INTRODUCING
THE TEAM

Mick Benest

Managing Director

Introducing Mick Benest, a seasoned construction professional with 35+ years of global experience and the founder of Sentinel Construction Compliance in 2016. Mick excels in pivotal senior management roles across the Americas, Mainland Europe, the UK, and the Channel Islands, bringing expertise in Architectural Technology, Construction Management, and Construction Health and Safety, complemented by diplomas in fire stopping and fire door inspection.

As a Practitioner Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, Mick ensures a comprehensive understanding of environmental considerations. In roles such as Health and Safety Project Coordinator, he has overseen 200+ projects in Jersey and served as CDM Coordinator at major airports. Mick's distinguished career includes senior Clerk of Works positions for entities like Andium, The Parish of St. Helier, Jersey Property Holdings, and UHNW individuals. An esteemed Associate of professional bodies, including the Chartered Association of Building Engineers, the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management, the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the Institute of Fire Prevention Officers, Mick's diverse skill set and commitment make him a valuable asset to Sentinel Construction Compliance.

Jonathan Higgins

Sentinel Construction Compliance

Jonathan has worked in the construction industry for over 30 years and has gained a wealth of knowledge spanning Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Property Management, and Health and Safety Project Coordination. Jonathan has played integral roles in high-profile developments such as Heathrow T5, Heathrow Express, national telecoms roll-outs, Police Infrastructure projects, London Underground track replacement projects, shopping centres, hospital extensions, and more.

Currently serving as the HSPC (Health and Safety Plan Coordinator) and Clerk of Works at Sentinel Construction Compliance, Jonathan utilises his extensive experience to actively support clients and design teams. His focus is on delivering a comprehensive service that prioritises efficiency, health and safety awareness, precision, and elevating compliance and quality of delivery. As a Project Manager at Sentinel Construction Compliance, Jonathan plays a crucial role in coordinating the entire project lifecycle, ensuring efficient execution, timely delivery, and effective communication among stakeholders. With a wealth of experience in HSPC, he adeptly manages project timelines, budgets, and resources, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to excellence in construction project management.

James Kent

Health & Safety Consultant

James has over 20 years experience working in health, safety and environmental management for both the public and private sector organisations, with the work predominantly construction focused. He has acted as Planning Supervisor, CDM Co-ordinator and more recently Health and Safety Project Coordinator on numerous public sector schemes, including the UK's Decent Homes programme.

James has managed health and safety aspects from the initial project feasibility stage all the way through construction completion, which also involved overseeing demolition on specific sites. He has been actively engaged in several significant construction projects in Jersey, contributing to their successful execution, including:

  • refurbishment of highrise residential buildings
  • new developments – Salisbury Crescent, 44 Esplanade , Mont a L’Abbe School
  • refurbishment of live working environments including Accident and Emergency Department
  • construction and commissioning of the Energy from the Waste plant
  • Elizabeth Harbour redevelopment

James is dynamic, has a personable and practicable approach and is able to raise-the-bar to ensure that Health and Safety is a key matters on any project agenda.

Martin Kennedy

Clerk of Works

Martin Kennedy is a highly experienced Clerk of Works with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years across diverse global industries. As a proud Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB), Martin's professional acumen reflects his unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in construction quality control and project management. His extensive experience spans residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects, showcasing meticulous attention to detail and a consistent delivery of projects at the highest standards.

In his pivotal role as a Clerk of Works, Martin ensures strict adherence to design specifications, industry regulations, and quality standards, utilizing his keen eye for detail to identify and resolve issues promptly, averting costly rework and future complications. With a global perspective, he navigates diverse cultures and effectively communicates with stakeholders, fostering collaboration among project teams, contractors, and clients. Martin's expertise in verifying workmanship, materials, and compliance, coupled with exceptional communication skills, positions him as a trusted asset in delivering successful construction projects globally, marked by excellence, transparency, and adherence to industry best practices.

Neil Blunden

Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT)

Neil Blunden, a seasoned Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) with over 30 years of experience, has excelled as a sole practitioner, managing more than 400 projects. His extensive background spans roles in prestigious Architectural and Surveying practices, where he played a pivotal role in the design, detailing, and specification of diverse buildings.

Specialising in a wide array of projects such as new build houses, flat conversions, nightclubs, hotels, bars, licensing applications, and fire plans, Neil demonstrates a strong design sensibility and an unwavering commitment to quality. He adeptly handles Planning and Building Control Applications, Construction Documentation, and utilises his advanced knowledge of 3D computer building information models, employing the latest Archicad BIM Software. This expertise enables him to comprehensively visualise schemes during the design phase, ensuring seamless coordination with Structural Engineers, M&E, and services, thus facilitating efficient collaboration and clash detection throughout the entire design process. Neil's areas of specialisation also extend to Sustainable Building Design, Energy Efficient Buildings, Historic Building Advice, Licensing Applications, and Fire Plans, making significant contributions to the overall safety and compliance of the built environment.