Grant Agreement Ref. No / Project Ref. No LLP UK-LEONARDO-LNW

Transcription

1 This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Grant Agreement Ref. No / Project Ref. No LLP UK-LEONARDO-LNW

2 CONTENTS Page Project Partners 3 EUHCWM Project 6 Project Activities 8 Project Outputs 9 EUHCWM Qualification 10 EUHCWM Qualification Pathways 11 Training Modules 14 Knowledge Base 15 EUHCWM E:Learning Portal 16 Exploitation Plan 18 Professional Networks 19 Implementation Plan 20 Conference Speaker Biographies 21 2

3 PROJECT PARTNERS The project has a strong team, comprising of 12 partners, representing 11 European countries and two pan European industry associations, as well as membership from a Regional Environment Network. In addition, through the inclusion of the International Solid Waste Association, the project has managed to reach a truly global audience in respect of waste management professionals The partnership group represents a broad range of stakeholders with a high level of technical expertise from both the state and private healthcare sectors. The project partnership includes stakeholders representative of industry and professional bodies from both healthcare waste management and healthcare providers. There is also a strong representation from the vocational education & training sector. The strength of the partnership is reflected in the blend of the team in regard to the technical representation and in terms of the presence of serious multiplier organisations with pan European agendas. Further details about the partners can be found on the last page of the brochure. : info@hcwm.eu : EUHCWM : 3

4 PROJECT PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY (ICERMS) LIMITED ICERMS is a national vocational training centre based in Scotland and has been delivering vocational training to the waste management industry in the UK and overseas for 20 years. ICERMS is a Scottish Qualification Authority and Waste Management Industry Training & Advisory Board registered and approved Vocational Training Centre for the Waste Management Industry in the UK. In addition the Centre delivers vocational training programmes which are accredited by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management in regard to Healthcare Wastes Management and Treatment. In addition to providing VET we participate in VET research and development projects as well as offering consulting services in the broader Environment sector. SINGERGIE SINERGIE is a not-for-profit Training and Research Centre accredited by the Regione Emilia-Romagna and Ministry of Education University and Research. Founded in 2001 with the aim to foster knowledge and skills development in the field of education and RTD, in particular for the following sectors: ICT, Energy, Environment, Safety and Security, Health, Social Sciences. Thanks to its experience in ICT sector SINERGIE developed an E-learning Platform through a Learning Content Management System which is used to deliver training modules. Main activities of SINERGIE are: development and management of projects in the field of vocational training and higher education; organisation, technical and financial administration of projects funded by private and public funds; promotion of projects and events for stakeholders; collaboration with local authorities, private and public entities in the field of RTD and education; support to spin-off and new enterprise creation; technological transfer and results dissemination. INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (IEP-NRI) The Institute of Environmental Protection - National Research Institute was appointed by virtue of the Order of the Minister of Environmental Protection on 1 April This was, in principle, a reactivation of the Institute, which was established in 1973 and in the following year, along with three other institutes: the Institute for Municipal Management, the Institute for Urban Development and Architecture and the Institute for Housing Management, it was incorporated into the newly established Institute for Environmental Development. The latter ended its activity when the Institute of Environmental Protection was reactivated. The subject and scope of the present Institute s activity is determined by its statute, which has been approved on 26 January 1995 by the Minister of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources and Forestry. In 2010 granted the status of National Research Institute. The major activity area of the Institute is to develop scientific and technical basis for environmental protection and relevant national policies. The Institute of Environmental Protection is a ministerial/ governmental institute, supervised by the Ministry of the Environment. The development of state policies at national and international levels provides the Institute a special place among various other research and development institutions involved in environmental protection. Special areas of activity such as integrated environmental studies contribute significantly to the integration of work carried out under other research fields. SIGMA Consultants Limited (SIGMA) Sigma Consultants is an independent engineering and consultancy company with a long standing activity within Greece and European market. It was founded in 1992 in Thessaloniki, by a team of highly qualified professionals specialized in the fields of strategic planning, implementation of development projects and environmental management, aiming to support the efforts of private enterprises, local authorities and sector based organizations at innovative, specialized and multi-disciplinary projects domestically and internationally. Today company is active in the fields of: Project planning and Management of National and European funded projects, Environmental Management, pollution prevention and waste management, Health and Safety Studies, Emergency Response Plans and Risk Management; Energy conservation, Renewable Energy Sources and Third Party Financing Schemes, Applied Research, Technology Transfer and Technical and Economic Studies; Creation of Educational Material Using Multimedia and Dissemination Actions. The NHS Confederation (NHS-Confed) The NHS Confederation is the only membership body that provides a strong voice for the whole healthcare system. We represent our members and bring together the whole healthcare system to help improve the health of patients and the public. We do this by: influencing health policy by representing our members' views to Government, Parliament, policymakers and the public; making sense of the whole health system with our policy research and analysis, publications and information services and supporting our members through providing expertise and insight and facilitating networking and learning. We play a crucial leadership role by bringing together all parts of the system through our networks, corporate members, associations and by working with the Foundation Trust Network. 4

