AA Teccie (Paul)

Hi there, thanks for the post. The cost is variable dependent upon the business size...and there are two costs associated (all are plus VAT.) 1. Assessment fees (in Yr 1 & 3) - varies from £495 - £1,950 2. Annual scheme management fees - varies from £305 - £1080 The costs are significant, and these are the direct costs, BUT they can be financially beneficial to the business leading to contract opportunities and "opening doors." Cheers Paul

Hi Swinny, thanks for your post. Most are / have been and/or are business owners themselves. What I would say here is that whilst skills and competence assessments are important, and relevant of course, the process of worksite safety inspection is not an NPTC assessment (hence a contractor wouldn't fail if they forgot to place their visor down or ear defenders on, as a one-off (or maybe two-off), in the way they would / should with an NPTC test (the analogy I sometimes use is you are allowed to cross your hands on th steering wheel, occasionally, which you couldn't on your driving test.) Additionally, all the assessors are NEBOSH H&S qualified and SSiP auditors...albeit not directly relevant to work site safety inspections, or at least not the operational aspects. Cheers Paul

Thanks Richy. I do acknowledge your comments here and the reality is often the larger / largest businesses, undertaking LA work, have a high staff turn-overs and hence maintaining standards is very challenging (in some instances LA specs exacerbate this...and / or rates...but then that's within the arb contracting community control to some extent.) As far as the scheme is concerned we have increased both the frequency of inspections, previously 5 yrs now 2 yrs, and we have increased the numbers of completed work sites we (formally) inspect, previously 1-2 now 3-5, but the reality is this is still only a drop in the ocean and of course the LA / LA TOs also have a role to play. I can reassure you that often these larger contractors are subject to additional / annual visits where it becomes apparent work standards aren't what they should be...but then tomorrow's another day and we're not there. (As you rightly say this situation is not applicable to all larger contractors.) Thanks again for your 'bluntness'

Firstly, THANK YOU thus far, and acknowledging the good, bad and the ugly...that's exactly what I asked for, and I've not been disappointed . The "old boys club" was a phrase I thought we'd got past when we re-structured in 2011 and, actually, at that time and since, many of the older / original contractors have left the scheme (many retired.) That said since the scheme has been in my tenure (since 2005) this has been a perception not a reality, I can assure you. Now I'll go to the individual posts if I may. Thanks again and please "keep um rolling" Cheers, Paul

"Dear collective," I seek your views and comments on the ARB Approved Contractor Scheme and "how" we/I can improve its standing in the industry and the associated take up by yourselves....which in turn will / is highly likely to result in customers / clients requesting it (the oft cited "chicken n egg" scenario.) Quick (recent..ish) background: In 2011 we restructured the scheme to make it more relevant and more accessible to small businesses which increased contractor nos. from circa 150 to 270 (current nos.) AND small businesses from 18% to 33% (and up to 64% if you include both 1-5 and 6-9, i.e. both still equating to small businesses really.) The previous "one size fits all" in terms of standards / criteria, number of assessors, assessment duration AND cost has changed to a scale of such relevant to business size / staff nos. etc. (I do acknowledge however that compared to CHAS Safety Scheme for instance ARB Approved is significantly more expensive but it's significantly more detailed, industry specific and beneficial with a much wider scope.) We also developed a specific membership opportunity for contractors looking to be acknowledged as "working towards" ARB Approval, i.e. Affiliate Contractor Membership, and to then go on and achieve the accreditation. We've also developed a Utility Scheme for the electrical, rail, high-speed roads and waterways sectors which is currently in a 'slow-launch' stage. If I may, and to hopefully pre-empt some comments, "Joe Public" never asks for ARB Approved because they don't know about it = therefore don't need to do it! In reply I would enquire which other Trade Associations / Accreditations do JP know about other than perhaps GAS SAFE / NICEIC / Fensa maybe ...any why (because they see the logos on commercial vehicles on the road / at traffic lights I would suggest.) Further, I'm sure many would like there to be actual regulation for tree surgery contractors to hopefully expel, or at least marginalize, the many unscrupulous tree surgery(???) contractors out there...it's never going to happen unfortunately so 'self-regulation', i.e. a voluntary scheme (AKA ARB Approved ;)), is the only way forward I believe. We've hit something of a plateau in terms of scheme / contractors numbers and I'm keen to try to push-through this and to engage with, and support / promote, many more of you. Please help me to better understand why you're not becoming ARB Approved? (I guess a 'poll / survey monkey' thing might have been a good option here ...sorry!) Thanks in anticipation and for reading this rambling email. ATB, Paul

