ARCA Names Colin Seditas as Technical and Development Manager

The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) have announced that Colin Seditas has been appointed as ARCA’s Technical and Development Manager.  For the last eight years Colin has worked for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the Asbestos Licensing Unit (ALU).

During Colin’s time with ALU, he monitored asbestos licensing activity across the country.  Colin reviewed the inspection and assessment reports (many thousands of each) compiled by HSE inspectors when visiting licensed asbestos removal companies, and used these to start licence review action (amendments, revocations etc.), when it seemed necessary.  Coin’s experience in ALU has given him an excellent understanding of the challenges faced by licensed asbestos removal contractors and those faced by the HSE.  Much of Colin’s ALU energies went into working with inspectors and HSE management to develop HSE's internal approach to licensed asbestos work.

On joining ARCA Colin said ‘ARCA wants members to be the clients' preferred choice; ARCA membership should be a marker of best practice and industry-leading standards of both health and safety and quality.  As Technical and Development Manager, I will be looking for ways to help this happen.  I will be developing ARCA's capability to provide expert advice and bespoke products and services.  Part of my role involves developing tools that will help ARCA members be (and remain) industry-leaders.  Given my background, I can also be a source of technical advice for members on licensing issues.  In my view, much of what is being produced in the name of 'health and safety' does little to improve health, safety or quality for anyone; I am particularly keen to help contractors reduce waste, inefficiency and bureaucracy.  I'll be looking for ways to help contractors help themselves, using their experience and expertise to control the risks associated with this high-hazard work and demonstrate professionalism to both the regulator and clients.’

ARCA’s CEO Stephen Sadley said ‘We are absolutely delighted to have Colin join our team, his experience of working in the HSE’s ALU will prove invaluable when providing technical advice and assisting us in providing products and services to our members which will enable them to be continued to be recognised as the industry leaders’

Grant Beglan, Chairman of ARCA member company Aspect Contracts Ltd, said ‘I was delighted to hear that ARCA had appointed Colin Seditas as the new Technical and Development Manager, and I look forward to Colin’s influence being apparent in the continuing excellence of ARCA’s products and services which they provide to the industry'.

Colin Seditas summed up his feelings on his appointment by saying ‘From my earliest involvement with ARCA, it seemed clear to me that the organisation was serious about moving standards on.  My initial impressions at ARCA have certainly backed that up.  There is a wealth of practical experience and enthusiasm here and I am looking forward to being part of the work that builds on these foundations.’

For further information on ARCA visit www.arca.org.uk

Notes to editors:

The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association has been in operation for over 30 years providing asbestos training and representing the interests of asbestos removal contractors and associated asbestos businesses throughout the UK.

All member Licensed Asbestos Removal Companies participate in the associations Site Audit Accreditation Scheme to ensure they are working to the highest standards in the industry.

ARCA is the first port of call for anyone seeking a contractor to safely remove asbestos from a premises. ARCA are also the number one providers of asbestos training in the UK.

For further information please contact:

Stephen Sadley – ARCA 01283 566467 

steve.sadley@arca.org.uk