HUMBER ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGERS’ NETWORK

We had a chat with the chair of our Humber Environmental Managers Network Chair Tony Edwards:

Please tell us a little about yourself:
I am an environmental manager who has worked in Yorkshire and Humber since the mid-1970s. I started off in pollution control and in tome became a senior regional manager for the Environment Agency (EA) with also responsibilities for water resources and flood risk management. My final post in the Agency, before taking early retirement, was Humber Strategies Manager. I then worked part time for the Humber Industry Nature Conservation Association (INCA), which became the Humber Nature Partnership (HNP) in 2013. Although not now an employee of HNP, I am one of its directors and was its chair from 2014 to 2019.

Since leaving the Environment Agency I have also been a part-time lecturer in the Institute for Chemistry in Industry, University of Hull contributing to NEBOSH Environmental Certificate and Diploma courses, and giving the Environmental Sustainability module for the University’s BSc in Health Safety and the Environment.

I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management, have a BSc in Geography from King’s College University of London and a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of East Anglia.

For those that have not heard of the Environmental Managers’ Network, please tell us about the network and its objectives:
The purpose is to consider the development and application of legislation, and related matters affecting companies in the Humber environs. The topics we cover include natural capital, environmental management systems, air and water pollution, waste management/waste minimisation, contaminated land, flood risks, biodiversity and climate change.

We meet 3 times a year for the discussion of presentations from the environmental regulators, invited speakers, including from consultancies, and members of the network. One meeting is in the form of a half-day conference.

Why did you decide to become the chair of this network?
I first got involved in the Network representing the former Humber INCA, which was one of the Network’s members. I then had my arm twisted to be its Chair! HNP supports CATCH in the running of the Network. I have long been involved in working with business to achieve practical outcomes, which benefit both the environment and companies, including their bottom line, for example on waste minimisation. It is my contention that good environmental practice is good business practice benefiting people, wildlife and business.

HNP is one of 47 local nature partnerships in England, with members principally interested in the Humber Estuary. Membership includes local authorities, EA and Natural England, industries and environmental NGOs. Our mission is, “Industry and nature in harmony in one of Europe’s great estuaries”. We are much concerned with the habitats regulation, river basin management, flooding and the practical enhancement of biodiversity on industrial sites. A number of the companies that attend HEMN are also members of HNP.

 What is the networks biggest achievement(s) so far?
Probably our annual conferences which each have four to six by leading speakers in their field providing information, future speculation and stimulating debate. Subjects recently include Climate Change, the UK’s 25 Year Environment Plan, Wildlife on Humber Industrial Sites, Environmental Impact Assessment and Air Quality Management. This year’s conference on Low Carbon Humber has had to be postponed.

What type of companies attend the network?
The Network brings together managers from some of the larger companies in the Humber region, particularly from the energy, chemicals and steel industries, along with some of their supply change and professional advisers including on environmental law, the Environment Agency, Humber Nature Partnership and some local authority officers.

 Why should companies get involved?
The practical implications for companies in the area of environmental developments are described and discussed. On some topics this can help companies in making their response to formal consultations. There are regular updates by the Environment Agency on the long term flood risk management strategy for the estuary, which includes the considerable threat to people and property from rising sea left and other climate change impacts. Attendees also exchange information on opportunities and difficulties they encounter, and make contacts for gaining mutual support

What are the most common challenges companies face at the moment and how does attending this network help?
The challenges include new or amendment of environmental legislation, climate change, flood risk and exploiting the opportunities for benefiting wildlife and the community. The Network considers such matters in a practical manner relevant to the Humber situation. Network members also get invites to HNP meetings and its annual conferences.

For further information on the network, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org

We are delighted to announce that judging has commenced for the CATCH Awards, sponsored by E3 Recruitment. The Awards will be presented at the CATCH Annual Awards Dinner on the 24^th September 2020.

Our final finalists to be announced are for Best Skills Project , this award celebrates those who are actively involved in changing the landscape, not only for themselves but for the industry too. This award celebrates skills at all levels, from involvement with schools, colleges, training providers and universities to continuous development and upskilling staff in the workplace.

Our first finalist is Syngenta, our judges commented: “I like the way that Syngenta have gone out in to the community and educational establishments using their current apprentices acting as ambassadors and advocates of their scheme. They are really engaging with a wide audience and very importantly, they have analysed demographics in their recruitment campaigns to identify and encourage applications from underrepresented groups. They have gone to great lengths to educate and promote apprenticeships which will go a long way to fill skills gaps within industry.”

Our next finalist is Solenis our judges commented: “Solenis, built in 4 days of process safety training per year for everyone on site and are using gold standard service providers in process safety delivery. I was impressed by how everyone gets involved and how process safety training is delivered to all levels in the organisation. 4 days training for every employee on site is a huge commitment to developing the skills and knowledge of the workforce.

