Q-Who? Meet Kelly Skeels, Q3’s Compliance Manager

Compliance may not always be the most visible part of facilities management, but it is one of the most important. Behind every safe, well-managed building is a framework of checks, controls, evidence and assurance that helps protect people, property and businesses. For Kelly Skeels, Q3’s Compliance Manager, that is where her experience and attention to detail come to the fore.

Kelly has been with Q3 for more than three years and brings over 15 years of experience across construction, facilities maintenance and compliance. Like many working in FM, her career began somewhere completely different – in hairdressing. However, she then moved into the built environment, where she developed a strong understanding of operational delivery, customer service and the importance of getting the detail right.

Before joining Q3, Kelly worked with Anglian’s installation team, then with Chigwell Construction as a Responsive Repairs Manager. She later moved into helpdesk and compliance at O-Two Maintenance, supporting designer outlet contracts and building the experience that would shape the next stage of her career.

Those roles gave her first-hand insight into how buildings operate, how services are delivered and where risks need to be managed. They also helped develop the calm, organised and practical approach that is essential when dealing with compliance, contractors and client expectations.

Kelly joined Q3 as Helpdesk Lead, before moving into her current role as Compliance Manager. That progression has given her a rounded view of service delivery, from the day-to-day operational pressures faced by frontline teams to the assurance and governance needed to keep clients’ buildings safe and compliant.

In her current role, Kelly oversees statutory compliance across a diverse client portfolio. This includes working closely with Q3’s largest clients, contractors and our operational teams to ensure buildings and services remain safe, compliant and operationally effective. Her responsibilities include managing compliance risk, monitoring contractor performance, supporting audit and governance processes, and delivering assurance across key areas such as water hygiene, fire safety and HVAC systems.

“My role brings together technical knowledge, organisation and communication. I draw on qualifications and training including IOSH Managing Safely and City & Guilds accredited Responsible Person training, as well as my experience in risk management, contractor performance, audit processes and stakeholder engagement. A big part of the job is translating compliance requirements into practical action, so teams and clients can focus on what matters most.

“What I enjoy most is knowing that the work I do helps keep sites safe and reduces risk as far as possible. I also like the variety the role brings, particularly the chance to visit sites, speak face-to-face with clients and build relationships across Q3’s portfolio.

“Compliance can sometimes sound process-heavy, but for me it is really about people. It gives me a good feeling to know that buildings are safe, risks are being managed and clients have confidence in what we do. I enjoy being out and about, meeting people and understanding how our work supports them in practice.

“Whether I am coordinating with contractors, reviewing evidence, supporting audits or advising operational colleagues, my job is to bring clarity and assurance to an area that is critical to clients and building users alike. For me, good compliance is about giving people confidence that the right things are being done, consistently and professionally.”

As Q3 continues to grow, roles like Kelly’s are increasingly important. Her knowledge, diligence and collaborative approach help ensure compliance remains embedded in day-to-day operations, supporting safe environments, strong client relationships and consistently high standards.

Away from work, Kelly is based in Colchester and enjoys running for fun. She has also kept a creative connection with hairdressing, helping friends and family with hair for special occasions such as weddings and proms. A self-confessed bookworm, she also spends plenty of time supporting her sisters and their families, who live locally.