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Frequently Asked Questions - NQMS Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) Questions

FAQs - NQMS Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) Questions

What is an SQP?

An SQP is an experienced professional in the field of land contamination. The SQP must be capable of assessing whether a document meets the requirements of the scheme. Although the SQP may delegate the peer review process of individual components of the work to other individual specialists, they retain responsibility for ensuring that those individuals are capable to undertake those tasks.

SQPs must be:

  • A Chartered person who has been assessed by a professional body/institution and is bound by the professional code of conduct of that professional body/institution
  • Of sufficient experience in the sector to have a good overview of what is required to effectively assess a site and remediate it to a suitable condition (and thereby meet the requirements for regulatory signoff)
  • Capable of recognising their own limitations and those specialist skills required of others in a multidisciplinary industry
  • Aware of the requirements of the regulatory regimes under which the work is being undertaken.
  • Bound by their professional bodies to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) and to maintain awareness of changing legislation, guidance and standards.

The competency of the SQP is measured in line with the definitions set out in the National Brownfield Skills Framework (NBSF).

Why is the Quality Mark proposed to be held by the SQP rather than the Company?
As the scheme relies upon the integrity of an individual to operate (and the sanctions associated with their professional institutions) it makes sense for them to hold the authority to apply the Quality Mark. This also avoids the potential difficulties and costs which might be involved in auditing companies.
Why do Suitably Qualified and experienced Persons need to be chartered?

With professional status comes a commitment to an ethical code of conduct and the ability for a respective professional body to take action against those who behave inappropriately. For any scheme to be trusted by the Regulator(s) there must be a credible threat of sanctions against those who may be tempted to abuse the system.

In stepping back from scrutinising individual projects for regulatory compliance the Regulator(s) should be assured that the work will have been carried out to appropriate standards and that those checking or auditing the products can be trusted.

Why are SiLC the organisation awarding SQP status?
SiLC has been initially chosen as the organisation to award SQP status as they have an existing scheme with a robust examination system already in place. All existing SiLCs will need to undertake a conversion course to become SQPs (if the wish to operate under the NQMS).
Can other organisations award SQP status?
Other organisations can award SQP status however their examination and awarding system would need to be approved by the Land Forum. Currently SiLC is the only organisation that has the approved training & examination process. All candidates applying for SQP status would be required to have the same minimum standards set out by the NQMS.
Do you need to be a SILC before becoming an NQMS SQP?

No.  From Autumn 2016, SiLC amended their training course and exam to incorporate the requirements of the NQMS.  Therefore if you are successful sitting the exam set by SiLC you would automatically become an SQP.  A separate exam would not be required. Those candidates that are successful for undertaking the examination will be offered to use SQP, SiLC or both.  For further information visit www.silc.org.uk

What happens after you get awarded SQP status?

The awarding body (currently SiLC) will inform you that you have been successful and you will be directed to NQMS website and CL:AIRE (the NQMS Administrator) will award you your individual SQP number.

CL:AIRE will provide you instructions on how the Declaration Process will work. Please visit the SQP Declaration Process page.

How do I become an NQMS SQP?
You must meet the required standards as set out above. Then contact SILC (www.silc.org.uk) as they are able to let you know the examination process and when the next introduction day is available.
Why doesn’t the SQP have to be Independent from the Company preparing the report?

The NQMS is designed to be operated within existing quality management systems (often accredited such as ISO140001) which rely upon the concept of peer review/checking and sign-off. It works best if the SQP has an intimate knowledge of both the project in question and the staff undertaking the work. The administering body ensures that there is an external “independent” element that can be relied upon to police the process.

How can an SQP sign off a report and give it the National Quality Mark if it contains historical data collected before the scheme and its quality controls came in to operation?

The quality mark applies to the individual product being prepared (and the team preparing it). The SQP has to consider the reliability of any data collected in vouching for the reasonableness of any conclusions drawn from that data. Any critical uncertainties have to be identified as part of the process.

How do I check if a person says that they are a SQP?

All current SQPs will be listed on the NQMS SQP register.

What is the purpose of the declaration form?
The form will provide confidence to the regulator that a SQP has reviewed the report and it meets the NQMS standard.
What does the declaration of document adequacy look like?
What if I have feedback/complaint/comment/observation about an SQP?
Provide feedback by following the link Feedback. Please provide as much information as possible.
What if I have a complaint/comment /observation about the NQMS process?
Provide feedback by following the link Feedback. Please provide as much information as possible.
Can an SQP from a company sign off a different companies work under the NQMS?

Yes an SQP from one company can sign off from another company.

The SQP needs to have satisfied themselves of the competencies of those that have undertaken the work which they can obviously do through CVs, company skills frameworks, SoBRA accreditation scheme etc etc.  

The important thing would be for the SQP ideally to be involved from the outset of the project to ensure that things are correct from the outset and guides what they consider is good practice.  The risk of using someone from another company is that they may not agree with the conclusions as they have not been involved earlier enough.

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CL:AIRE will not be responsible for any loss, however arising, from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained in the responses above, nor do they assume responsibility or liability for errors or omissions in the information provided. Readers are advised to use the information contained herein purely as a guide and to take appropriate professional advice where necessary.