5 PROJECT PARTNERS ETLog Health Envirotech & Logistics GmbH (ET Log) ETLog Health is an independent, international consultancy, logistics and engineering company, mainly working in the Environmental & Technical Hospital Infection Control sector (ETHIC). The goal of the company is above all to contribute to the sustained transfer of knowledge in hospital hygiene, sterilization services, integrated waste and waste water management for healthcare facilities, for disposal companies and for governmental institutions. ETLog Health mainly operates in the areas: Development and establishment of district, provincial and national healthcare waste disposal concepts, as well as the set up of national healthcare waste development plans; Institutional strengthening and capacity building in ETHIC. Training courses on healthcare waste & waste water, cleaning, infection control, injection safety, bio-safety and the management of Central Sterile Supply Departments (CSSD) incl. ToT (Training of the Trainer). Adapted training programs for primary, secondary and tertiary level hospitals; Consulting and engineering for secondary health services in the fields of environmental health, hygiene, injection safety, sterilization, waste, water and waste water management; Development, tendering, commissioning, testing, start-up and implementing of sustainable central, de-central or in-house solutions for healthcare waste management, waste water treatment and disposal logistics; Technical & Engineering consulting, needs analysis, building design, equipment planning, tendering services and supervision of civil works and installation for infection control, healthcare waste, waste water and the logistics sector. Associacio d organitzacions registrades EMAS a Catalunya (Club EMAS) Club EMAS is a private, not-for-profit association made up of companies and other organizations from different sectors and sizes located in Catalonia and participating to the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). All the members are committed to the environmental performance improvement; in Catalonia, there are different Health Care Centres that are registered under EMAS. The creation of Club EMAS in Catalonia was the first EMAS network in Europe and renews opportunities for the environment, the economy and the companies to work together closely. The Club EMAS develops projects, training programmes, networks and synergies to improve the: Visibility of EMAS and EMAS registered organizations in the society and the market; Awareness on EMAS and good environmental practices; Participation to the EMAS scheme and The performance of EMAS registered organizations. Regional Environment Centre for Central & Eastern Europe Country Office Macedonia (REC FYROM) Regional Environment Centre for Central & Eastern Europe Country Office Albania (REC AL) Regional Environment Centre for Central & Eastern Europe Country Office Slovenia (REC SLO) The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) is an international organization established in 1990 by the United States, the European Commission and Hungary. Today, the REC is legally based on a charter with over 30 signatories. The REC has an office network in 17 countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The REC actively participates in key global, regional and local processes and contributes to environmental and sustainability solutions within and beyond its country office network, transferring transitional knowledge and experience to countries and regions. The REC's methodology encourages: local solutions to local environmental problems and a broader-based approach to regional problems; and an integrated approach to addressing environmental problems in a sustainable manner. The country office's programmes and projects help to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of individuals and organisations contributing to the solving of environmental problems in the region. European Union of Private Hospitals (UEHP) The purpose of the UEHP is to defend and represent the independent hospitals in Europe, to generate the political and economic conditions aiming to improve the independent initiative in the health field. Moreover UEHP studies and creates better conditions for the smooth management of independent hospitals. The priority of the UEHP is to promote high quality healthcare focused on the patient. The UEHP has as its objectives all matters related to the EU and particularly: To coordinate initiatives for the free establishment of independent healthcare facilities in the Common Market, as well as the promotion of the internal market in the field of healthcare and the study of conditions for participation of independent hospitals in the social hospital service in the countries of the European Union International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) ISWA the International Solid Waste Association is a global, independent and non-profit making association, working in the public interest and is the only worldwide association promoting sustainable, comprehensive and professional waste management. ISWA is open to individuals and organisations from the scientific community, public institutions and public and private companies from all over the world working in the field or interested in waste management. ISWA is the only worldwide waste association, which allows you to net-work with professionals, companies and institutional representatives. Here are some facts and figures on ISWA: ISWA was founded in 1970; ISWA has members in more than 80 countries, thereof National Member Organisations in 39 countries and ISWA has some 1,400 members worldwide and additionally some 50,000 members associated with our National Member Organisations. ISWA s declared mission is: To Promote and Develop Sustainable and Professional Waste Management Worldwide. ISWA achieves its mission through: Promoting resource efficiency through sustainable production and consumption; Support to developing and emerging economies; Advancement of waste management through education and training; Promoting appropriate and best available technologies and practices and Professionalism through its programme on professional qualifications. 5

