Claire Monkhouse from the IEEP looks at the latest developments at the European Commission

An IMPEL (EU Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law) report has been published that describes best practice in the member states on the training and qualifications of environmental inspectors.

The project is based on the recommendation on minimum criteria for environmental inspections [2001/331/EC].

However, by examining each of the systems used in the member states, the best practice identified goes beyond what could be described as minimum criteria.

The report covers a range of issues including:

• entry qualifications;

• identifying qualification and training needs for permitting/inspection staff;

• core competencies for permitting/inspection staff; and

• assessing competence following training.

Further information:

The full report can be found at

http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/

environment/impel/

environmental_inspectors.htm