Waste boss goes undercover on TV show

Colin Drummond, Viridor chief executive officer, is one of a handful of bosses in a Channel 4’s Undercover Boss, which sees senior figures return to the front lines incognito to see how their operations really work.

He said: “This experience has been a real eye opener for me both professionally and personally.

“It’s exposed me to some of the things that we do really well, some of the things that we need to work on, and given me a full, rounded view of how the company works on a day to day basis.

“It was hard work, but was also very gratifying to be welcomed and helped by my colleagues on site, and especially to hear some of their great ideas as to how we can make our sites and services even better.

“Hopefully their enthusiasm, dedication and straight talking style will come across in the program.”

Mr Drummond masquerades as an unemployed worker looking for a job at a variety of waste processing sites for the series.

Here he sees some of the good and not-so-good work done by rank and file staff and meets some of its unsung heroes.

Mr Drummond finds out first-hand how his decisions affect workers and gains valuable insights into potential improvements.

The episode of Undercover Boss featuring Viridor is scheduled to be screened on Channel 4, on Thursday, August 12 from 9pm.

Other companies featured in the series are Best Western Hotels, the Jockey Club, Tower Hamlets Council, Harry Ramsden’s restaurants, and Crown Relocations.

David Gibbs