6 EU-HCWM PROJECT Currently there is no formal or unified pan European approach to the development of National Occupational Standards or to Vocational Educational Qualifications in relation to healthcare waste management. Individual member states have different approaches to this subject area. In some instances their approach to vocational qualifications in the waste management industry is linked to the national waste management site permitting and inspection regulations. This however normally relates to waste managers who are managing regulated waste management facilities and it does not normally apply to the management of waste within a healthcare facility. In member states there tends to be a focus on the waste management activities and, not therefore, at healthcare facilities themselves. In order to compliment and underpin the efforts made in implementing vocational qualifications in the waste industry it is imperative that the healthcare facility itself, which is after all producing the waste, adopts high standards of waste management particularly in relation to waste segregation. In a fact sheet published in October 2011 the World Health Organisation stated that To reduce the burden of disease, health-care waste needs sound management, including alternatives to incineration. Through their Duty of Care the hospital itself needs to take responsibility for the waste it produces and how that waste is managed either by its own internal waste management service or by a sub contracted service provider. That responsibility is not limited to the hospital site itself and where waste is sent off site for treatment or disposal the healthcare facility should ensure that this is done in line with national legislation. Good healthcare waste management is one way in which a healthcare facility can demonstrate that it is a safe place for patients and visitors. The healthcare facility should therefore have a qualified environment/waste manager to provide a internal focal point for the waste management system at the hospital and to be a credible interface with their waste industry partner in the case of sub-contracted service provision. This is a two way communication process and the waste industry also needs a credible management representative working with the healthcare facility in order to ensure that the system operates in full compliance with waste management legislation from the point of generation to the final point of disposal. The training programme and qualifications developed by the project could be a mechanism through which the healthcare facilities have a properly trained member of their workforce. This ensures that, whether the healthcare waste management function is sub contracted or managed internally, they have a responsible person managing the process and keeping that facility compliant. In this regard therefore it is important that a unified approach to VET is provided across the EU. One of the key project aims was to evaluate the job role of a healthcare waste manager and develop a vocational educational qualification with an associated training programme based on the work activities and current best practice of EU healthcare waste managers, taking into account best available technology applications in the healthcare waste management sector. 6

