WELCOME TO SPILL ALERT WELCOME TO SPILL ALERT

WELCOME

Lee Barber, Chair UK and Ireland Spill Association

After a 3 year break it is great to be able to write an Introduction to our new look Spill Alert.

This publication has always showcased the best of our industry whether it be spill case studies from which we can all learn, the introduction of new products, learning who has moved to new posts in the industry or just to catch up with what has been happening. This edition captures a lot and I hope that you like the new fresh look to it!

This has been a significant time for our own spill industry. After a while sat gathering dust we have completed the merger of UK Spill Association with International Spill Accreditation Association. This allows us to speak with one voice on behalf of the whole industry and to work in a united way to raise standards in accreditation and training through our accreditation body International Spill Accreditation Scheme Ltd. The quality composition of the Boards of both the trade association and the accreditation body demonstrate the depth of knowledge, experience, intellect and capability that exists when we work together to deliver.

With this change has come a time to reflect on what we do and how we do it. The collective view is that there is plenty to do but we will best achieve this by being united, setting high standards for the industry to follow, being more relevant to our members, regulators and governments, being visible in what we do, and creating opportunities for our members.

Completing the merger, the increased activity in the Trade Association and the work now being undertaken by the Accreditation Body is an important part of setting and raising standards; being visible is demonstrated, in part by the re-introduction of Spill Alert and our raised profile on social media. This helps our members who are now benefitting from greater referrals of work from the Association. The guidance work we are doing will focus more effort on spill prevention and the importance of using accredited spill responders to ensure pollution planning and response is professionally delivered.

One question has arisen that we are now looking into, is how we broaden our focus from just hydrocarbons to all pollution incidents. For example; chemicals, sewage and plastic in the inland and marine environments. We shall be reaching out through webinars on this in the New Year.

The Association works with only a limited number of paid part time sub-contractors so relies a lot on volunteers. To all who work for the Association in whatever capacity many thanks you are making a difference!