Environment Agency to improve regulation with specialist training programme

The work experience will come within new training programmes designed, says the Agency, “to retain an experienced, professional workforce who can deliver integrated environmental regulation on the ground.”

Participants in the programme, who will be mainly graduates with a strong background in environmental science, will be required to successfully complete six months supervised training before being able to conduct unsupervised warrant work.

A second training scheme will start in January 2001 for environmental protection officers who are likely to have at least two years' Agency experience. Participants in the scheme will be seconded to work at waste management facilities for up to four weeks, where they will be able to learn about issues connected with effective waste management first hand from operators.

Dr. Paul Leinster, the Environment Agency's director of environmental protection said: “The development of Agency people is vital to the delivery of effective environmental protection.”

“Environmental protection officers are in the frontline. They must apply evolving and complex legislation and guidance to make sure we are fulfilling our duty to protect the environment and human health. Everyday, they make difficult decisions that have a direct impact on industry operations and the environment.”

Michael Averill, chief executive of Shanks, who has also just finished his term of office as chairman of the ESA, commented: “We support the Environment Agency's secondment initiatives and its drive to improve training. This significant resource commitment to develop and retain a professional workforce is essential for effective waste regulation.”