7 EU-HCWM PROJECT In the above regard the project set the following objectives: Conduct an assessment of the healthcare waste management NOS and VET in the member states represented by the consortium and provide a report on each member state and its activities in the above regard. There are 12 states represented of which 10 are EU Member States. Prepare a comparative analysis report of the finding in 9 of the 12 member states and on the basis of this develop the framework for the National Occupational Standard. Develop a National Occupational Standard for the post of healthcare waste manager in a healthcare facility. Develop a Vocational Educational Training Programme in line with the requirements of the national occupational standard. Develop an e-learning platform for the training and qualification delivery. Develop an EU wide network for dissemination and support of the project outputs. In regard to the actions required to ensure that the aims and objectives are met the project has undertaken the following actions: Partner organisations each established a stakeholder network 9 partners conducted an analysis of the healthcare waste management qualifications framework in their own country and identified a number of key healthcare facilities within their country through which they undertook several assessments (e.g. practices, skills and competencies) and conducted an analysis of the roles of healthcare waste managers, where the role exists, within those key healthcare facilities. Any training provisions already available and undertaken by existing healthcare waste managers were identified. The waste management arrangements at the key healthcare facilities in terms of onsite practices and waste management service provision were identified. Each partner produced an assessment report from the above activities. A comparative report developed from the findings of the country assessments was developed. A list of proposed units were developed and the network provided feedback. From the feedback results, a final unit list was created. Qualification units were developed for the identified healthcare waste manager functions. The partners produced training modules for the vocational educational training programme in support of the EUHCWM qualification. External Evaluation of the proposed qualifications units and training package was conducted and EV reports generated for each of the participating partner countries. The qualification units and training modules prepared by the consortium partners were amended to reflect the results of the external evaluation. Dissemination of project outputs through a variety of outlets, including media coverage and workshops. Development of an e-learning platform for the new qualification. The development of an implementation plan. 7

8 PROJECT ACTIVITIES Development of Assessment Package Analysis results for the Key Healthcare Facilities in each Country, derived from the Developed Assessment Package Assessment and national reports on the existing training provisions of professionals in the Healthcare Waste Management industry The development of a standardised EU vocational training programme for healthcare workers. Internal and external evaluation of the developed training modules and qualification units by experts Informative workshops held by each of the project partners Dissemination activities, including participation to events and conferences, articles and press releases Development of an exploitation plan 8

9 PROJECT OUTPUTS An assessment of the current VET availability across the EU countries, represented by the partner countries. Comparison report of the identified national qualifications and VET Vocational Educational Training Programme Development The development of associated training materials for the training programme Internal and external evaluation reports The development of an e-learning platform to deliver the training programme An EU wide network of waste and healthcare professionals will be established Project website and project LinkedIN group, providing the platforms for the Communication and Knowledge Exchange Tools Project Newsletters Exploitation plan for the project outputs Implementation plan for the project outputs 9

10 EU-HCWM QUALIFICATION One of the key milestones of the project was the completion of the vocational units for the new qualification of Healthcare Waste Manager. At the beginning of the project a first draft of the units list for the new qualification was developed and this was then put out to consultation with key stakeholders in the different project partner member states, through our partner multiplier organisations. The consultation process lasted two or three months and involved the distribution of 1000 s of internal evaluation questionnaires though the project partner professional networks, the project website and at the informative workshops. It has been a difficult task balancing the interests and views of so many valid contributions from the industry and hopefully we have managed to get the balance right. What we have ended up with are three distinct qualifications involving three distinct pathways, mapped from the healthcare waste management suite of vocational education units and which reflect key roles in the healthcare waste management sector: 1. Healthcare Waste Manager at a Healthcare Facility 2. Healthcare Waste Manager at a Healthcare Waste Treatment Facility 3. Healthcare Waste Manager at Healthcare Waste Transport Operations The pathways are shown on the following page. The units in blue text are optional units within the qualification pathway while black plain text denotes mandatory units. 10

