The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) is delighted to welcome Emma Bellingham to the organisation as Head of Learning and Development from 2 June 2026.
Emma joins the GAI with extensive experience in learning, skills and workforce development, and will lead the continued growth and development of the GAI’s education and training activities.
Her appointment comes at a particularly important time for the industry, as competence, training and professional development continue to move higher up the agenda across the built environment and construction products sectors.
Emma will work closely with members, learners, employers and industry stakeholders to help ensure the GAI’s education offering continues to evolve in line with the changing needs of the sector.
As part of this next stage for the GAI, Douglas Masterson will move fully into the role of Technical Director, allowing him to dedicate even greater focus to the GAI’s technical leadership and industry engagement activities.
Douglas has made an enormous contribution to both the GAI’s technical and education activities over many years and will continue to work closely with the Education team to ensure the technical accuracy, quality and relevance of the GAI’s training programmes.
In his dedicated Technical Director role, Douglas will expand his work representing the sector across industry and government discussions, particularly as regulatory reform and competence requirements continue to evolve.
Together, Emma and Douglas will help further strengthen the GAI’s ability to support members and the wider industry through both technical leadership and high-quality education and training.