Bruce Allen, CEO of Cleaner Safer Group, has announced his retirement and will be stepping down as CEO in September 2025. Cleaner Safer Group is the parent company of independent not-for-profit organisations, HETAS and Woodsure.  

Bruce was appointed CEO of HETAS, an industry leader in training and certification for biomass and solid fuel appliances, almost two decades ago, and then in 2017 was also made CEO of Woodsure – the UK’s only wood fuel quality assurance scheme. Bruce also took up the role of CEO at Cleaner Safer Group five years later, leading both organisations towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future. 

Cleaner Safer Group 

HETAS and Woodsure form Cleaner Safer Group, providing guidance and solutions to various stakeholders to help them meet compliance and regulatory requirements, driving sustainability and minimised emissions. Woodsure also operates its own independent laboratory, offering testing and certification services to verify regulatory compliance. 

Collectively, the Group leads on industry standards, policy, and strategy, working alongside its registrants and suppliers, local authorities, and government departments – including Defra, DESNZ, and MHCLG. 

Growth and direction 

Bruce’s leadership has led to growth across HETAS and Woodsure and the launch of the new parent company – Cleaner Safer Group. During his time at these organisations, Bruce has seen the rapid development of the HETAS installer competent person scheme, the Cleaner Choice scheme, the Ready to Burn scheme which was adopted into legislation in 2020, the creation and expansion of the HETAS sweep and service scheme, the successful procurement of the contract to administer the Biomass Suppliers List, and the expansion of the Woodsure lab into an independent testing and certification laboratory. 

To this day, HETAS remains the only competent person scheme specialising in the installation of solid fuel and biomass appliances, and Woodsure is the UK’s only wood fuel quality assurance scheme – highlighting the strength both organisations bring to Cleaner Safer Group, and the success the future holds. 

Kaye Welfare, Cleaner Safer Group Chair, commented on Bruce’s retirement: 

This leadership transition marks the close of a remarkable chapter. Bruce has led HETAS, Woodsure, and more recently Cleaner Safer Group with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our aim of working together for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment. 

 

“Under Bruce’s leadership, organisations under Cleaner Safer Group have developed and expanded their services to become leaders in the wood and biomass fuel sectors, whilst remaining focused on working towards minimised particulate emissions and a more sustainable environment. Cleaner Safer Group has an incredibly strong foundation thanks to Bruce’s dedication, and his passion and care have echoed throughout our organisation – resulting in a culture grounded in accountability and expertise. We wish Bruce the happiest of retirements and thank him for the wonderful legacy he is leaving us. 

 

“We look forward to welcoming our new CEO this summer.