11 EU-HCWM QUALIFICATION PATHWAYS Qualification 1: Managing Healthcare Waste at a Healthcare Facility No Unit Title 1 Complying with Waste Management Legislation 2 Understanding Waste Management in the Environmental Management System 3 Contribute to the selection of personnel for activities 4 Create effective working relationships 5 Conducting an Internal waste management audit and pre-acceptance auditing at a healthcare facility 6 Ensure protection of the environment at healthcare facilities, treatment or transport operations 7 Developing Healthcare Waste Management Policy and Plan Documents 8 Climate Change Adaptation Auditing & Reporting at a Healthcare Facility 9 Manage a budget to Supporting the efficient use of resources 10 Contribute to the development of tender/bid documentation, selection of, implement and manage, sub contracted services 11 Preparing for and Delivering In-house Healthcare Waste Management Training 12 Implementing a Waste Management Plan, Record Keeping and Reporting 13 Implementing a Waste Minimisation Programme, including the sorting and storage of recycled materials, at a healthcare facility 14 Sharps Waste Management and Biosecurity at a Healthcare Facility 15 Manage the collection of hazardous and non-hazardous waste from a healthcare facility 16 Manage the movement, sorting and storage of hazardous and non-hazardous waste 17 Manage improvements to waste management operations/practices at a healthcare facility, treatment centre or transport operations 18 Effectively Manage Environmental Incidents and Emergencies 19 Monitor the procedures to control risks to health and safety of the waste management function at a healthcare facility/healthcare treatment facility 20 Managing Waste Transportation operations for the transfer of hazardous and non- hazardous healthcare waste at a healthcare facility (Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser) 21 Review the performance of teams and individuals 22 Prepare an Installation with an Environment Permit for an Inspection Visit (Permit Holder) 23 Manage the reception of infectious wastes at a healthcare waste treatment facility 24 Manage site operations for the treatment of infectious healthcare waste at a healthcare facility/healthcare waste treatment facility 25 Manage the disposal of outputs and residues from infectious healthcare waste treatment operations or, healthcare waste transfer operations, at a healthcare facility 26 Manage maintenance and other engineering operations at a healthcare facility, infectious healthcare waste treatment facility or during healthcare waste transport operations 11

12 EU-HCWM QUALIFICATION PATHWAYS Qualification 2: Managing Healthcare Waste Treatment Operations Infectious Waste No. Unit Title 1 Complying with Waste Management Legislation 2 Understanding Waste Management in the Environmental Management System 3 Contribute to the selection of personnel for activities 4 Create effective working relationships 6 Ensure protection of the environment at healthcare facilities, treatment or transport operations 8 Climate Change Adaptation Auditing & Reporting at a Healthcare Facility 9 Manage a budget to Supporting the efficient use of resources 10 Contribute to the development of tender/bid documentation, selection of, implement and manage, sub contracted services 11 Preparing for and Delivering In-house Healthcare Waste Management Training 14 Sharps Waste Management and Biosecurity at a Healthcare Facility 17 Manage improvements to waste management operations/practices at a healthcare facility, treatment centre or transport operations 18 Effectively Manage Environmental Incidents and Emergencies 19 Monitor the procedures to control risks to health and safety of the waste management function at a healthcare facility/healthcare treatment facility 21 Review the performance of teams and individuals 22 Prepare an Installation with an Environment Permit for an Inspection Visit (Permit Holder) 23 Manage the reception of infectious wastes at a healthcare waste treatment facility 24 Manage site operations for the treatment of infectious healthcare waste at a healthcare facility/ healthcare waste treatment facility 25 Manage the disposal of outputs and residues from infectious healthcare waste treatment operations or, healthcare waste transfer operations, at a healthcare facility 26 Manage maintenance and other engineering operations at a healthcare facility, infectious healthcare waste treatment facility or during healthcare waste transport operations 12

13 EU-HCWM QUALIFICATION PATHWAYS Qualification 3: Managing Healthcare Waste Transport Operations No. Unit Title 1 Complying with Waste Management Legislation 3 Contribute to the selection of personnel for activities 4 Create effective working relationships 6 Ensure protection of the environment at healthcare facilities, treatment or transport operations 8 Climate Change Adaptation Auditing & Reporting at a Healthcare Facility 9 Manage a budget to Supporting the efficient use of resources 10 Contribute to the development of tender/bid documentation, selection of, implement and manage, sub contracted services 11 Preparing for and Delivering In-house Healthcare Waste Management Training 14 Sharps Waste Management and Biosecurity at a Healthcare Facility 15 Manage the collection of hazardous and non-hazardous waste from a healthcare facility 17 Manage improvements to waste management operations/practices at a healthcare facility, treatment centre or transport operations 18 Effectively Manage Environmental Incidents and Emergencies 20 Managing Waste Transportation operations for the transfer of hazardous and nonhazardous healthcare waste at a healthcare facility (Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser) 21 Review the performance of teams and individuals 26 Manage maintenance and other engineering operations at a healthcare facility, infectious healthcare waste treatment facility or during healthcare waste transport operations 27 Monitor the procedures to control risks to health and safety during healthcare waste transport operations 13

