Affinity Water has become the latest company to receive the Competent Operator Scheme (COS) certificate from the water industry competency assessment body Energy & Utility Skills.
The Competent Operator scheme was originally agreed by Water UK and the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in 2005 and was redeveloped by all water companies in 2018, via Water UK. The recently relaunched scheme reinforces that each licensed operator is working to the minimum standards of operational good practice and compliance.
Affinity Water has achieved the award for their commitment to training for competence, enabling individuals to work to best operational practice and continuing to supply wholesome water.
Today, Pauline Walsh Chief Executive at Affinity Water collected the certificate from Nick Ellins, Chief Executive at Energy & Utility Skills.
Affinity Water’s Chief Executive Pauline Walsh said: “We are very pleased to have achieved this certificate and to be acknowledged for a standard set across the whole of the water industry. Affinity Water is committed to maintaining the standards set for the Competent Operator Scheme and this award represents our commitment to the communities that we serve, and the training and development of our employees.”
Nick Ellins, Chief Executive of Energy & Utility Skills, said: “Congratulations to Affinity Water for delivering the necessary quality assurance standards required to secure this new Competent Operator Scheme certification. We are pleased to recognise their achievement and welcome them to the growing list of regulated water companies in the UK who have been approved on the scheme. Setting a nationwide benchmark of good practice, the scheme is now an essential element of water quality assurance, with operator competence rightly embedded within the Principles of Water Supply Hygiene and water quality policy.”