Page 3 - CSA INDEX - Autumn WInter 2021

CSA NEW CHAIRMAN

2021-2024

Neil Burdess is 15th Chairman of the Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA). Neil will
succeed retiring chairman Mark Todd of Ashford Environmental Services Ltd. The official hand-over
took place at the Commissioning Specialists Association’s AGM on 11th November.

Commenting on his appointment Neil said:

“I am delighted to be taking over the role as chairman for the next three years having been
a member of the CSA since starting as a trainee commissioning engineer, straight out of school
in 1993.

Employed as an apprentice, under the direction of the late Brian Townsend (End Systems), CSA
chairman between 1994-1996, who guided myself and his other commissioning engineers through
the CSA training scheme. From there to Banyards, huge advocates of the CSA, where I’ve been
for the past 8 years. Nick Till a former Chairman himself (2009-2011) and David Cocksedge, who
presently sits on the technical committee, were very keen for me to join one of the CSA committees;
I initially joined the Training committee providing input into the content for Grades 1 to 4 and in
2018 joined the Application / Upgrade committee and Northern committee.

For the last 28 years the CSA has always been at the forefront of my mind, with the CSA commissioning
compendium being one of the tools I use on a frequent basis.

During my time as the CSA’s chairman my goal is to move the association forward, modernising the
CSA offerings such as online training and exams that will keep the CSA moving forward utilising the
latest information technology.

We will also be looking at the development path for commissioning managers that brings more
balance to the grading system, as we recognise that the current Grade 1 to 6 is heavily weighted
towards mechanical commissioning.

These days a commissioning manager can be witnessing systems as simple as an extract to a heavily
serviced building with Integrated systems testing and smart building technology.”

Nick Till, Managing Director at Banyards and a former Chairman of the
CSA said:

"I am delighted that Neil has been appointed Chairman of the CSA, he is well
known in the industry, and I am confident that Neil’s experience, coupled
with his background in the CSA coming up from a trainee engineer through
to chairing subcommittees, will give him a sound footing to implement the
growth strategies he is passionate about.”

Alison Otway – Head of Marketing & Communications for and on behalf of Banyard Consultants Ltd