14 The layout of the qualification units is demonstrated below; TRAINING MODULES A Vocational Educational Training (VET) Programme has been developed in 5 key stages for the HCWM s course implementation. The key steps taken are outlined below; Defining the knowledge and understanding requirements for each of the modules Development of a draft individual training package for each of the modules Dissemination of the training resources between the partners and external evaluators for review Final review after the agreement and completion of the training materials E-learning platform created for hosting the qualification units and training package 14

15 9 of the 12 participating partners were responsible for the creation of training modules for the qualification units, according to their area of expertise. In order to offer a complete training framework for HCWM education, in line with the identified requirements, the partners gathered and adopted a mix of current legislative guidelines and best practice in creating each of the qualification units and training modules. The training materials consist of teaching modules, exercises, examples, sample documents and various other learning materials, developed in line with the qualification units and industry best practice. The project e-learning platform is available to interested stakeholders. KNOWLEDGE BASE The project team have gather existing informative materials to develop a knowledge base available for use in conjunction with the HCWM training course on the project website. The EU-HCWM Knowledge Base is a virtual reference library for healthcare waste managers. Each of the partner member states are represented, with articles, papers and guidance etc. pertinent to the healthcare waste management function of that particular member state. All of the reference materials are available to download from the EU-HCWM website under the Knowledge Base section. Additionally, users of the knowledge base are encouraged to upload information at the knowledge base in order that best practice in the sector can be more widely disseminated. In order to submit information to the Knowledge Base, users should contact the project team via the website, or using the partner s contact details. 15

16 The EU-HCWM e-learning platform supports the HCWM award moving forward, by providing an online space where candidates undertaking the award can manage their portfolios, and the training centres can oversee all their candidates. The home page for the platform can be accessed by anyone without a login, and they will be able to view the pathways available in their country, read the informative leaflet, and contact the team to inquire further should they choose to do so. All three training pathway will be offered on the platform: 1. Managing Healthcare Waste at a Healthcare Facility 2. Managing Healthcare Waste Transport Operations 3. Managing Healthcare Waste Treatment Operations Infectious Waste EUHCWM Learning Home Screen Once someone is a registered candidate of a centre, they are given a username and password which allows them to access the main portal, and they can then be added to the appropriate qualification pathway (s). The user can then log in to their main dashboard and view the pathways they are enrolled in. This dashboard page also contains other useful features such as training centre contact info, message centre, forums, and events calendar. Users will even have their own file storage location should they need to keep documents relevant to their award on the platform. When the user selects their qualification pathway, they are then taken to the portfolio management screen. 16

17 Candidate Portfolio Management Screen The portfolio management screen allows users to see the entirety of their portfolio on one page, as well as the progress within each unit and section through various visual aids. The units and sections can then be expanded to view the individual evidence items to support the candidate s work which will each be at one of the following stages: not started, draft, submitted, approved, needs more work. The items are either submitted as text, or documents uploaded to the system. If the assessor in the training centre rejects the item, the candidate will be notified and can resubmit the item. Once the pathway is completed, the portfolio will then be handed over to a verifier who will provide quality assurance for the assessment process. When the verifier has completed their task the candidate portfolio is complete and the candidate can receive their qualification. The site is available in all 9 partner languages, and is responsive to allow it to be easily viewed on mobile devices such as phones and tablets. There are also plans to incorporate the professional networks into this site, creating a knowledge hub for healthcare waste management across Europe. This e:learning portal has a number of advantages in terms of the assessor/trainer to candidate interface in that it will: Improve accessibility to the qualifications for candidates; Reduce the costs associated with undertaking the award; Create a more flexible learning environment for the candidate; Reduce the amount of time wasted by assessors travelling to and from candidates places of work 17