Our final finalist is Jacobs Field Services, our judges said, “The approach by Jacobs deserves praise for actively encouraging all employees to complete CPD on conscious inclusion for more than 5000 staff, that’s a brilliant undertaking. Combined with the championing of modern apprenticeships and the desire for the safety officer to understand more about mental health in order to roll out awareness to employees just shows how serious Jacobs are taking awareness and upskilling”

Katie Hedges, Head of Membership Services said “The nominations for this award were very encouraging, all nominated companies are committed to the upskilling of their staff and the future of their business through apprenticeship and graduate programmes, again it was a really tough choice for our judges!   Good luck to our three finalists, and we look forward to presenting the award on the 24^th September”.

Keep an eye out for further announcements and if you would like further information regarding the CATCH Annual Dinner, please contact Lisa Buck – lisa.buck@catchuk.org

We are delighted to announce that judging has commenced for the CATCH Awards, sponsored by E3 Recruitment. The Awards will be presented at the CATCH Annual Awards Dinner on the 24th September 2020.

Our next finalists to be announced are for the anticipated Young Achiever Award, this award celebrates those who are the future of our industry.

Our first finalist is Tiffany Boal, Electrical Apprentice, Jacobs Field Services. Her site manager speaks extremely highly of her work and her ideas and continued out the box thinking to problem solving and helping fellow peers produce the most cost effective and efficient job for the client and her employer.  Tiffany’s main duties are to work along side experienced & highly qualified Electricians whilst studying her ‘on the job apprenticeship’ training. This is carried out on a Class 1 Nuclear Power Station, Sellafield Cumbria, on top tier projects of installation, maintenance, fault finding, commissioning & decommissioning on a multitude of Electrical systems throughout the site. The high level of work Tiffany has required to work to, helps her improve her ever evolving knowledge and skill base day by day and become a valued member of the team and an asset to the business and client. The judges commented, “Tiffany sounds a tenacious individual, an exceptional team player & out of the box thinker. She has a natural flare for the trade and goes above and beyond in her job”.

Our next finalist is Robbie Hutchinson, Science Manufacturing Technical Apprentice from Nufarm. He has been assisting the Plant Manager in drafting and formalising plant operating procedures which have included housekeeping and weekly safety checks. The Plant Manager fully endorses this nomination and would like to add that Robbie shows a level of emotional intelligence and maturity of someone a lot older in years. He also adds that Robbie never grumbles when asked to do a task and is always very willing to learn. The judges commented, “Robbie is a trailblazer completing NVQ levels 18mths early – pushed himself outside of his comfort zone, working to high standards and assisting other apprentices”.

Our final finalist is William (Billy) Suggit, Operations Technican at Px Limited. Billy Suggit has started his approach, commitment and contributions in his working life as he means to go on – as a leader with a positive, results focussed, can do approach. With a safety award for his positive safety attitude, his recognition as the first person to achieve 100% in level 3 processing mathematics and his support and encouragement to others considering apprenticeships as a career opportunity by supporting careers fairs and open days. PX were very pleased to recruit Billy straight from his apprenticeship into the role of Operations Technician at Saltend. The judges commented, “A leader with a positive approach, exceptional performance, completes work to a high standard. Nominated for a company safety award – a team player”.

Katie Hedges, Head of Membership Services said “This award is always a very difficult one to judge, reading about the up and coming talent in the industry is extremely encouraging, and to see that many spend their time mentoring and coaching the next generation, whilst making such a difference in their own organisation is exemplary.  Good luck to our three finalists, and we look forward to presenting the award on the 24th September”.

Keep an eye out for further announcements and if you would like further information in regard to the CATCH Annual Dinner, please contact Lisa Buck – lisa.buck@catchuk.org

We are delighted to announce that judging has commenced for the CATCH Awards, sponsored by E3 Recruitment. The Awards will be presented at the CATCH Annual Awards Dinner on the 24^th September 2020.

Our next finalists to be announced are for the prestigious Outstanding Leader Award, this award celebrates those who are making a real difference to the people within your business.

Our first finalist is Richard Cahill, of PX Limited. Richard, started PX as an apprentice, he won the CATCH apprentice of the year award and has actively championed apprenticeships throughout his career. He was recently promoted to the new Saltend Chemical park, and successfully led and trained the site team to implement PX safe systems of work, plus assisted the corporate SHE team to deliver the safe implementation of the Permit to work system all whilst familiarising himself with new hazards, process characteristics and parameters of the new site. The above has now resulted in another promotion to Shift Site Manager.

