Technically Competent Manager (TCM) Cover for Waste Sites in Kent and the South East
Every permitted waste site in England needs a Technically Competent Manager. When your TCM leaves, goes on long term sick, takes extended leave, or you simply can't justify a full time appointment, your permit compliance is at risk. Safety First provides reliable, qualified TCM cover for waste operators across Kent and the South East.
What is a Technically Competent Manager?
A Technically Competent Manager is the person responsible for making sure a permitted waste facility is run properly and in line with its Environmental Permit. Operators must show the Environment Agency that their site is managed by someone who holds the right qualifications for the activities carried out on site, and who keeps that competence up to date.
The TCM isn't just a name on a form. The Environment Agency expects them to attend site regularly, supervise operations, and be able to demonstrate real involvement in how the site is managed. How much attendance is needed depends on the type and risk level of the site.
Why TCM cover matters
Operating without a suitable TCM in place can lead to permit non-compliance, a poorer compliance score, and closer scrutiny from the Environment Agency. Common situations where operators need cover include:
Your TCM has resigned or retired, and you need time to recruit a replacement
Long term sickness, parental leave or extended holiday
A new site or permit where you don't yet have a qualified manager in house
Smaller operations where a full time TCM isn't practical
A site that needs an experienced independent eye after a poor inspection
Our TCM cover service
Safety First is led by Terry, who holds a WAMITAB Level 4 qualification in the physical and chemical treatment of hazardous waste, with the continuing competence needed to act as a Technically Competent Manager for permitted waste sites.
We offer:
Temporary TCM cover while you recruit or during staff absence
Ongoing TCM arrangements for sites that need part-time technical competence
Regular site attendance in line with Environment Agency expectations
Support during EA inspections, including preparation beforehand and follow-up on any actions
Permit compliance reviews to check your site is operating within its permit conditions
Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) reviews to make sure your plan reflects how the site actually operates
Environmental Management System (EMS) reviews and updates
We'll always confirm that our qualification matches the activities on your permit before agreeing cover, so you can be confident the arrangement will stand up to scrutiny.
More than a name on the permit
A good TCM should add value to your operation, not just tick a box. Alongside TCM cover, we bring practical experience of auditing waste sites across the UK, working with local authorities on site efficiency, and handling Environment Agency inspections.
We also deliver on-site training for waste staff on hazardous items, including gas canisters, LPG and camping gas cylinders, nitrous oxide canisters, high-pressure cylinders and batteries. These items are some of the biggest fire and explosion risks on waste sites today, and many sites are undertrained in dealing with them.
Because Safety First is also a health, safety and fire consultancy, we can support your site with fire risk assessments, DSEAR assessments, COSHH assessments and incident investigations, all from one provider who already knows your site.
Areas we cover
We're based in Kent and provide TCM cover across the South East, including Canterbury, Ashford, Maidstone, Dover, Folkestone, Medway, Tunbridge Wells, Sussex, Surrey and London. We also support sites further afield on request.
Get in touch
If your site needs TCM cover, whether it's for a few weeks or on an ongoing basis, contact Safety First for a confidential conversation. We'll review your permit, confirm our competence covers your activities, and quickly put a clear arrangement in place.
Email: Admin@healthsafetyuk.co.uk
