Notes from the HSE focus group meeting held in London on 25th July 2003

Those in attendance:
Wendy Bines (HSE)
Mike Nettleton (HSE)
Jill Reay (IPEM)
Colin Partington (RPA 2000)
Cathy Griffiths (SRP)
Gus Zaberiek (AURPO)
Richard Paynter (NRPB)
David Owen (BNFL RPA Assessing Body)
Mike Burgess (Independent)
Peter Dean (IRP)

1. Impact of changes to HSE Statement on RPAs
RPA 2000 and BNFL reported no real problems with assessing individuals against the revised criteria of competence.  However, Colin Partington felt that further guidance may now be helpful regarding the depth of understanding which is required for some of the theoretical aspects.  Under the previous criteria a physical degree was required, but this has now been removed.

2. First RPA application issues
RPA 2000 stated that they would be able to process all anticipated applications for certification, as they now have 28 assessors, but have advised prospective applicants to submit by June 2004 to ensure that they gain their certificate before Dec 2004.  Turn around time is currently of the order of 3 months for straightforward applications.

3. Re-certification issues
RPA 2000 did not consider that there would be a problem for those requiring re-certification.  Assessors reported that several such applications have already been received, based upon CPD, and took less than 2 months to turn around.

4. Revised guidance for criteria of competence for RPA bodies
Some minor changes were discussed.  The NRPB is still the only RPA body to have applied and been recognised as a Corporate RPA body, although several other applications are anticipated.

5. Implications of the DoH proposals for Radiation Protection National Occupational Standards
Wendy Bines had included this on the agenda as a result of Peter Marsden's communications with her.  However, she appeared to now believe that there was no problem (following conversations with Peter and Sue Hill)  Jill Reay explained what the RP NOS group had attempted to do.  Cathy Griffiths expressed her concern that her staff had  field tested the first stage of  the new NOS and problems remained to be resolved.  Jill Reay informed there was a further revised version of the NOS standards and agreed to forward the latest version for information.

It should be noted that further developments have been progressed since the time of this meeting.