Next is Bob Padley, North Lindsey College. Bob was nominated, no less than 4 times. His team members describe bob as dedicated and someone who always takes the time to listen and to advise, not only to his team but also to the learners. The quality of the provision and all team members working together is very important to Bob. He praises each success and leads by example always. He is an advocate of empowering his team and his team all value his input and enjoy the atmosphere he creates. All this helps to contribute to his vision of becoming the best engineering training provider in the region.

Lastly, is Paul Frankland, Falck Fire Services. Paul has worked his way up from an apprentice though to holding senior leadership roles throughout industry. Paul door is always open and is always 100% honest. He gives you confidence, working with Paul you feel more capable, smarter and part of the team. He led the divestment of the Sembcorp Emergency response business in 2014, which saw 109 people transfer to Falck, his professionalism ensured the retention of local clients. His passion for people and business means that the company now employs over 400 people locally to the sites we support. Paul has steered the business though many ups and downs in the 20 year period and not having made any redundancies in that 20 year period is a testimony to his leadership. Paul often says “I judge people by deciding if I would want them in my life boat” – we all would be in that boat as long as he was steering it.

Katie Hedges, Head of Membership Services said “This year we have received record entries for this category – with many worthy winners. Our judges remarked how many leaders are displaying behaviours that are inclusive, positive and many are leading by example to ensure their business and people are successful. Good luck to our three finalists, and we look forward to presenting the award on the 24^th September”.

Keep an eye out for further announcements and if you would like further information in regard to the CATCH Annual Dinner, please contact Lisa Buck – lisa.buck@catchuk.org

We are delighted to announce that judging has commenced for the CATCH Awards, sponsored by E3 Recruitment. The Awards will be presented at the CATCH Annual Awards Dinner on the 24^th September 2020.

The first finalists to be announced are for the coveted Best Partnership Award, this award celebrates industry and community collaborations.

Our first finalist, Jacobs Field Services has been the primary contractor on the Novartis site for well over 10 years. Their collective team, have formed solid relationship with the Novartis staff of all levels, which has enabled Jacobs to perform numerous complex projects, to a high standard and well within agreed budgets. The most recent being the difficult talk of working with Novartis employees in the decommissioning of the site until 2021.

Our next finalist Reynolds Training Services Ltd, under the stewardship of John and Karon have coordinated an investment of circa £170k to bring the latest process plant to the CATCH facility. The investment brings increased operation to the process plant, increasing the range of complexity in operation and also allowing for future expansions that will continue to grow this unique facility, to the benefit of all providers and users of the site. Plus Reynolds have collaborated with HETA to launch the new apprenticeship for the Bulk Liquid Storage Sector.

Our third and final finalist, WiME – Women into Manufacturing and Engineering, ) is a project designed to encourage businesses to recruit a diverse workforce and employ more women in manufacturing and engineering roles. The project is supported by Greenport Hull, the Humber four local authorities and The Department for Work and Pensions, as well as 55+ private sector businesses specialising in the manufacturing and engineering industry. Thousands of girls from primary, secondary, further and higher education have attended events, and even more have read the inspiring literature created by the partnership, watched the videos, and visited businesses on workplace visits as part of the movement.

Katie Hedges, Head of Membership Services said “We wish to extend our thanks to all those who submitted an entry to win the Best Partnership Award. As always it’s a difficult task for the judges to decide the short list and eventual winner – the judges remarked how encouraging it was to read the many entries showcasing the positive impact of working together – good luck to our three finalists, and we look forward to presenting the award on the 24^th September”.

Keep an eye out for further announcements and if you would like further information in regard to the CATCH Annual Dinner, please contact Lisa Buck – lisa.buck@catchuk.org

After working in industry for 38 years, David Hughes, chair of our Major Hazards Network group,  talks about the networks achievements and why companies find the network a valuable resource in keeping up to date with COMAH requirements.

Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a retired chemical engineer who has spent 38 years in the oil refining and marketing environment with a major oil company. In that time I have had senior management roles in Engineering, Operations Technical Services and Safety Health and Environment in the UK and the USA. My responsibilities included liaising with the HSE, Emergency Services, UK Security Services and Insurance Companies. I was a member of the United Kingdom Petroleum Industries Working Group on Process Safety and represented the Company at the CATCH Major Hazards Network.
On retiring I ran a Training Course for the HSE in Bootle and as one of the founder members of the IOSH Hazardous Industries Group I organised speakers and chaired events.  Soon after, I was asked by Katie Hedges if I would chair the Major Hazards Group as the incumbent John Rowley was leaving the area.

I also represented CATCH at the Chemical Industries Association West Yorkshire Responsible Care Cell and I am also a member of the Energy Institute.

