Lee to step down as CIWM CEO
Steve Lee is to step down as CEO of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) at the end of the year, the body has announced.
Lee has been in the role since September 2003, heading the operations of CIWM, which supports over 7,000 members from the UK’s resource and waste management sector.
Recruitment for Lee’s successor will begin in the spring, with the successful candidate expected to take up the post before the end of the year.
‘Energy and vision’
In a statement on CIWM’s website, Malcolm Thorpe, Chair of the CIWM Executive Committee, said: “Steve’s energy and vision has successfully steered the institution through an exciting period of change, during which resources and green growth issues have moved up the agenda and our industry has continued to drive sustainable waste management and the recycling of quality secondary materials back into the economy.
“He has been instrumental in positioning CIWM at the heart of a modern waste and resource management industry and, most recently, managing substantial investment in the institution’s IT systems to ensure that it is fit for the future. We welcome the fact that CIWM will continue to benefit from his leadership during 2016 as we look to appoint his successor.”
Legacy
Prior to joining CIWM in 2003, Lee spent 15 years in local government waste management in the West Midlands and Leicestershire, followed by seven years at the Environment Agency as Head of Waste Policy. His work at the environmental regulator included preparations for the Landfill Directive and the December 2002 National Audit Office investigation hearing into the agency's waste division.
Following the announcement of his stepping down, Lee said: “CIWM represents professionals working in one of the most dynamic and fast-changing sectors, and is committed to a forward-looking agenda.
“Over the past 18 months, we have invested heavily in a new customer relationship management system and online presence to improve CIWM’s offering to its members and the wider sector. We have also deployed significant resources to ensure that our skills and training support matches the industry’s changing needs and, most recently, co-funded the second phase of the Environment Agency’s major national duty of care awareness campaign.
“I look forward to seeing these projects through over the coming months, and I am confident that my successor will build on this legacy, ensuring that CIWM continues to support, shape and influence the future of this sector.”
Fighting Waste Crime
During his final year, Lee will oversee CIWM’s ‘Fighting Waste Crime’ campaign, which is planned to run throughout 2016. The body expects the campaign to encompass a range of activities, including holding CIWM centre open meetings exploring topics such as fly-tipping and enforcement.
The campaign will also include a renewed focus on training and qualifications, particularly technical competence and duty of care for businesses to help them ensure they are compliant. Resources on waste crime and related issues will also be published on the CIWM website throughout the year.
Industry reaction
Members of the resource management industry have been quick to respond to the news that Lee will step down at the end of CIWM:
Sad that @steveleeciwm is leaving @CIWM. Been a pleasure working w/ you....still 12 more months 2 make a diff tho! https://t.co/OiZeOGvE8O
— The ESA (@ESA__tweets) January 27, 2016
He'll be missed by all parties in the debate! https://t.co/59p8CXGO07
— Colin Church (@DrColinChurch) January 27, 2016
A sad day for the sector. I'll be very sorry to see @steveleeciwm step down at the end of 2016. Big shoes to fill. https://t.co/QPfoWpW6cE
— Patrick Mahon (@PJMahon) January 27, 2016
Sorry to hear @steveleeciwm is moving on - great leader in the #waste & #resource sector - good luck in the future https://t.co/KP0oDvhinr
— Matthew Smith (@MattSmith337) January 27, 2016
More information is available in Resource’s article.