22 July 2020
Press Statement

Integration plan announced for CIWM and WAMITAB

CIWM is announcing today (22 July 2020) the integration of WAMITAB, the awarding body for qualifications in the resources and waste sector, more closely into CIWM. The move is intended to strengthen the provision of relevant and fit-for-purpose qualifications, particularly for the resources and waste management sector.

“Skills and professional competence are more important than ever right across the UK economy. Resources and waste management skills will be critical as the sector gears up to support a ‘green recovery’ from COVID-19 in the short term and plays its full role in supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions in the longer term. We want to ensure that CIWM is positioned to deliver a high-quality education, training and qualifications portfolio tailored to the needs of the sector now and in the future,” says CIWM President Trevor Nicoll.

WAMITAB was established (as the Waste Management Industry Training & Advisory Board) in 1989 by CIWM and other waste sector trade bodies. Solely owned by CIWM since 2017, it is a not-for-profit body with charitable status and its own Board of Trustees.

WAMITAB develops and awards qualifications for site and facility operators across the UK to demonstrate competence in line with the sector’s regulatory and permitting regime. It also develops and awards qualifications for those working in cleaning and street cleansing, facilities management and parking.

As the professional body for the resources and waste sector, CIWM is focused on providing a high-quality professional membership experience, from thought leadership on legislation and policy issues, through to knowledge-sharing, networking and mentoring opportunities for members to enhance individual development. In these challenging times, CIWM’s strategy has been to strengthen its focus on developing new and enhanced member services, as well as taking steps to ensure ongoing commercial sustainability and resilience of the whole organisation.

The closer integration of WAMITAB into CIWM is part of this strategy and the CIWM Trustee Board has approved a plan to ensure this is delivered in a timely and cost-effective way. 
In the initial stage of the integration, WAMITAB will continue to operate as now across all its client sectors, with its own governance structure but with some streamlining and sharing of resources.

As work develops to more closely align the operation and future strategies of both organisations, CIWM will be consulting and communicating fully with staff, members, learners and training providers, and other stakeholders. 

As part of this announcement, CIWM would also like to thank the outgoing Chair of WAMITAB Rob Little for his hard work and support and welcome the new Chair Dan Cooke who will play a key role in helping to move the CIWM and WAMITAB integration plan forward.

ENDS

Notes to Editors: 

1. CIWM: CIWM is the leading professional body for the resource and waste management sector representing around 5,700 individuals in the UK, Ireland and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non-profit making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. More information can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

2. WAMITAB: WAMITAB is an awarding organisation and charity that develops qualifications for those working in waste management and recycling, cleaning and street cleansing, facilities management and parking. WAMITAB works directly with industry leaders to shape and deliver employer-led qualifications that provide individuals with fit-for-purpose skills for the workplace.

Press contact:
Pat Jennings
CIWM Head of Policy, Knowledge & External Affairs
Tel: 01604 620426 
Mob: 07912 228260 
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk