Permits & registration
What is a technically competent manager?
A technically competent manager is the qualified person a permitted waste site must have in place to oversee its operations. Competence is demonstrated through a recognised qualification scheme.
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<img src="https://wasteoptix.co.uk/glossary/technically-competent-manager/diagram.svg" alt="technically competent manager — diagram from WasteOptix" width="880" height="620" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>
<a href="https://wasteoptix.co.uk/glossary/technically-competent-manager">What is a technically competent manager?</a> — diagram by
<a href="https://wasteoptix.co.uk">WasteOptix</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>The requirement is about continuing oversight rather than a name on an application. The expectation is a real management presence proportionate to the site's activities and risk.
Qualifications are specific to activity types. A qualification covering one kind of operation does not automatically cover another, so a site that changes what it does may need different competence.
Continuing competence is generally maintained through the scheme rather than held permanently. Letting it lapse is a permit issue, not an HR one.
What goes wrong in practice
- Competence held by one person with no cover for absence or departure.
- A qualification that does not cover the activities the site has since added.
- Continuing competence requirements missed because nobody tracked the renewal.