Consultation on Waste Competence Requirements

Albion Environmental is aware of the current changes to the requirements for Waste Competence for waste management facilities being proposed by DEFRA and Scottish Executive.

DEFRA have released their 4th consultation on their Environmental Permitting Programme (EPP) for England and Wales. The EPP will look to streamline permitting and waste management licensing into one regime. This consultation provides draft guidance for comment on 8 European Directives and proposals for technical competence under the system, including a proposal by the CIWM and WAMITAB on future technical competence. This can be viewed at the DEFRA website.

The Scottish Executive has also issued a joint consultation paper with SEPA, titled Better Waste Regulation. The paper seeks industry views on how to streamline and improve waste regulation in Scotland. This consultation is now closed but the paper can be viewed on the Scottish Executive website.

Albion Environmental’s view is that it is clear that WAMITAB awards will continue to play a key role in demonstrating Technical Competence. Much of the recent criticism of the WAMITAB awards is that they are viewed as a paper exercise to gain the necessary award rather than an assessment of competence. Vocational qualifications were designed so that companies could use the different levels throughout their work force and could be used to assist with career progression. Unfortunately because of the legal requirement to have a level 4 qualification, the first exposure candidates have to a Vocational Qualification is at level 4.

As a young progressive company we have always taken the view that a WAMITAB qualification must benefit

• The candidate
• The Candidates Company

This approach has been welcomed by our candidates and candidate companies alike and this is clearly shown by our increase in market share and the number of clients that come back to do second, third and even fourth awards.

With the current reviews underway our recommendations are as follows

• WAMITAB awards will continue to be accepted as evidence of Technical Competence.
• WAMITAB Qualifications delivered correctly deliver benefits to the candidate and the candidate company.
• As other options become clearer we will develop these options with a view to delivering the best option for our customers.

If you wish to discuss any of the points above or still have concerns about the proposed changes please do not hesitate to contact Albion Environmental.