Chris James announced yesterday (4 August) that he will be stepping down as Chief Executive of the Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board (WAMITAB).

This follows the announcement from WAMITAB and the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) on 22 July that the two organisations will be integrating their operations.

Chief Executive of CIWM Sarah Poulter will take over the integration plan of both organisations, in collaboration with both boards of trustees.

Dan Cooke, newly-appointed Chair of WAMITAB, said: “In common with most organisations, 2020 has been a challenging year, and it is important that we take steps now to consolidate our ongoing financial sustainability and resilience. The closer alignment of CIWM and WAMITAB is central to this strategy and will allow us to take advantage of opportunities for streamlining and sharing of resources and plan for some exciting opportunities as we work in collaboration.

“We would like to thank Chris James for his leadership and drive over the last eight years; he has played a key role in successfully steering WAMITAB to its current position as a robust specialist awarding organisation and End-Point Assessment Organisation.”

James was appointed CEO in 2012, and made a Fellow of the CIWM this year, in recognition of his work for WAMITAB and his wider contribution to the sector.

Speaking about his role, James said: “It’s been a great honour to head up the team at WAMITAB, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last eight years. I am confident that I leave behind a strong foundation for the future growth of the awarding body offer within the new combined organisation.

“I am looking forward to working with CIWM and WAMITAB in a consultative capacity to support future strands of activity around educational development and quality assurance.”