On Tuesday 9th February, HAE EHA held a focus group with members based in the Republic of Ireland. Whilst it was not possible to meet up in Dublin, due to lockdown restrictions, the HAE EHA team welcomed members remotely, with the aim of discussing updates within the association and industry as a whole.
The agenda included an update on skills and training from CEO Designate, Paul Gaze, who highlighted the pilots taking place for remote learning, virtual reality, and the planned partnership with an online university.
Public Affairs Manager, Mark Bradshaw, discussed the Resilience and Recovery 2021: Plan for Living with Covid-19, with members given the opportunity feedback on Ireland’s current position and the various schemes and support from the Government.
Mark also led a discussion around the practical implications arising from the UK's exit from the EU. Members advised on their current position, with all hoping the situation settles down as the UK and EU work together to collaboratively manage the new arrangements.
Recent developments around SafeHire include remote audits and the association’s new registration with Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP). SSIP will assist members who require other standards through the ‘Deemed to Satisfy’ (DtS) process. This update was given by Carl Bartlett, Director of Certification Services, who also outlined the new SafeHire Integrated Management System (IMS) allowing members to log on, see all reports, and upload information.
Carl also shared the range of new Codes of Practise and other important guidance that have been developed over the past year. This includes; ‘Cleaning Portable Air Conditioning Units’, ‘Cleaning Evaporative Coolers’, and ‘Cleaning Portable Dehumidifiers’. Following feedback from members, Carl also introduced a ‘SafeHire Quick Guide to Trade Effluent’. Through the work of the HAE Technical, Health and Safety Panel, the association is close to publishing a new ‘Electrical Safety Guidance’ and ‘Load Security/Safe Loading Guide’.
CEO Designate, Paul Gaze, gave an update on developments within the association and highlighted that the recent reorganisation has removed several positions and created new roles at HAE EHA. Sonia Bassi’s new role is Customer Service Operations and she will be supporting members on a day to day basis. Following a recruitment exercise, through the Board, Graham Arundell has stood down as CEO, with Paul Gaze succeeding him in the role. HAE EHA are also currently in the process of filling other positions.
Sonia Bassi took the members through the range of products and services available and offered to follow up any queries after the meeting. She promoted HAE Direct and confirmed that all necessary customs paperwork had been completed to allow prodcuts from HAE to be delviered to members in Ireland.
The association will be focusing on a number of campaigns such as greater recognition of SafeHire by clients, red diesel use, and supporting event sector members getting back to work and dealing with Covid-19.
It was a productive meeting and was great to hear from our members in Ireland. As our Governments work together in recovery, HAE EHA hope it will not be too long before we meet again with members in Dublin.
Published: 11-02-2021