That's not fair...well maybe just a little

Perhaps ARB Approval (not for "them!") might be a way of further marginalsing the less scrupulous / un-scrupulous. Don't expect people / MoPs to be aware of the accreditation but it does present an opportunity to highlight the fact your independently assessed and approved and that may, with some customers, give the extra level of reassurance they seek. "Just a thought.." Paul PS If yas wanna know more look here https://www.trees.org.uk/Accreditation/Become-an-ARB-Approved-Contractor and/or get along to one of the free preparation workshops https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events ...which is NOT a hard sell event.

Hi Mike, whilst there's a plethora of 1-day and short duration course available, of which we do several (see https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events ,) I would strongly recommend a full course of study, e.g. ISA Certified Arborist course. If this is of interest you can simply purchase a copy of the study guide (see https://www.trees.org.uk/Book-Shop/Products/Arborists-Certification-Study-Guide ) 'self-study' and then source an exam opportunity...if you actually want the qualification rather than just the knowledge. If however you prefer the idea of group learning, and the associated networking etc., in a structured way we are putting together a training course to be delivered by Andy Summerly (of TreeLife) early next year. I'll post more online / here we when have further info available. Best, n good luck, Paul

Acknowledged, this is a plug for ARB Approval and what's involved BUT it's also about being a compliant contractor, and not just on a H&S sense. Hence it has relevance to all. For more info see https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=BBC4A17E-7F32-4527-81B0-FE977DFC839E ATB n hope to see you there.. Paul

Hi all, Okay, the standard has been around for a while, AND I'm sure most people know of it...but do you know what it says, i.e. what's included, and are your tree work specifications compliant? A useful 'CPD,' or ISA CEU, opportunity perhaps see https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=9390E8A1-F358-4972-A3B9-56CB2849F925 for more info. Hope to see you there, Paul

Just a quick update to say we've had the first Affiliate Contractor Member present for assessment and achieve ARB Approved Contractor status, namely Fosseway Tree Services in Somerset. Duration was circa 3 months and we regularly communicated and supported Simon throughout the process to a great outcome for all involved. Acknowledged there is still much work to do, never "laurels to be resting", but I sincerely hope this encourages others to follow suit to approval...perhaps one day for ARB Approval to be the 'norm' for all good tree surgery businesses ...most of whom are still out there of course. Thanks all, Paul

"Belt-n-braces", put your proposal / plan in writing, submit it to the owners and advise they seek agreement from the previous owner, as mentioned above. Ultimately I believe the liability is solely theirs, not yours as you would be simply working on their instruction (obviously this is not the same if the tree is legally protected y TPO / CA / felling licence (not applicable in private / residential gardens.)) PS I would avoid citing their future proposals, e.g. to build on the land, but it would be helpful if you/they stated reasons for the works and if good arboricultural / silvicultural practice is included so much the better.

Sounds to me like a 'restrictive covenant' so better to check with the former owner, i.e. the Local Authority / Housing Association, probably their legal dept. to seek consent.

BUMP...still places available...and the weather's often terrible in mid-September

I think the modifications to foundation design are more than simply 'depth' where potential subsequential heave is involved, e.g. compressible material on the inside in particular. Further, if the soil on the inside was to expand surely that process would have started, and any associated damage evident...just theorizing. The one example I was involved with was the site of a former woodland copse and whilst extensive measures were included relating to foundation depth nothing for the floors which subsequently all popped up...cost the developers tens of thousands to repair.

