Given that LLW Repository Ltd (LLWR) has been promoting
change in the management of lower activity waste for more
than a decade, it is no surprise that its workforce has
proved flexible in converting to the ‘new normal’ brought
about by coronavirus.
Almost 90% of the LLWR workforce has been working
productively from home during lockdown, enabling the
nuclear industry to continue its decommissioning mission
during the period of remote working.
Within LLWR it’s the role of Waste Management Services
business unit (WMS) to help customers manage their lower
activity wastes at every stage of the waste lifecycle, and
when the lockdown call came in late March, they were
prepared.
Damian Seath, Head of WMS Operations, likened the response
to that of a military task force. With a business
continuity plan developed, staff began obtaining the
equipment required to operate remotely, tested their IT
equipment and created electronic copies of Visual
Management Boards used to coordinate service operations.
They even packed grab bags containing vital documents and
management system forms required to perform Business As
Usual activities remotely for customers, in case the IT
network was unavailable.
The teams were quickly restructured into ‘cells’ and new
virtual meetings and communication routes were put in place
so that everything remained coordinated. Once mobilised,
home working quickly became the norm, ensuring business
continuity for LLWR’s customer base.
Communication is a pivotal part of remote working and video
conferencing has been utilised extensively for internal
meetings and to ensure customers get the personal touch. As
a by product, Damian has noticed that his team’s IT skills
are sharper than ever.
“WMS have always been at the forefront of change and are
constantly looking for new innovations and efficiencies to
stay ahead of the game and deliver a better quality service
for its customers,” he said.
“I believe that one of the many success factors was due to
the passion and enthusiasm for the work we perform, along
with a key desire to obtain customer excellence through
delivery.”
During lockdown many sites with which LLWR works have
reduced or ceased operations with only a few vital
consignments continuing to be transported for treatment or
disposal.
But business has carried on, with WMS for instance
continuing to work across the NDA group to develop scope
for metallic waste treatment services, in anticipation of a
new metallic framework going live, continuing to implement
process and service improvement initiatives, source and
procure new frameworks such as Expert Support and
Alternative Treatment, to further enhance the service
offering, and develop a new Customer Relationship
Management software tool.
They have also worked with customers on several new waste
enquiries and some early project preparation works, so
everything is in place for the eventual restart.
Damian said: “Hopefully when all is back to normal (or new
normal) in the world of waste management, our customers
will notice the amount of work that has been ongoing behind
the scenes and realise the benefits in the short and longer
term.”
