AMENITY SECTOR FREE EVENT IN EDINBURGH OUTLINING IMPORTANT
CHANGES TO PESTICIDE RULES
The Amenity Forum, in conjunction with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), has organised a free event
to explain new legal requirements for the use of professional pesticides introduced under the
Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive, which affect all Member States in the European Union. The
event will be held on Tuesday 25th March 2014 at SRUC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh,
commencing at 11.25am. Details of the programme and information on how to book your place are
provided below and you are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.
The event, which is supported by the Scottish Government, will begin with an update from the
Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on recent pesticide
policy changes. CRD is responsible for the regulatory controls on pesticides in the UK. The
presentation will include new requirements as a result of the European Sustainable Use of Pesticides
Directive and the impacts of other legislation.
This will be followed by a presentation from Professor John Moverley, Chairman of the Amenity
Forum, who will look at the specific practical implications of policy changes and also other challenges
impacting on the sector. The Forum has recently issued a document setting out the key Golden Rules
for weed, pest and disease control. John will expand on this, setting out requirements and
implications.
A third presentation will be provided by Paul Singleton, Chairman of the Forum’s Education & Skills
Committee. Paul will identify training requirements, both essential and strongly recommended. He
will also give detail on the Amenity Assured standard and the importance of everyone operating at
such a level. A final presentation will be given by the host organisation, SRUC, providing a personal
perspective on the way ahead in Scotland.
A number of similar events have been or are being held in England. Future dates of these events are:
Bourne, Lincolnshire – February 28th; Ashbourne, Derbyshire - March 10th; Maidenhead, Berkshire –
March 12th; and Stockport, Cheshire – March 18th. All the events in England are scheduled to
commence at 2pm.
Professor John Moverley said: ‘’The Amenity Forum is the national voluntary initiative seeking to
promote best practice in our sector. It is important that industry can fully demonstrate its ability to
regulate itself and ensure the highest standards. We have made substantial progress but more
remains to be done and it is vital that everyone involved in this important sector are fully up to date
with changes and implications. This is why we are promoting these free updating events and we
hope as many as possible will be able to attend.’’
Whilst events are free to attend, it is essential to pre-register by emailing Alan Spedding, Secretary
to the Forum, at Alan.Spedding@amenityforum.net Further information on how to do this is
given at the Forum website, www.amenityforum.co.uk
FULL PROGRAMME FOR THE UPDATING EVENTS
From 11pm
Arrival
1125
Welcome and introductions
1130
Update on policy changes and their impact – Nigel Chadwick/Grant Stark, Chemicals
Regulations Directorate, HSE
1155
Key challenges and issues for the sector – John Moverley, Chairman, Amenity Forum
1220
Training, Skills and Standards – changes and challenges - Paul Singleton, Chairman
Education & Skills Committee for the Forum
1245
Questions & General Discussion
1300
Lunch Break
1400
Personal Perspective Andy Evans, SRUC
1425
Conclusions & Actions going forward – John Moverley
1545
Forum Event ends