Conference Speakers

Neil Yeomans

Customer and Building Safety Consultant, Lodestone Assurance

I help organisations create safer, healthier places to live and work — because the built environment is more than bricks and mortar; it’s a foundation for human wellbeing. My multi‑disciplinary perspective allows me to cross‑fertilise best practice between disciplines, bringing fresh solutions to persistent challenges. I’ve applied asbestos management methods to improve fire door compliance and used Building Safety engagement strategies to tackle damp and mould — proving the smartest ideas often come from outside the immediate field.

Over my career, I’ve become convinced that risk management systems — not tick‑box compliance — are the most sustainable route to preventing ill health and fatalities. That belief has made me a leading proponent of **BS9997**, the fire risk management standard that embeds safety into an organisation. I personally led a large Housing Provider to achieve BS9997 accreditation and sustained it for several years, giving me first‑hand insight into the operational, cultural, and leadership challenges of making it work in practice.

As a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a solution based approach. My career spans HHSRS, fire risk management, and earned my spurs as a regulator — covering everything from gas safety to legionella and specialised in managing the challenge of damp and mould.

I believe good health outcomes depend as much on communication as on compliance. The best safety systems only work when residents understand how to protect themselves and their homes — and that means tailoring the message so it resonates with each audience.

Technology is transforming how we tackle these challenges — and I haven’t just used these tools, I’ve been at the cutting edge of their rollout in housing. From BIM and the Golden Thread to sensor technology and data analytics, I’ve helped pioneer their adoption to uncover root causes, prevent harm, and drive smarter decisions.

I’ve led large‑scale cultural transformations, authored government‑sponsored guidance, and advised the Building Advisory Committee’s Higher Risk Buildings group. My work has been recognised with multiple national and international safety awards, but my real measure of success is safer buildings, healthier residents, and stronger trust between landlords and communities.

Now, as CEO of Lodestone Assurance and an independent consultant, I partner with clients to strengthen governance, embed safety culture, and deliver measurable improvements in health and safety outcomes.

Our mission statement

The centre of excellence for improving property performance

The NHMF is the leading body representing housing providers, committed to championing innovation to deliver excellence in maintenance and asset management