CIWM revises policy forum to strengthen waste management strategies
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has introduced revisions to its Policy & Innovation (P&I) Forum, aiming to enhance the framework for informing waste management and circular economy strategies. This overhaul is designed to incorporate a wider spectrum of expertise from industry professionals, academia, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focused on waste and resource management.
A spokesperson for CIWM indicated that the Board of Trustees called for this reset of the P&I Forum during a pivotal period for the waste management sector. Specifically, the CIWM aims to align its efforts with the existing Resources & Waste Strategy for England and the anticipated Circular Economy Strategy, which is projected for release later in 2023. This forthcoming strategy is set to outline methods for enhancing national capabilities to mitigate materials and resource loss within supply chains that service multiple industries.
Among the notable individuals appointed to the revised forum is Marcus Gover, the former Chief Executive of WRAP, who will chair the group. Other key members include Emma Beal of the West London Waste Authority, Susan Evans from Resource Futures, Wayne Hubbard from ReLondon, and Adam Read from Suez. Academic representation is provided by Costas Velis from Imperial College London, alongside CIWM President Tim Walker and several technical specialists within CIWM, including Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs, and Lee Marshall, Director of Innovation and Technical Services.
The group's primary ambition is to function as a pivotal advisory board, focused on informing CIWM policy and furthering the work of the Circular Economy Institute (CEI) regarding critical policy and technical drivers. An immediate task for the new forum will be the establishment of a three-year Policy & Innovation Workplan, which will benefit from contributions from the CIWM Trustee Board and the Members’ Council.
Speaking about the work plan, a spokesperson elaborated, “The three-year plan will set out the key policy, innovation and technical priorities for CIWM and the underpinning knowledge requirements related to these priorities, with budgeted proposals for supporting research and evidence, position papers and reports.”
The first assembly of the newly structured P&I Forum took place earlier this month, and detailed plans regarding the work plan are expected to be shared with CIWM members in the near future. This development follows a review conducted by the CIWM Trustees, which aimed to enhance collaboration between its Specialist Expert Groups (SEGs). The intent is to promote a comprehensive approach that extends beyond isolated waste management issues.
Marcus Gover, in his capacity as Chair of the P&I Forum, highlighted the importance of the revised organisation in navigating the rapidly evolving opportunities and challenges in the waste and resource management sector. In a statement to MRW, Gover noted, “From industry leaders to specialist academics, we are bringing together a wealth of expertise with a deep knowledge of innovative practices, in order to help shape progressive policy within resource and waste management, and identifying vital opportunities for us to move towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and more circular UK economy.”
The reform of the P&I Forum coincides with a series of policy reforms in the UK intended to revamp recycling requirements and bolster funding to ramp up recycling initiatives and minimize landfill use. Current government goals are directed towards establishing simpler recycling regulations and implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme as part of broader ambitions to foster a circular economy, ultimately limiting material and resource waste across various sectors.