Reasonably, one could assume that property has been built to take account of the presence of the tree and it's ultimate demise / removal (this is a home-owner / house insurance / structural engineer issue!) That said, my understanding, and (limited) experience, is that heave occurs much (much) less frequently than subsidence and hence, correspondingly, the risk / likelihood is lower...still, we are arborists not engineers so should stick to our brief. Just my ten-penneth.

Very dense inner crown to start with and must have been pretty close on exceeding the 30% max. BS3998 recommendation...BUT looks a very nice job and appropriate under the circumstances. Cheers for posting Timon, Paul

Nice one Sophieo...will look forward to reading your feedback...so I can then feedback to others Thanks, Paul

Whilst, on summary observation, I don't think this is the cause it's certainly one to keep an eye out for https://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-8bplhd

Hi there, whilst I'm not aware of any specific 'HR' software, although I'm sure there are many options for such out there, we suggest the Approved Contractors consider membership of 'FSB' (www.fsb.org.uk) to access competent advice. This starts from about £130 per year as a sole trader. Other than that others either do it themselves or use external consultants. Sorry, not an answer to your question but perhaps "of interest" anyway. Cheers, Paul

Meaning the PTI course is before the AK course yeah?...understood and hence prior reading is the best option...unless you could consider delaying / postponing it which might be in both the LAs and yours interest (just a thought.)

In part, the other part being for those presenting as nominated manager in an ARB Approved Contractor business, the AA 'Arboricultural Knowledge' course (see https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=F70A1D98-B824-4229-B1E0-68C2C283EF6F ) was developed as a "bench-marking" opportunity for the PTI course. In general it's pitched at (academic) level 3.../4 and may be an option worth considering as a precursor if you're unsure (sorry if that sounds like a sales pitch, not meant to be!) Additionally, and a key aspect, is some prior experience of tree surveys and tree inspections...including recording the findings. Hope this helps. Cheers, Paul

In terms of "what should we have in place insurance wise", of course Employers Liability is the answer BUT then better reply relates to avoidance in the first place, and certainly avoiding a recurrence of a similar accident. This would include training / refresher & update training, information and instruction and good, effective, and knowledgeable, supervision...even if by the team leader / senior arborist etc. Presume HSE have been informed via RIDDOR and they too will doubtless have some say / guidance on identifying "root cause" and "preventative action"...all posh terms fer making sure it doesn't happen again. Also, don't forget emotional / mental impact on the work team and consider counselling. Tc, and I sincerely hope the injured party makes the best recovery they can and as soon as they can...so sorry to hear. Paul

Yes, no, probably I would say. However, if they can get you to formally withdraw your Sect. 211 notice and reissue with more acceptable proposals that can sometimes / occasionally be an option. No 'other powers' under Planning legislation unless perhaps a condition prevails...unlikely generally. If they, then LPA, consider your Sect. 211 notice to be vague / ambiguous they shouldn't register it in the first instance so the 6 weeks time period doesn't start running. I'm sure other will clarify further...hopefully not disagree tho unless a dumbarse reply :/ Cheers. Paul

Hi Oli, I've just spoken with Jess, our Membership Officer, and her comment was it needs to be accredited, i.e. backed up by a recognized awarding body as Stuart has mentioned, and if this was not UK based it would need to be demonstrated it was at the same UK level...and that would probably be your responsibility via, for instance, an organization such as NARIC (www.naric.org.uk) for which a cost would be incurred (circa £120 I think.) Further, and importantly, she suggested that if for instance you wanted to progress to the ABC Level 6 Diploma they, ABC, may not recognize it / accept it...might be worth enquiring too. Just some further thoughts to ponder and it might be worthwhile making the NARIC enquiry up front perhaps? Regards, Paul