New, quicker, online systems receive positive feedback

Irecently found myself revisiting some old issues of ARCA News while researching key dates in the evolution of the ARCA Site Audit Scheme for an article in this edition. It made me reflect on the many Chief Executive Comments columns I’ve penned over the years. The very first Chief Executive Comment I wrote was for Issue 60 in Spring 2008. With this issue being Issue 121, it means I have contributed to over half of the ARCA News editions ever printed – a total of 62 issues. Nevertheless, every time I sit down to write these columns, there’s always something new to report to our members.

We are currently busy preparing for upcoming events. First, there’s the Contamination and Land Remediation Expo at the NEC in Birmingham on the 13th and 14th of September, followed by the ARCA European Golf Event in Majorca from the 15th to the 18th of September. Lastly, we have the ARCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 6th of October. We’re particularly excited about the AGM this year because we have chosen a new venue – the Banking Hall in Cornhill, London. This iconic art deco Grade II listed building, situated right in the heart of London’s prestigious Square Mile, will provide a spectacular setting for our meeting and the afternoon luncheon.

In my previous Chief Executive’s column, I discussed the importance of recruiting and retaining outstanding staff to provide the best possible service. I emphasised that investing in staff development is crucial for retaining talent. As part of ARCA’s commitment to staff development, Matthew Boulton, ARCA’s Membership Administrator, enrolled in a Quality Practitioners apprenticeship through the Institute for Apprenticeships in late 2021. This was an 18-month Level 4 apprenticeship, and after successfully completing the End-Point Assessment in July this year, Matthew was awarded his certificate in August. This qualification not only aids in Matthew’s personal growth but also equips him with the tools and knowledge needed to implement effective quality control measures, enhancing the service we provide to ARCA and ATaC members.

We’ve received positive feedback on the new online training booking system introduced as part of our website and portal upgrade. Members have reported that once they’ve registered a portal contact and assigned appropriate rights to their key staff, the process is quick and straightforward. The same positive feedback has been received regarding the online CSCS card ordering system, also integrated into the portal. Members should have received notifications to complete the Annual Declaration by now. This, is also done via the portal, with an online form already populated with existing member’s date we hold. To complete the form, members need only to fill the gaps and update outdated information, simplifying the Annual Declaration process.

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the eLearning platform is not yet ready for launch. We’re conducting extensive testing and are still identifying and addressing bugs. We want to ensure a bug-free and effective platform before its official launch. Our current plan is to unveil it at the AGM. We hope to make it accessible shortly thereafter.

Lastly, I’d like to draw your attention to the dates and venues for the upcoming November round of regional meetings. You can find the details at www.arca.org.uk/ events/. Please register to secure your place. I look forward to meeting with members at these regional gatherings and at the AGM!

Steve Sadley Chief Executive