John F Hunt’s specialist consultancy, ACE, has taken the asbestos conversation to the heart of UK policymaking. Ben Angell James, Technical and Compliance Director, and Gareth Jones, Operations Manager, recently represented ACE at the Houses of Parliament in support of a growing campaign to tackle one of the country’s most persistent public health issues: asbestos in schools and public buildings.
Driving Change from Westminster
Hosted in Westminster, this high-profile event marked a crucial milestone in the Asbestos in Schools and Public Buildings Campaign. It brought together leading voices from across the sector, consultants, campaigners, politicians, and trade associations, with a shared mission: to raise awareness of the continued threat of asbestos and accelerate progress toward a safer future.
Despite being banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos remains present in an estimated 300,000 non-domestic buildings. That includes many schools, hospitals, and public offices where millions work, study, or receive care. Tragically, asbestos exposure continues to claim around 5,000 lives a year from illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Advocating for a Safer Future
Led by the Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC) and the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), the campaign urges the government to take stronger, more decisive action. The key proposals include:
- Establishing a national strategy for the safe, phased removal of asbestos from public buildings
- Setting more apparent timelines and practical guidance for building managers and duty-holders
- Increasing investment in asbestos-related research, risk assessment, and remediation work
- Shifting away from “managing in situ” to proactive removal wherever possible
ACE’s participation in the event was not just symbolic; it reinforced the consultancy’s longstanding commitment to public safety, regulatory compliance, and forward-thinking leadership in asbestos management.
ACE at the Table
With decades of combined experience, Ben and Gareth contributed expert insights on the technical challenges of monitoring and managing asbestos. Their presence highlighted the importance of data-led compliance, the need for robust standards, and the essential role of skilled professionals in executing asbestos strategies safely and effectively.
Ben commented:
“It’s time to move beyond awareness. This event showed a collective appetite for change and meaningful action. We were proud to stand alongside fellow professionals and advocates to drive the conversation forward and represent our team’s and clients’ experiences.”
Their involvement also underlined the real-world impact of well-informed consultancy on national policy, providing government decision-makers with practical context that can shape the next generation of asbestos legislation and safety procedures.
A Shared Responsibility
One of the most powerful aspects of the day came from personal stories shared by MPs and campaigners, testimonies of lives lost, families affected, and communities still living with the risks of historical asbestos use. These stories were a sobering reminder that asbestos is not a legacy issue but an active health crisis that requires urgent attention.
Public buildings constructed before 1999, especially those still in daily use, remain high-risk environments. Children in schools, NHS staff in hospitals, and tradespeople maintaining infrastructure all face potential exposure. ACE continues to call for a national removal strategy prioritising the health and safety of those most vulnerable.
Supporting a National Effort
At John F Hunt, we’re proud of ACE’s role in leading industry dialogue and influencing policy. Their dedication to technical excellence, collaboration, and measurable impact reflects the values guiding all our Group’s divisions.
Events like this are essential in keeping asbestos reform on the national agenda. As awareness builds, ACE will continue to work alongside clients, regulators, and industry bodies to drive progress and ensure that asbestos risks are managed and eventually eliminated safely, controlled, and transparently.
The Road Ahead
This moment in Westminster sent a clear message: tackling asbestos must be a public health priority. With the right partnerships, investment, and political will, the UK can reduce risk, save lives, and pave the way for a healthier future.
Explore more: Visit the UK Asbestos Risk Map to learn how exposure risks vary nationwide and about the national campaign.