18 EXPLOITATION PLAN The main aim of the exploitation plan is to ensure the effective transfer and the sustainable use of the project results as well as the sustainable enlargement of the project network during and after the project span. Exploitation activities will include both mainstreaming actions to stakeholders and identified decision-makers and dissemination actions of the project s results. The exploitation strategy is a 5 year plan, which identifies and describes the exploitable results, the potential users (target groups, end users), the activities, the mechanisms and the channels via which the project results will be further exploited. The project website will remain active for at least 5 years after the project completion, from where all project results will remain accessible. Additionally project results will be accessible via the partners websites and linked to other similar projects websites. A bulletin will be produced monthly in that period and circulated to the professional networks. Indicative exploitation activities include: National and European developers of Vocational Qualifications and Frameworks and respective Accreditation Organisations will be informed for the methodology adopted for the development of the HCWM Qualification and Training Framework. Relevant Industrial and Waste Management Associations may collaborate with VET providers, to develop, use and/or certify training modules, based on project s training guide, to satisfy their members personnel and other workers vocational needs and professional evolution. The same stands for relevant Environmental Authorities at different administrational levels, EU-HCWM partners will identify potential beneficiaries (direct and indirect target groups) in their countries. 18

19 PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS National networks have been created in each participating partner country. The members of the networks are representatives of all stakeholders target groups, i.e. direct beneficiaries like vocational training providers and potential learners; policy and decision makers; other stakeholders like local communities, healthcare providers, and environmental organizations. A complete database of contact details has been created, and the members of the network are the core presented to and discussed by key stakeholders. recipients of the project activities and outputs, mainly through project newsletters and updates. Additionally, they will have access to the project products, including the qualification units and training modules. The project LinkedIN group and the project website have served as two very useful dissemination platforms and will continue to aid the dissemination process for at least another 5 years. These platforms allow the project deliverables to be The existing EU-HCWM Network is continually expanding to include other member states, in order to create a pan European network of stakeholders, who will be invaluable in creating synergy between all member states. 19

20 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN The implementation plan will provide a strategy for the implementation of the products and outcomes of WP 4, 5 & 6. There will be a strong focus on creating mobility between member states and increasing relationships/networking between all member states. Increasing synergy between the member states, increases equal opportunities and creates a standardised framework within European member countries. There were two main challenges for the implementation and exploitation of the project outputs: 1. no formal pan European mechanism to adopt qualifications for healthcare waste managers. 2. The fact that the EU Members are not all at the same stage in the evolution of vocational education and training In regard to point No. 1 it was important therefore that we found a mechanism through which the project outputs could be implemented across the EU rather than on a member state by member state basis. It transpired that one such mechanism was to utilise a pan European professional body who could facilitate this process through multi member state agreements on a minimum level of qualification for the role of a healthcare waste manager. The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), a well respected, professional body with not only a pan European but a global reach in terms of its membership, were extremely interested in the initiative and welcomed the opportunity to engage with the project beyond the project lifetime. Currently the project team are outlining a way forward with ISWA in order to make best use of the project outputs. It is proposed to undertake a pilot training programme utilising one of the qualifications developed under the EUHCWM project in 2017 and over the coming months develop a formal protocol and procedure whereby ISWA can formally take over and administer the training programme developed by the EUHCWM project. Initially this would be as a training programme however it is hoped that it could evolve into a formal delivery mechanism for a vocational qualification. In regard to point No. 2 it was decided that the UK, of all the project partner countries, was the one where the project outputs, in terms of qualification delivery, could be immediately adopted into the current vocational qualification system. In this regard therefore the project are working with the National Health Service in the UK through the engagement of both the NHS Confederation and the NHS National Performance Advisory Group on Waste to determine the best way forward in relation to the qualifications developed by the EUHCWM project. 20

