APS appoints Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO to support building safety strategy
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Appointment strengthens APS leadership in UK building safety policy
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has announced that Sofie Hooper has been appointed as Deputy CEO, according to a statement published by APS.
Hooper previously served as Head of Policy and Research at the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), an international membership body representing over 11,500 professionals.
APS stated that Hooper’s appointment is effective immediately and will support the organisation’s focus on competence, policy development and training within the building safety sector.
Sofie Hooper brings experience in UK and EU public policy
APS reported that Hooper has spent a large part of her career as a Public Policy Advisor, with roles focused on both UK and EU-level policymaking.
While at IWFM, she co-authored the report Safer people, safer homes: Building Safety Management, which APS said played a role in shaping the post-Grenfell legislative environment.
APS stated that Hooper regularly engaged with the Building Safety Regulator, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and other policy bodies.
The organisation added that Hooper contributed to the integration of the Building Safety Alliance into early Parliamentary and Government documents ahead of the Building Safety Act 2022.
New Deputy CEO role to support APS strategic development
According to APS, the Deputy CEO position has been newly created to provide additional senior-level support as the organisation develops its policy and training strategy.
Hooper will report to CEO Andrew Leslie.
Her responsibilities will include leading on the APS competence and training schemes, contributing to policy development, and engaging with other professional bodies and business partners.
APS stated that the new role is designed to enhance the organisation’s capability to deliver on its strategic aims and meet increasing demand for expertise in building and fire regulations across the UK’s four nations.
Leadership responses to the appointment
Sofie Hooper said: “For three decades, APS has been the driving force in improving health and safety standards within the construction industry.
“I’m thrilled to be joining an organisation that continually strives to put excellence and innovation in building safety front and centre of a progressive agenda.
“I’m looking forward to engaging with APS members and our stakeholders to ensure best practice in building safety is not just vigorously upheld but proactively sought after.”
APS CEO Andrew Leslie said: “APS is delighted to welcome Sofie to the APS team in the newly created post of Deputy CEO.
“Sofie has a proven track record within the built environment and will add considerable knowledge and experience to the APS senior management team, and in particular provide essential additional support and expertise to enable both the President and CEO to deliver the APS strategy.”
APS President Mark Snelling added: “APS is extremely privileged to have Sofie join us as Deputy CEO.
“Sofie is highly respected within the industry and has been closely connected with the changes that have followed the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower.
“I look forward to working with Sofie and Andrew our CEO to ensure the APS both supports our members and drives the change that is required to ensure that the tragedy at Grenfell Tower is not repeated.”
APS appoints Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO to support building safety strategy: Summary
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has appointed Sofie Hooper as Deputy CEO.
The announcement was made by APS on 7 May 2025.
Hooper previously served as Head of Policy and Research at the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management.
She has worked extensively in public policy in the UK and EU.
While at IWFM, she co-authored the report Safer people, safer homes: Building Safety Management.
She worked closely with the Building Safety Regulator and other policy bodies.
APS stated she contributed to early policy input for the Building Safety Act 2022.
In her new role, she will report to CEO Andrew Leslie.
She will oversee policy development, training schemes, and stakeholder engagement.
APS said the role supports delivery of its building safety strategy.
Her appointment takes effect immediately.
