CIWM launches Skills Matrix
Competency matrix provides guidance and support for professional and career development across the UK waste-recycling sector
THE Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) have announced the launch of their Skills Matrix programme, which provides guidance and support for professional and career development across the UK waste-recycling and resource management sector.
CIWM says their Skills Matrix sets out the essential knowledge, capabilities, and practical skills required to achieve success in a variety of roles at every career stage. Providing a clear and personalized roadmap for individuals and businesses, the competency matrix will help employers to better understand and meet the needs of what is a rapidly evolving sector.
It also has the potential to be a valuable tool for recruitment and future workforce planning, while helping to assess the skills and competency levels of existing staff.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Adam Read, chair of CIWM’s Skills for the Future Working Group, said: ‘It is great to be part of the development and launch of this valuable tool which builds on many of the themes from my 2021 Presidential Report.
‘The aim of the working group is to ensure that the talent and professionalism, which are so vital to the success of this sector, are supported at every level and are aligned with the increasingly diverse range of skills required to support its growth. The Skills Matrix will play an important role in helping us to achieve this both today and in the future.’
The Skills Matrix covers several areas, including sector-specific competencies alongside behavioural and ‘soft’ skills. These include: the waste and resources management sector (core sector knowledge, legislation and compliance, and health, safety, and wellbeing); sustainability and the circular economy (business models and environmental best practice); professional standards and ethics; equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI); management and leadership; and digital literacy and business continuity.
CIWM’s professional services director Katie Cockburn said: ‘CIWM is committed to promoting professional standards in the waste and resources sector and supporting organisations and individuals to understand and develop the skills and competencies required across all roles and levels. The suite of tools provides a structured approach to learning and development and will help ensure we have the broad range of skills necessary to move the world beyond waste.’
