Leadership change to support safety goals in UK heating sector
Iain Hoey
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Barry Cope appointed CEO of Cleaner Safer Group
Cleaner Safer Group has announced that Barry Cope has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer.
According to Cleaner Safer Group, the appointment marks a leadership transition for its not-for-profit subsidiaries HETAS and Woodsure, which operate in the UK solid fuel, wood and biomass heating sectors.
Barry Cope succeeds Bruce Allen, who has served as CEO of HETAS since 2006 and of Woodsure since 2017.
Bruce Allen will continue in his position until September 2025 to ensure a managed transition.
The group said the appointment supports its continued aim to raise safety, training and compliance standards across heating and fuel quality.
Background on Cleaner Safer Group and its member organisations
Cleaner Safer Group is the parent company to HETAS and Woodsure.
HETAS operates in the testing, training and certification of biomass and solid fuel heating appliances, installers and fuels.
Woodsure focuses on quality assurance and certification in the wood fuel sector.
The two organisations work together under the CSG umbrella to support regulatory and environmental initiatives in partnership with government departments and local authorities.
According to the group, this includes delivery of the Defra-backed Ready to Burn certification, management of the Biomass Suppliers List for DESNZ, and the HETAS Cleaner Choice Scheme.
The group stated that its work aims to help businesses and users meet environmental responsibilities and reduce emissions.
Barry Cope’s previous experience in building compliance and air quality
Barry Cope joins Cleaner Safer Group with over a decade of leadership experience in testing, certification and compliance.
He previously served as Managing Director of the Building Compliance Testers Association (BCTA) Group.
According to the organisation, during his time at BCTA, Barry developed new compliance standards that were adopted by more than 60 bodies worldwide.
This included applications across the UK, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Before that, he led energy services at BM TRADA, where he established an accredited laboratory and launched a new acoustics division.
The group said his experience will support the expansion of services offered by HETAS and Woodsure.
Statements from the incoming and outgoing leadership
Barry Cope said: “It’s an absolute privilege to step into the role of CEO.”
“The strong position we find ourselves in now is down to both Bruce’s leadership and the careful, hard work of the entire team over the last two decades.”
“Across the group, we are fortunate to have some of the most knowledgeable and committed people in the industry.”
“Over the coming years it’s important that we continue to utilise this expertise, while working closely with all stakeholders, including manufacturers, tradespeople, and retailers as well as governments and local authorities, to ensure wood burning and biomass remains a trusted, sustainable heating option for future generations.”
Kaye Welfare, Chair of Cleaner Safer Group, said: “Over almost two decades as CEO of CSG, HETAS and Woodsure, Bruce has been passionately dedicated to strengthening each organisation’s focus on safety, developing a more sustainable environment and the expansion of our services.”
“Bruce leaves behind an incredible legacy and a strong, group-wide culture of accountability, expertise and care, all of which will continue to shape our approach as we expand further.”
“We’re delighted to welcome Barry as our new CEO.”
“His experience across sectors and managing corporate groups make him the ideal person to continue moving Cleaner Safer Group forward, utilising the trusted, leading voices of HETAS and Woodsure as foundations to grow and set best practices.”
Future direction and international ambition
Barry Cope outlined his plans for the role and future development of the group’s work.
He said: “Our mission is clear, through both HETAS and Woodsure, to continually improve the environmental performance of appliances and spearhead fuel quality across the UK, whilst educating consumers to make the right choices.”
“This will only be possible if we continue to support all stakeholders with the best guidance, resources and practice.”
“Our overall aim is to set the best standards internationally across both organisations, putting the UK at the forefront and creating a model that other countries want to follow.”
“By utilising our combined knowledge, expertise and insight, it will enable Cleaner Safer Group to lead both HETAS and Woodsure, and support other organisations across all sectors in reducing their impact on the environment.”
“I look forward to meeting and working with all our partners, experts and the wider industry over the coming months, ensuring we continue to lead the way with integrity, transparency and purpose.”
Barry Cope appointed CEO of Cleaner Safer Group: Summary
Barry Cope has been appointed CEO of Cleaner Safer Group.
He replaces Bruce Allen, who will retire in September 2025.
Cleaner Safer Group is the parent organisation of HETAS and Woodsure.
HETAS and Woodsure provide certification and compliance services in the UK solid fuel and biomass heating sectors.
The group supports government-backed initiatives including Ready to Burn and the Biomass Suppliers List.
Barry Cope previously led the Building Compliance Testers Association Group.
He has experience in international standards development and laboratory management.
The group said the transition aims to expand its services and support future sustainability.
Barry Cope said he will focus on collaboration, stakeholder support and raising standards.