Stepping up training for all staff

The latest phase of environmental training for Coal Authority staff focused on environmental auditing and environmental law Annual refresher training and training for new members of staff has also taken place as the Authority meets its objective of maintaining a high level of environmental awareness amongst all in-house staff.

"Our structured training programme includes environmental awareness training for personnel at all levels, with more detailed and focussed training for staff with particular responsibility for environmental issues," says Jan Burns, Secretary to the Coal Authority Environment Group.

"The Audit Training providers commented on the high level of knowledge shown by the Coal Authority personnel and remarked that the environmental issues considered during the syndicate exercises were comprehensively assessed."

The Environmental Law Training Day, arranged by the Authority's Solicitor Sally Brook Shanahan, focused on a range of legal issues which impact on the Coal Authority, including Water Law, abandoned mines legislation and the Authority's responsibilities with respect to historically contaminated land.