About Us
BLD Certification Group is an independent Member Practice of Equal Assurance, which is a JASANZ-accredited Certifying Body, delivering accredited auditing services to organisations across Australia. As a Member Practice of Equal Assurance, we provide internationally recognised certification across a range of ISO standards with full impartiality and no consulting conflicts.
Headquartered in Sydney with a branch in Brisbane, we work with a diverse range of industries including construction, civil infrastructure, manufacturing, transport, logistics, energy, mining, professional services, facilities management, and all levels of government.
Our mission is to support businesses of all sizes in meeting their compliance obligations, enhancing operational performance, and building stakeholder trust through rigorous, practical certification processes.
Who We Are
Blake Hynes
Managing Director/
General Manager
BLD Certification Group
Blake Hynes is the managing director and general manager of BLD Certification, a purpose-driven ISO certification group focused on delivering practical, industry-aligned certification services across construction, civil infrastructure, manufacturing, and government sectors.
With over a decade of frontline experience in WHSE, industrial relations, and compliance auditing, Blake has spent his career supporting contractors, subcontractors, and government clients to lift their systems, strengthen their businesses, and meet the growing demands of regulated work environments.
Blake has worked alongside Andy Blakeley for over 10 years, forming a highly effective partnership built on mutual trust, shared values, and a clear understanding of what businesses actually need from their certifier— not just paperwork, but
real-world value.
Known for his direct, honest approach and deep understanding of how work gets done on site and in the boardroom, Blake launched BLD Certification to help businesses navigate ISO certification with clarity, confidence, and minimal disruption. Whether it’s quality, safety, or environmental systems, Blake’s focus is on delivering results that are credible, efficient, and tailored to the way each business operates.
Luke Shipperley
Director / Lead Auditor
BLD Certification Group
Luke is an exceptional WHSEQ professional whose depth of experience and practical capability set him apart in the industry. With more than 16 years working across high‑risk sectors—including construction, civil, oil and gas, rail, pharmaceutical, and government infrastructure—he brings a level of insight and professionalism that consistently delivers results.
Throughout major projects across Australia and New Zealand, Luke has demonstrated an outstanding ability to design, implement, and refine safety systems that genuinely improve performance at both site and organisational levels. His leadership experience with respected organisations such as BESIX Watpac, Icon, and Tomkins Commercial reflects his ability to build strong, inclusive safety cultures and drive meaningful change.
As a qualified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, Luke applies a rigorous, practical approach to compliance and assurance. His expertise in psychosocial risk, critical policy development, and workforce training ensures that organisations not only meet their obligations but also strengthen their overall safety maturity.
In his role with BLD Cert, Luke delivers tailored, high‑value solutions focused on compliance, risk reduction, and creating safe, productive work environments. His professionalism, integrity, and commitment to continual improvement make him a trusted partner for any organisation seeking genuine WHSEQ excellence.
Darren Newell
Director / Auditor
BLD Certification Group
Darren Newell is a director of BLD Certification, bringing over 12 years of experience across construction, civil infrastructure, and regulated work environments, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and environmental management systems.
With a background in senior site based HSE and project safety coordination roles, Darren has supported the delivery of complex commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure projects for leading contractors in the Tier 1 and Tier 2 construction space. His experience spans WHS management system development, high risk activity oversight, contractor and principal contractor compliance, and direct engagement with regulators.
Darren has extensive experience conducting and leading ISO, PQC, and OFSC audits, and works closely with businesses to prepare for certification, surveillance audits, and regulatory review. He holds formal lead auditor qualifications in ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and ISO 19011, enabling him to assess and certify integrated management systems that are practical, compliant, and aligned with how work is actually performed on site.
Known for his practical approach, Darren focuses on helping organisations achieve credible certification outcomes that support safer operations, stronger systems, and sustainable business growth.