Leadership development: cultivating our future leaders

10:05 am - 10:20 am

Strong leadership is essential for navigating the complexities of the waste management industry. This session focuses on developing the next generation of leaders through effective training and mentorship programmes. We will examine the skills and qualities necessary for impactful leadership, with insights from current industry leaders. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on identifying potential leaders within their organisations and fostering their growth.

Learn how to build a robust leadership pipeline to drive innovation and excellence in waste management.

Securing tomorrow's talent: apprenticeships and academic pathways

10:20 am - 10:40 am

Securing and nurturing talent is key to sustaining growth and innovation in waste management. This session explores apprenticeship programs and the waste management units in prisons.

Join us to gain insights from experts and stakeholders on building a robust talent pipeline for the future.

Addressing modern slavery and protecting shift workers

10:40 am - 11:00 am

The waste management industry, with its reliance on shift work and a diverse workforce, is vulnerable to issues of modern slavery and worker exploitation. This session will delve into the hidden challenges facing shift workers and the essential role of migrant workers. Participants will gain insights into the legal frameworks, ethical responsibilities, and practical measures necessary to combat exploitation and ensure fair working conditions.

Join us to discover the best practices for supporting and safeguarding shift workers.

Using AI to improve efficiency in the waste management industry

11:15 am - 11:45 am

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the waste management industry by enhancing efficiency and optimising operations. This session will showcase cutting-edge AI applications, from predictive maintenance and smart sorting systems to route optimisation and data-driven decision-making.

Join industry leaders and tech innovators as they share insights and case studies on the transformative impact of AI, helping you harness its potential to streamline processes and drive sustainability in your operations.

Advancing green jobs: bridging the skills gap for a sustainable future

11:45 am - 12:15 pm

In this follow-up to last year’s session on green jobs, we delve into the critical advancements and ongoing challenges in developing the green workforce necessary for a sustainable future.

Drawing insights from recent industry reports and expert analysis, this session will address the pressing green skills gap within the waste management sector and beyond. Attendees will gain an understanding of the government's Green Jobs Delivery Group's initiatives post general election, including detailed action plans and policy recommendations aimed at fostering a well-equipped, diverse, and inclusive workforce ready to meet the demands of a decarbonised economy.

Key topics include the importance of sector-specific skills, effective workforce planning, and strategies to make green careers attractive and accessible to all.

Battling battery fires: enhancing safety in the waste management sector

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Battery fires in waste management are a growing concern, with over 1,200 incidents reported across bin lorries and waste sites in the UK last year.

This session will explore the causes and risks associated with battery fires, examining their impact on safety and operations in the waste industry. Our experts will share insights on how to mitigate these hazards and ensure a safer environment for waste management professionals and the community at large. You will learn about best practices for prevention, including improved recycling methods and safety protocols.

Cultivating a safety-first culture: best practices and innovations

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Prioritising safety is essential for a successful waste management operation. This session will explore the latest best practices and innovative strategies to cultivate a safety-first culture across the industry. We will examine comprehensive training programs, the integration of advanced safety technologies, and effective risk management techniques.

Learn from experts and case studies on how to minimise hazards, enhance employee well-being, and foster a proactive safety mindset. Join us to ensure your organisation not only meets regulatory standards but also leads the way in creating a safer working environment.

Addressing the gender pay gap: the strategies for equity

2:00 pm - 2:25 pm

The gender pay gap in the waste management sector has fluctuated significantly over recent years, reflecting broader industry trends and the challenges of measuring progress. This session will explore the latest data, which indicates a 5.5% gender pay gap in 2024, and discuss the implications of these figures. Despite performing better than the national average, the sector faces persistent disparities, particularly in the representation of women in higher-paying roles.

Join us to examine the underlying causes of the gender pay gap, from the small sample sizes of reporting companies to structural issues like the underrepresentation of women in circular economy jobs and STEM fields. We will highlight successful initiatives by companies like Bywaters, which reported a pay gap in favour of women, and Reconomy's ongoing efforts to address their substantial pay gap. Experts will provide insights into effective strategies for creating more inclusive employment practices and policies that promote gender equity. Learn from industry leaders about how to leverage gender pay gap data to drive meaningful change and ensure a more equitable future in the waste management sector.

Empowering women in our industry: diversity and inclusion for a sustainable future

2:25 pm - 2:45 pm

Join us to explore the critical role of women in the waste management industry and the importance of diversity and inclusion. This session will highlight initiatives that support and empower women, featuring insights on overcoming industry barriers, creating inclusive workplaces, and attracting female talent. Learn from inspiring case studies and expert discussions on how diverse perspectives can drive innovation and sustainability in waste management.

Celebrate the progress made and discover strategies to further enhance gender equity in the sector.

