National Quality Mark Scheme – An Industry View PointEffective Site Investigation Conference, 24/05/2017

Richard Clayton, Director, Ground Risk & Remediation

NQMS – An Industry View

Topics to Cover

— Why the NQMS?— Cornerstones of Our Approach— Next Steps

2

NQMS – An Industry View

Why NQMS?

Our Review of Regulation (Oct. 2016)

‒ Regulation is changing‒ Government funding will

not be reinstated‒ Local authorities are the ‒ Local authorities are the

lead – but resources are down by 31%

‒ Reduced focus and priority for the Environment Agency

Local Authority Views

65% Satisfied with the

standard of

50% do not plan to

mandate the NQMS

71 Responses to a short

survey

Only 5% Expect the

95% Aware of the NQMS

standard of work

mandate the NQMS

Only 5% Expect the NQMS to

have a material change

A number of CL

groups disbanded

NQMS Concerns?

‒ Corner Cutting‒ Independence‒ Lack of Resources

An Opportunity:5 Recommendations

‒ Clarify the regulatory position

‒ Make the NQMScompulsory for sites subject to planning permissionpermission

‒ Keep independent verification

‒ Fill the regulatory skills gap

‒ Find alternative funding

NQMS – An Industry View

Cornerstones of Our Approach

NQMS – An Industry View

Independently Verified System

‒ ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 compliant

‒ Support Project Direction, Management and Delivery (roles &

9

Direction, Management and Delivery (roles & responsibilities)

‒ QA/QC Procedures‒ SOPs‒ Hand held PDA’s

NQMS – An Industry View

Capable Team

‒ Increase chartership‒ Mandate accreditation‒ Demonstration of

Competence‒ Use the Brownfield Skills

10

‒ Use the Brownfield Skills Register

‒ Confirm the Project Team through the various stages

‒ Internal core skills training

‒ SOPs etc.

NQMS – An Industry View

Uncertainties

‒ Specific Section in Reports

‒ Risk Register

11

NQMS – An Industry View

Independent SQP

‒ SQP sits outside of the Project Team.

‒ SQP to carry out project reviews at suitable junctions in the Project.

‒ Final authorisation before 12

‒ Final authorisation before the Report and Certification is issued.

NQMS – An Industry View

Next steps?

Next Steps?

‒ The regulatory structure and focal point?

‒ Clarify the role of NQMS.‒ Make it mandatory for

planning schemes?planning schemes?‒ Keep independent

verification.‒ Support a scheme that

can improve standards in our industry.

Thank you!Thank you!

wsp.com