The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health is consulting on a draft framework of core competencies for local authority contaminated land regulators.

Focusing in particular on the implementation of Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the framework considers the role of aid to the Local Planning Authority but not any functions directly in pursuance of the Environmental Damage Regulations or in respect of Waste Licensing.

Environmental Protection UK believes that any competency framework for regulators should be aligned with a system for the private sector, such as that currently being developed by SiLC. As currently drafted this competency framework will not serve this purpose.

Members have raised grave concerns over the implementation of two separate frameworks for commercial and public sectors. A joint or, if necessary, dual track framework is essential if we are to increase understanding and cooperation between these two sectors and ensure the development of a credible and workable system that effectively raises standards and aides consistency across the sector.