Leadership development: cultivating our future leaders

10:05 am - 10:20 am

Strong leadership is essential for navigating the complexities of the waste management industry. This session focuses on developing the next generation of leaders through effective training and mentorship programmes. We will examine the skills and qualities necessary for impactful leadership, with insights from current industry leaders. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on identifying potential leaders within their organisations and fostering their growth.

Learn how to build a robust leadership pipeline to drive innovation and excellence in waste management.

Securing tomorrow's talent: apprenticeships and academic pathways

10:20 am - 10:40 am

Securing and nurturing talent is key to sustaining growth and innovation in waste management. This session explores apprenticeship programs and the waste management units in prisons.

Join us to gain insights from experts and stakeholders on building a robust talent pipeline for the future.

Addressing modern slavery and protecting shift workers

10:40 am - 11:00 am

The waste management industry, with its reliance on shift work and a diverse workforce, is vulnerable to issues of modern slavery and worker exploitation. This session will delve into the hidden challenges facing shift workers and the essential role of migrant workers. Participants will gain insights into the legal frameworks, ethical responsibilities, and practical measures necessary to combat exploitation and ensure fair working conditions.

Join us to discover the best practices for supporting and safeguarding shift workers.

Using AI to improve efficiency in the waste management industry

11:15 am - 11:45 am

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the waste management industry by enhancing efficiency and optimising operations. This session will showcase cutting-edge AI applications, from predictive maintenance and smart sorting systems to route optimisation and data-driven decision-making.

Join industry leaders and tech innovators as they share insights and case studies on the transformative impact of AI, helping you harness its potential to streamline processes and drive sustainability in your operations.

Advancing green jobs: bridging the skills gap for a sustainable future

11:45 am - 12:15 pm

In this follow-up to last year’s session on green jobs, we delve into the critical advancements and ongoing challenges in developing the green workforce necessary for a sustainable future.

Drawing insights from recent industry reports and expert analysis, this session will address the pressing green skills gap within the waste management sector and beyond. Attendees will gain an understanding of the government's Green Jobs Delivery Group's initiatives post general election, including detailed action plans and policy recommendations aimed at fostering a well-equipped, diverse, and inclusive workforce ready to meet the demands of a decarbonised economy.

Key topics include the importance of sector-specific skills, effective workforce planning, and strategies to make green careers attractive and accessible to all.

Battling battery fires: enhancing safety in the waste management sector

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Battery fires in waste management are a growing concern, with over 1,200 incidents reported across bin lorries and waste sites in the UK last year.

This session will explore the causes and risks associated with battery fires, examining their impact on safety and operations in the waste industry. Our experts will share insights on how to mitigate these hazards and ensure a safer environment for waste management professionals and the community at large. You will learn about best practices for prevention, including improved recycling methods and safety protocols.

Cultivating a safety-first culture: best practices and innovations

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Prioritising safety is essential for a successful waste management operation. This session will explore the latest best practices and innovative strategies to cultivate a safety-first culture across the industry. We will examine comprehensive training programs, the integration of advanced safety technologies, and effective risk management techniques.

Learn from experts and case studies on how to minimize hazards, enhance employee well-being, and foster a proactive safety mindset. Join us to ensure your organisation not only meets regulatory standards but also leads the way in creating a safer working environment.

Addressing the gender pay gap: the strategies for equity 

2:00 pm - 2:25 pm

The gender pay gap in the waste management sector has fluctuated significantly over recent years, reflecting broader industry trends and the challenges of measuring progress. This session will explore the latest data, which indicates a 5.5% gender pay gap in 2024, and discuss the implications of these figures. Despite performing better than the national average, the sector faces persistent disparities, particularly in the representation of women in higher-paying roles.

Join us to examine the underlying causes of the gender pay gap, from the small sample sizes of reporting companies to structural issues like the underrepresentation of women in circular economy jobs and STEM fields. We will highlight successful initiatives by companies like Bywaters, which reported a pay gap in favour of women, and Reconomy's ongoing efforts to address their substantial pay gap. Experts will provide insights into effective strategies for creating more inclusive employment practices and policies that promote gender equity. Learn from industry leaders about how to leverage gender pay gap data to drive meaningful change and ensure a more equitable future in the waste management sector.

Empowering women in our industry: diversity and inclusion for a sustainable future

2:25 pm - 2:45 pm

Join us to explore the critical role of women in the waste management industry and the importance of diversity and inclusion. This session will highlight initiatives that support and empower women, featuring insights on overcoming industry barriers, creating inclusive workplaces, and attracting female talent. Learn from inspiring case studies and expert discussions on how diverse perspectives can drive innovation and sustainability in waste management.

Celebrate the progress made and discover strategies to further enhance gender equity in the sector.