Setting a standard of service

David Dossett, a board member for the charity, Electrical Safety First, has won the BSI Wolfe Barry Medal –  made by the British Standards Institute, the UK’s national standards body.

 The award recognises an outstanding contribution to developing standards which significantly benefit industry, the economy and/or the public good. Only one Wolfe Barry Medal is awarded each year, as it is considered the highest form of recognition for BSI standards-makers.

David Dossett is a chartered engineer who has worked extensively in the electricity and oil industries and has over 25 years’ experience in international standardisation.  A past chairman of the Electrical Safety First Board, he has been a trustee of the charity since 2001 and a former President of CENELEC, the European Electro-technical Standards body. He was appointed Chief Executive of BEAMA ((the British Association for the Electrical Industry) in 1991, leaving this role in 2008.

In 2011, Dossett was awarded an MBE for services to the electrical manufacturing industry. Notable successes include his coordination of the BEAMA global campaign against the counterfeiting of electrical equipment, resulting in over 12 million fake products being seized and destroyed. He has also helped establish standards supporting various key industry initiatives, such as electric vehicles, smart grids and smart meters.

“We are delighted that David has been honoured in this way”, said Phil Buckle, chief executive of Electrical Safety First. “The Wolfe Barry award recognises the significant contribution he has made to consumer safety and the industry. Effective standards are fundamental to both - providing clarity for industry and enhancing consumer safety and trust. David’s contribution to Electrical Safety First’s Board has been incalculable and we congratulate him on receiving this well-deserved award."