tapestry of diverse experiences across multiple sectors. His journey began in 1991 as an apprentice with a local contractor. His expertise spans a wide range of projects, including industrial, agricultural, commercial, domestic, hazardous areas and renewable energy.

Richard established his own electrical contracting business, steering it to success for more than 10 years. His transition into the educational realm saw him imparting his vast knowledge to adult learners and apprentices, fulfilling the role of a lecturer at a Further Education college and a private training provider.

As an Electrical Installation Safety Engineer at Electrical Safety First (ESF), Richard is instrumental in the development and enhancement of the organisation’s Best Practice Guides. His expertise is crucial in spearheading dialogues with prominent industry figures, championing the progression of electrical safety standards. Additionally, Richard holds esteemed positions on the JPEL sub-committee panels B and D.

Chris Horne, Electrical Lecturer – Riverside College

Chris Horne is an Electrical Lecturer from Warrington and has been teaching for over 20 years. He commenced his electrical apprenticeship in 1979 with a local electrical company and worked for local companies after gaining his electrical qualification.

He started his own business as a local electrician within Warrington and carried all aspects of electrical work over the next 10 years. During the recession of 2008, he decided to end his business and start a career in teaching electrical installation at Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale. This was followed by a placement at Warrington Collegiate and Chris now teaches at Riverside College in Widnes.

Chris describes teaching as his true vocation and last year he was voted eFIXX College Lecturer of the Year 2023.

Carl Murray, Director – TClarke

Carl Murray is a Director at TClarke, which is one of the leading building services providers in the industry. Carl covers the south of the UK and leads multiple technical projects with a hands-on approach. He has over 25 years of experience which stems from his trade background to his current role – within this time he has gained knowledge in all aspects of the construction sector.

With a proven track record in the full life cycle of projects, he excels in the objectives of the industry and values the professional community. Carl has a keen eye for detail and is passionate about promoting the industry and carbon reduction. 

Gary Parker, Senior Technical Manager – ECA

Gary Parker, ECA Senior Technical Manager, has over 25 years’ experience in electrical contracting, standardisation and membership organisations. He is an experienced and practical engineer, having worked in heavy industry, water treatment, medical locations and general electrical contracting.

Gary is a Chartered Engineer, a Member of the IET and a Member of CIBSE, and represents ECA on numerous British and International Standards Committees.

Darren Staniforth, Head of Technical Solutions – CEF

Darren started his electrical apprenticeship in the mid 90’s for a small electrical contracting company in Cambridgeshire. There he completed his training and managed many large-scale projects such as senior school refurbishments. After several years on the tools and in offices managing projects, Darren was invited to apply for a position at Bedford College, this saw him learn to become a college lecturer.

After a number of years with Bedford College, Darren was leading the Electrical Installation Department and taking on new courses such as Part P and Solar PV. Darren was then encouraged to interview for a Technical Position with NICEIC. Whilst at NICEIC, Darren hosted the organisation’s technical events across the UK and represented its registered contractors’ interests at industry committees. Darren now heads up all customer facing events for CEF.