AA Teccie (Paul)

"I'll do my best" Thanks Jules. Paul

Hi there, if the LPA have TPO'd the tree they have determined it does have 'amenity value.' Whilst sometimes subjective, as with many things, they often use, for instance, the Helliwell System to back this up in a more objective way. SO "yes" it is necessary for the tree to have amenity value. The what decides if a place is public thing is open to interpretation but could, for instance, include an internal forecourt area to which many have access / views. Hope this helps. Pual

Jules, thanks again for your valued contribution here and your underlying concern. At the end of the day the terminology, which has already been debated, will doubtless be so further at Trustees when it goes for final sign off where there are far more educated people than I and they can refer to the AA solicitors if any concern is voiced. I've just done a quick Google search on 'affiliate membership' it appears, in general, to suggest a non-professional level of membership (inferring "work in progress" or transition as you say.) Further the AA website will make it clear that 'Affiliate Contractor' member has demonstrated a basic level of compliance by documentary evidence and is not to be confused with 'ARB Approved Contractor' etc. etc. As with any member, inc. ArbACs, they are bound by the AAs code of professional conduct and ethics which does, in effect, give a degree of comeback, or certainly the right to complain, to any aggrieved client / fellow professional (and AA member.) At the end of the day my aim will be to quickly shift Affiliates to ArbACs anyway, thereby minimising any exposure. Thanks again.. Paul

Many thanks Steph, I hope you 'et al' are well. Paul

Great, many thanks Tony. Paul

Hi Jules, thanks for your post here and the comments. The term 'Affiliate' has been hotly debated but seems to follow other organisations, particular under SSiP...but I do take on board your commnets (in partic the fact the initials will be the same...dependent how you use them, i.e. ARB Approved Contractor = ArbAC, and Affiliate Contractor Member = ACM??? ) The time-bound issue is pertinent and the initial proposal is 2 years. This is mainly because a business has to have been trading for 2 years prior to presenting for assessment. Thanks again and please let me have any further thoughts along the way Paul

Thanks for your concerns here, and it is a very valid point. However as the application / assessment will be 'desktop' we should be able to facilitate it. Obviously the more Affiliate Contractors, and indeed Approved Contractors, come on board the more justification there'll be for additional resourcing. Cheers. Paul

Hi Sam, Nothing for definite yet but I do hope to get the proposal approved by the Association's Professional Committee on 3rd Sept., "fingers crossed," thereafter it will go to the next Board meeting to be ratified. Hence I'll keep you posted as / when things progress. Thanks for the post Paul PS ARB Approved Contractor is always available don't forget!

Walnut Leaf Blotch maybe? See https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=693 Regards.. Paul

Hi there, The next 'ARB SHOW', delivered by the Arb Assoc., and specifically 'arb' will be next June (2015.) The next show covering 'arb', and much forestry / countryside / crafts etc., will be the APF as others have advised. This is a much bigger , but hopefully not better , show than ours and is very popular. I'll be at APF so come over to the stand and say 'hi' Cheers.. Paul

I know what I think as it's a commercial activity, n it won't be popular Cheers.. Paul

Dissecting red diesel rules - 10/02/2014 - Farmers Weekly APOLOGIES if this has been posted previously and I'm "out-of-touch"...again! I'm not going to venture an opinion, "who dares?" , and as far as the ARB Approved Contractor Scheme is concerned we place the onus on the contractor to ensure the vehicle is legal and registered etc. appropriately. We are not the regulator, and nor should we be, the DVSA and Police are there for that (n often I don't reckon they know either ). Cheers all.. Paul

Not a problem engaging external advisors / consultants BUT unless they are industry specific, and unless you're simply seeking their post-nominals for tendering purposes , make sure you are actively involved in the process and that the documentation presented is relevant to your business size, type and works undertaken. Too often I see businesses making commitments in writing, i.e. in policies and procedures, that they don't follow through in practice and which are often not relevant / applicable. Potentially this could come back and bite you on the...posterior. Seeking the views of others is important Cheers.. Paul

Oh dear...sooner than expected, i.e. 3rd September in Edinburgh, see Professional Tree Inspection Refresher Hope this isn't too late Paul

Hi David, An increasingly important consideration for managing tree stocks and a refreshing change from the "fungal induced hazards" approach...albeit dependent upon location and targets etc. etc. Great photo's best.. Paul

Have a look here A competent person and, joking apart (not really ) looking into the ARB Approved Contractor Scheme will give you a better understanding of what's involved, AND from an industry specific perspective. IF you're simply looking for someone with lots of letters after their name who you can cite as your 'external' H&S advisor have a look on the HSE website at Occupational Safety & Health Consultants Register | OSHCR . Cheers, n good luck.. Paul

Hi all, bit disappointing that we only have 2 people booked on this (FREE) workshop which means we may have to 'pull-it' unless we get another 2-3 minimum. See ARB Approved Contractor Preparation Workshop for further info and PLEASE book on ASAP! Thanks all.. Paul

David, thank you and "yes" but always to meet with great people at the other end. Speak soon.. Paul

..until Monday 28th July. In my absence please contact Head Office (Mel or Simon) on 01242 522152 or Tiff's often watching here anyway. Sorry for any inconvenience and I will try to sneak on forum whilst on hols. Cheers all.. Paul

C'mon Jim, you've been telling ME that for ages too good stuff, thanks for the post. Paul

Hi Ed, good to hear, hope you're well. yep, sounds good n many have the confidence to progress direct to assessment. However, some need more time n bit of help n guidance along the way, hence this proposal, a 'pathway.' Lokk forward to receivin your application in the near future yeah? cheers.. paul

Thanks for this n "watch this space." Cheers.. Paul

Hi Swinny, thanks for the post. The final details have yet to be determined but you will need appropriate insurance, LOLER, NPTCs (upto CS39), H&S policy, risk assessments, chipper ticket, references and maybe one or two others bits. This will be a desktop audit on application so there'll be no visit involved. Now for ARB Approval, that's quite different, but quite accessible and to find out more I'd try to get to one of the 'FoC' workshops (see Training - Arboricultural Association but we've been "up north" this year and moving further south and east.) HOWEVER if there's enough interest, i.e. min. 6 contractors, I'd be happy to try to do something at Myerscough or similar in the Autumn. Look here for further info Become an ARB Approved Contractor Cheers.. Paul

Paul, thank you for your wisely words (2nd time tonight) You're quite right about it being the "journey", or process, that improves the business whether or not you present for assessment...i just hope people continue too. Cheers.. Paul