A pilot scheme for the role of an ecological clerk of works, who ensures contractors and clients comply with environmental legislation and planning conditions, is set to go ahead after being put on hold by the covid-19 pandemic.
The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) originally launched a training pilot in 2019 for the ecological clerk of works (ECoW) accreditation. HS2 and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) sponsored the first phase of the pilot but reduced income, linked to the pandemic, left CIEEM with a shortfall and plans were delayed.
Now Balfour Beatty and Atkins, alongside HS2, have agreed to meet a proportion of the shortfall, which means 50 candidates, including ecologists working on HS2, will complete the first ECoW pilot in the coming months, with registrations for the full scheme due to start in early 2022.
HS2 is expected to be the largest single source of demand for ECoWs over the next decade and is providing employment and training to thousands of ecologists across its delivery lifecycle.
Sally Hayns, CEO at the CIEEM, said: “Developing this new accreditation scheme is vital to improve the profile of the ecological clerk of works role and ensure the quality of the ecological advice and supervision provided on construction sites.
“We welcome HS2 Ltd’s commitment to ensuring the ECoW role is delivered to a high standard and the financial support provided to enable us to complete the pilot scheme.”