21 CONFERENCE SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES Jerome Baddley, Head of the Sustainable Development Unit for the Health and Social Care system in England. The Unit is funded by Public Health England and NHS England to work across the health and social are system supporting and encouraging the integration of the principals of sustainable development (environmental, social and economic sustainability). Jerome has worked for 17 years in sustainable development; 10 years in leadership roles. Most recently as Chief Executive of an environmental social enterprise and Low Carbon Sector Chair of a Local Enterprise Partnership in the East Midlands. He led a team to produce the first full NHS carbon management plans (2008), the Nottingham City 2020 Energy Strategy (2010), and the regional natural resource footprint for the NHS in the East Midlands (2012). He has spent 10 years supporting health and social care organisations, businesses, third sector and communities to implement strategic and practical measures in sustainable development and resource efficiency. He is a past winner of the Queens Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and the BMJ global award for Sustainable Healthcare. Chris James BSc (hons), MA, FBICSc, FCMI, MCIWM He has been involved with industry skills, education and development for over 30 years. Now CEO for the Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board (WAMITAB), he has been a principle lecturer, chief examiner, external verifier moderator and assessor for awards as diverse as A-level Environmental Sciences, Biology, Cleaning Science and FM. He has worked for Colleges of FE, University, National Training Organisations, Sector Skills Councils and a number of Awarding Organisations including WAMITAB. Gregory Sarafianos Since 1986 and until today he retains a pharmacy at the center of Thessaloniki, and since 2003 he is chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Private General Clinic Lysimachos Grig. Sarafianos, which is in operation since 1957, and it possess 13 Departments-Specialties, Diagnostic Laboratories, Intensive Care Unit and Artificial Kidney Unit. The last two years he participates in international Exhibitions and Business to Business meetings at the framework of the Medical Tourism development, promoting the Greece as a destination country. Pawel Gluszynski, Zero Waste Europe Mr. Gluszynski worked for or managed over 60 projects on healthcare waste in Poland and abroad, including preparation of national guidelines and regulations, training of healthcare professionals on waste management, implementation of pilot waste reduction projects and safe disposal of infectious and hazardous waste. Currently Mr. Gluszynski works for Zero Waste Europe, an NGO organisation, where he is responsible for Central and Eastern European countries. Paul GARASSUS (MD) President of the UEHP, Vice President SFES (French Health Economics Society) and President of the Scientific Council of BAQIMEHP (BAQIMEHP professional formation and analysis for the private sector of French hospitalisation) He is involved in professional formation in Business School and University. His action is dedicated to the strategic position of private hospitals in Europe. He contributed to personal development and risk management formation to health care professionals. Experienced in meetings on healthcare innovation and management, quality and technology assessment, his contribution concerns professional formation in Business School and University, health care reforms following financial crisis in Europe, relationship with patients and health professionals, related to quality and information. For sustainability of European health care systems respect of new environmental standards and coordination of actors remain a key success for innovation. Nick Fayers is the Divisional Energy and Environmental Manager for Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. For the past 5 years he has been a member of, and now runs, their environmental management team which has been recognised nationally for their Green Champions Network and carbon management. After getting his Bachelor s Degree in Environmental Health, he specialised in healthcare waste management, qualified as a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor and is an active participant in the NPAG Waste Management Group. Luke Champion, Sustainability Manager, 2gether NHS Foundation Trust He has worked in the NHS in an environment management role since He started my NHS career at the Royal United Hospital and then left the NHS briefly before returning to work at 2gether NHS Foundation Trust. His role now involves managing the waste contracts for 35 sites across Herefordshire and Gloucestershire along with the gas, electricity and water bills. He has been busy at 2gether gradually changing the perception of waste as something to be discarded and forgotten about. Before joining the organisation, it was common practice for sites to discard lots of good condition office furniture into skips. He has used novel ideas in order to improve this. Anytakers is just one of those ideas 21

22 INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (ICERMS) LIMITED SINERGIE Societa Consortile a responsabilita limitata (SINERGIE) Institute of Environmental Protection National Research Institute (IEP-NRI) SIGMA CONSULTANTS (ICERMS) LIMITED EnviroTech & Logistics GmbH REGIIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE FYROM ClubEMAS REGIIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE Albania REGIIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE Slovenia National Health Service Confederation European Union of Private Hospitals (EUPH) INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTE ASSOCIATION (ISWA) 22