Terms of reference: asbestos sub-group

In October 2019 the Workforce Partnership Council (WPC) Joint Executive Committee wrote to Welsh Government to request that asbestos management in all public buildings be considered as part of the work of Ystadau Cymru. It was highlighted that it is an important area of health and safety that needs to be more consistently managed at a strategic level.

The WPC is a three-way social partnership of trade unions, employers and Welsh Government, it covers the devolved public services in Wales and is a forum for cross-public services workforce matters.

Welsh Government has provided guidance in respect of Asbestos in schools with revised guidance recently published in August 2019 but it needs to be considered how this can be applied more widely across the public sector estate.

The role of the asbestos sub-group will provide strategic direction and leadership to ensure the improvement of asbestos management in Wales, through audit of existing procedures and communication of best practice moving forward.

These terms of reference are effective from 30 November 2020 and will be ongoing until terminated by agreement between the parties.

The sub group is responsible for:

• removing obstacles that employers face that could affect the ability to deliver within their specific public body sector
• promoting collaboration across the public sector in Wales to engage stakeholders
• monitoring and managing factors outside the sub group’s control that are important to success

• Undertake an audit / analysis of all public bodies’ asbestos management procedures.
• Create and provide a portal for the sharing of best practice guidance ensuring access to technical support / expertise to comply with their asbestos responsibilities.
• Prepare and publish a best practice guide incorporating case studies.

Meetings to be held quarterly.