For those that have not heard of the Major Hazards network, please tell us about the network and its objectives:
The CATCH Major Hazards Group comprises Process Safety Specialists from the local industries that are covered by the COMAH Regulations. There are over 30 Upper Tier sites in the local Area .These cover all types of installations for example refineries, Steel Works, Natural Gas producers, liquified gas producers companies, docks and installations that fall under the regulation due to the volume of materials they keep in Warehouses.

What are the networks biggest achievement(s) so far?
We realised that the topics were becoming so diverse that it was necessary to split the group and so the Human Factors Network was formed along with one on Fire and Security which involves the local emergency services.
We have been recognised by the HSE as an influential organisation and they willingly support or Network events and the annual conference with speakers .One of our members assisted the HSE in testing the requirement for companies to enter their data into the COMAH 2015 software which was based on the CATCH STAY IN TUNE IN website. https://www.goinstayintunein.org/

Why should companies get involved?
Our Annual Conference is attended by 80+ delegates. At this conference we ask our members what topics we should cover and from that list Katie Hedges and I organise speakers .The advantage to our members is that the topics we cover are relevant to them.  Our members predominately work within 1 hour of the CATCH facility and so travelling is not excessive .Not all are members are members of Trade Associations and so are not necessarily getting the advice they need in order to comply in a timely manner .Our networking over a buffet lunch, with other members and speakers, including the HSE is a useful exercise. During the meetings attendees are encouraged to raise topics and other members are more than willing to provide helpful advice.

What are the most common challenges companies face at the moment and how does attending this network help?
For COMAH companies nothing stands still, with resubmissions of Safety Reports and changes in the HSE focus as they learn from their interventions, the Major Hazards Group is one important (and cheap) way to keep up to speed.

If you would like to find out more about the network or CATCH membership pleases email katie.hedges@catchuk.org

Following discussions with our board and main sponsors the decision has been made to postpone our annual awards dinner to the 24^th September 2020.  Many of our member companies have restricted travel, face to face meetings and attendance to networks and events over the coming weeks due to the developing situation with Covid-19.

We are pleased to announce that our speaker, then venue, and associated suppliers are all fully supportive, and our event will take place as it should, just a little later in the year!

If you have any questions:

Accounts: accounts@catchuk.org
General: info@catchuk.org
Dinner & Events: lisa.buck@catchuk.org

Please take 5 minutes to complete our 2020 membership survey and be in the chance of winning a £50 amazon gift card!

The CATCH Awards 2020 are now open for nominations – close 13th March 2020

The CATCH awards, sponsored by E3 Recruitment, celebrate those people in your organisation who stand out – show them some appreciation by nominating them to receive an award at the Norths most prestigious awards dinner!

The People Award Categories are:

Young Achiever Award
The  young achiever award celebrates apprentices, graduates, higher apprentices and young people who are making a significant contribution in their workplace.  The award aims to showcase the positive impact that young people make in industry and encourage employers to develop and grow talent in their sector.

Outstanding Leader Award
The outstanding leader award celebrates all those who make a real difference to your business. We often think of leaders as mangers of people, projects or processes – when in fact leaders could also be those that set examples for others, speak freely or coach colleagues.  People are what makes your company successful, thank them by nominating them for this award.

Best Partnership Award
Partnership working is becoming an essential part of every company’s strategy. From sharing best practice to working with academia, most companies now work with others to fulfill their business objectives.  This could be a project which actively involved several colleagues, or perhaps your social responsibility team had made a difference in the local community. Who ever you have partnered with, we would love to hear your story.

Skills Project of the year Award
As we all know, skills is still high on the agenda for many companies. Therefore, we have devised an award to celebrate companies that are actively involved in changing the landscape, not only for themselves but for the industry too. This award celebrates skills at all levels, from involvement with schools, colleges, training providers and universities to continuous development and up-skilling staff in the workplace.

To nominate please complete this simple form – or send details to lisa.buck@catchuk.org

Date
7th May 2020 @7pm

Where
Mercure Hotel, Willerby, Hull.

Who
Over 300 industry guests throughout the industry

Whats included?
Network at our drinks reception & meet the sponsors
Enjoy a Three course meal
Celebrate the ConCom Apprentice of the Year
Congratulate the winners of our People Awards – nominate now – click here 
Be entertained by our after Dinner speaker –  Jamie Peacock MBE
Win amazing prizes at our Charity Raffle

Sponsorship packages are available from £595+vat and tickets from £95+vat. Download the prices and booking form –  Annual Dinner Booking Form 2020 Early bird to 6th March 2020

If you have any questions please contact Lisa – lisa.buck@catchuk.org.

Special thanks to our sponsors: