Professional Accreditation within the Waste Management Industry Paul Clapham: Technical Director – Waste & Sustainable Materials Management

Introduction – scope of the presentation  What do we mean by accreditation?  What are the advantages and disadvantages of accreditation schemes?  Some examples of accreditation schemes  An accreditation scheme for Australia? Some concepts to bear in mind

What do we mean by accreditation? Statement 1: “The waste management industry is second only to the nuclear industry in respect of the degree of regulation and control that it experiences.” Statement 2: “Traditionally the regulation of the waste management industry has relied upon statutory site-based approvals for facilities (anticipatory); coupled with statutory enforcement / torts (legal nuisances) that tend to apply after something has gone wrong (reactive)”. Statement 3: “The environmental and health impacts of waste management operations are a consequence of human-mediated actions.”

Accreditation – a people-centric approach Statement 4: “The waste management industry and those who work within it have a ‘duty of care’ in respect of the protection of the environment and human health (i.e. the health and safety of employees and colleagues as well as the well-being of the general public).” Statement 5: “A consideration of the ‘duty of care’ leads to the concept of a ‘fit and proper person’ – i.e. someone who is capable of undertaking the job that he or she has been assigned, and who has been given the resources to do it.” Statement 6: “The waste management industry has a duty to ensure that responsible individuals are trained, qualified and experienced – an approach that is perhaps best achieved through a professional accreditation scheme.”

The advantages and disadvantages of accreditation schemes (licences to practice) Advantages  Can achieve a greater degree of protection for the environment.  Add to the “professionalism” of the industry.  Can assist career progression for the individual. Disadvantages  Can be viewed as an additional regulatory burden.  Can add to the cost of waste management operations.  May limit career opportunities.

Some examples of accreditation schemes  The UK Certificate of Technical Competence (CoTC) Scheme (WAMITAB) (1994 to c. 2008)  The CIWM / WAMITAB Operator Competence Scheme (c.2008 to present)

The WAMITAB CoTC Scheme (UK)  The Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 formerly applied in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) to those persons involved in the collection, storage, treatment and disposal of controlled wastes.  The scheme was administered by WAMITAB (Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board).  Certificates of Technical Competence (CoTCs) were based upon the successful completion of a relevant set of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) – work-based assessments – by the individual.  The original CoTCs were ‘awards for life’ and did not require the holder to demonstrate continuing professional development (CPD).

The CIWM / WAMITAB Operator Competence Scheme (UK)  The Environmental Permitting Regulations 2007 came into force in England and Wales on the 6 April 2008, replacing The Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 and rescinding the CoTC ‘awards for life’ policy.  All existing CoTC holders had to pass an assessment within a two- year period from 1 March 2009 and register with the CIWM/WAMITAB Waste Operator Competence Scheme.  Existing CoTC holders or those Deemed Competent under the new scheme have to demonstrate Continuing Competence every two years.  The different types of waste management facilities have been classed as High, Medium or Low risk.

The CIWM / WAMITAB Operator Competence Scheme (continued) – categories of risk  High Risk – Operators of facilities in this category have to demonstrate competence through appropriate existing NVQ awards (new award holders are still be able to obtain the CoTC if they wish but this is not compulsory).  Medium Risk – Operators of facilities in this category have a choice between two awards: either 6 specific technical units of the NVQ, or a specially developed VRQ (Vocationally Related Qualification) “Certificate in Waste and Resource Management” which covers transfer, treatment and landfill (inert) activities.  Low Risk – Operators of facilities in this category have a choice between two new awards – 4 specified technical units of the NVQ or a 2 day taught and assessed training course “Environmental Permit Operators Certificate (EPOC)”.

What are the benefits of the new scheme?  The registration process encourages membership of the relevant professional body (The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management).  Continuing professional development is now an integral part of the scheme.  Individuals could chart a career progression from low to high risk facilities.  There is greater transparency between the registration / accreditation needs of the individual and the risks associated with the operation of particular types of facilities.  The greatest burden is placed on those operating facilities that have the potential to cause significant adverse environmental impacts.

An accreditation scheme for Australia? Some concepts to bear in mind  Appropriateness – there is a balance to be struck between ensuring the protection of the environment and human health, and business efficiency. If regulation is too onerous, it may result in market failures that may ultimately lead to environmental and health impacts.  CPD - accreditation schemes should try to avoid becoming ‘awards for life’ – continuing professional development (CPD) needs to be an integral part of any scheme.  Avoid the creation of an elite class – access to an accreditation scheme should be on an equitable basis; the acquisition of an award should be based on the demonstration of competence; and the scheme should try to avoid the emergence of a ‘closed shop’ or ‘hired gun’ approach which could hamper career progression.

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