Archived Annual Forum Presentations

SiLC Annual Forum 2025

The SiLC Annual Forum 2025 took place virtually on Thursday 27th March Chaired by Louise Beale (SiLC PTP Chair).

This half day event brought together industry professionals for an exciting programme of presentations and discussions.

This year’s Annual Forum programme was developed to recognise the 25th anniversary of the formation of SiLC. The topics in the first session focused on how we work as SiLCs including how we communicate risk, deal with sites in the media and an overview of the media perspective in relation to land condition.

The second session covered current hot topics including updates on climate change risk assessment, materials reuse and an interactive panel discussion on how brownfield development can support growth with views on planning, the grey belt, circular land use and the SDGs to enable land condition professionals to promote competence and technical expertise within the industry. Finally the last session looked to the future for land condition practitioners covering topics including AI, big data and innovative PFAS remediation.

£72 for SiLC Members, £32.40 for Retired SiLC Members, and £111.60 for Non SiLCs. For Affiliate Schemes the rate is £70 per ticket, with Local Authority & Other Public Sectors, Jobseeking/Graduates and Students welcome to register free of charge. All prices include VAT.

To receive a copy of the recording please email silc@silc.org.uk

PRESENTATIONS

25 Years of SiLC by Louise Beale (Integration Manager at SLR Consulting)

As SiLC celebrates its 25 year anniversary this year we reflect on its origins, why those reasons are still relevant today and recognise some of the people who have contributed to SiLC’s evolution over the years. We consider how it has evolved and where it can go next.

PDF to AGS: alchemy or AI-chemy? by Judith Nathanail (Director at Land Quality Management Ltd)

Factual ground investigation information is captured in borehole logs and laboratory certificates but then locked up in PDFs that get passed between multiple professionals during the lifecycle of land (re)development. Judith presents on how Innovate UK’s AI in Construction Programme funded LQM’s Buried Treasure project to use AI to extract AGS data from borehole log and laboratory certificate PDFs. A quick method to turn PDFs into AGS data will ensure the treasure trove of insights buried in the PDFs can inform ground models and support improved interpretation of land contamination risks

Land Development, Climate Change, and EWE: Industry Survey Insights & Updates by Andrew Fellows (Associate Technical Director at RSK )

RSK Geosciences are preparing a good practice guide for managing climate change geo-related impacts and liabilities in land development for CIRIA. Andrew will present the key findings of an industry survey that has helped informed this work, provide an update on the status of the guidance document to date, and some key learning points for the construction sector.

The Future of Subsurface by Holger Kessler (Senior Stakeholder Manager at AtkinsRéalis)

Holger will present key insights from The Future of the Subsurface Foresight Project. The subsurface has long shaped society, providing essential resources and infrastructure. As demands grow, pressures on underground space will intensify. Its role in achieving net zero, adapting to climate change, and supporting innovation is crucial, but congestion risks may challenge future land use and planning.

Communicating technical stuff in a way that doesn’t freak communities out by Tom Pashby (Senior Reporter at New Civil Engineer)

Public relations is a critical part of the job for technical professionals, whether or not it is formally listed in role descriptions. This presentation will provide a snapshot into how communications and public relations have changed, and what specialists in land condition can do to grasp the nettle

High Stakes Stakeholder Engagement! by Joe Jackson (Managing Director at Jackson Remediation)

Remediation can give rise to nuisance unless carefully controlled. Furthermore, the engagement with key stakeholders is critical and often perception is just as important as reality. In this session we offer some real-world examples of effective engagement, which have led to stakeholders being the projects’ greatest advocates.

Risk Based Management of the Emerging contaminants of ca 2050 by Paul Nathanail (Director at LQM)

SiLC marks its 25th birthday at a time when the value of underemployed land is being appreciated – once again. SOME brownfield land is affected by contamination. SOME brownfield land condition is better and some worse than the condition of the previous “green”field land. Paul will look back to look forward to see if the substance that could be emerging contaminants in 2050 can be foreseen and prevented from acquiring that emerging status.

Findings of a SiLC and CIRIA Soil CoP Stakeholder Workshop on the Future Policy and Regulation of Excavated Materials by Tom Henman (Director at RSK Geosciences and RSK Environment Ltd)

Tom’s presentation will cover the findings of a recent joint stakeholder workshop on the current issues and challenges limiting sustainable reuse of excavated materials in England and Wales. He will discuss the resulting ‘green paper’ and the options to consider developed, including planning-led approaches, applying the waste hierarchy making disposal a last resort, and changing the legal definition of waste.

SPEAKERS

Louise Beale- Webinar Chair (Integration Manager at SLR Consulting)

Louise has worked in environmental consultancy for 30 years advising clients on land quality issues associated with the ownership and development of brownfield land including material reuse.  She has been Chair of the SILC PTP since Spring 2024 and a member of the PTP since 2019.

Andrew Fellows (Associate Technical Director at RSK )

Andrew specialises in land contamination and has been a SiLC since 2022. His specialist area is in quantitative risk assessment and in 2018 was accredited for all disciplines by SoBRA. In 2023 Andrew won the Environment Analyst ‘Technical Lead of the Year’ award for his commitment to sustainable solutions and training others.

Paul Nathanail (Director at Land Quality Management Ltd)

Paul is a director of specialist contaminated land consultancy LQM. He offers expert witness and intelligent client services, delivers live and online training courses and carries out DQRAs. He balances consultancy, research and knowledge transfer in the fields of sustainable contaminated land management, brownfield redevelopment and circular land use. Paul is the lead author of CIRIA’s guide on PFAS (C819), supervised research projects on microplastics, featured in a Maggie Philbin documentary on phthalates, and has burnt several non-stick pans.

Tom Pashby (Senior Reporter at New Civil Engineer)

Tom is a senior reporter at New Civil Engineer. They are also the founder of LGBTQIA+ campaign Include Mx. They previously worked as a digital journalist at IEMA (the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) and spent 10 years in environmental politics. Tom has run for parliament twice (2017, 2019).

Judith Nathanail (Director at Land Quality Management Ltd)

Judith trained as an engineering geologist and has over 30 years consulting experience working on contaminated land. She is passionate about applying data science to solving geoenvironmental challenges. Recent projects include automating the prioritisation of potentially contaminated land for a local authority, creating a remediation greenhouse gas emissions calculator, using data to map renewable energy potential and an Innovate UK project using AI.

Holger Kessler (Senior Stakeholder Manager at AtkinsRéalis)

With 25 years of experience in geoscience, Holger has developed scientific, technical, and policy solutions at all scales, connecting stakeholders to drive progress. He has led major projects like the UK National Underground Asset Register and a Foresight project on subsurface resources. Now at AtkinsRéalis, he strengthens networks to enhance infrastructure, sustainability, and decision-making for a better future.

Joe Jackson (Managing Director at Jackson Remediation)

Joe has over 25 years of experience and a very strong technical understanding of contaminated land / environmental risk and associated development issues, underpinned by an acute commercial understanding and an entrepreneurial approach to project delivery. Joe established Jackson Remediation in 2021 and has managed its growth to being one of the UK’s leading remediation contractors.

Dr. Tom Henman (Director at RSK )

Tom has over 25 years’ experience in the assessment and management of land affected by contamination. His diverse and innovative project work has been recognised in several UK Brownfield Awards including major brownfield infrastructure and advice to Government on stakeholder engagement and risk communication. He has been actively involved with AGS, EIC, CIRIA and CL:AIRE and has worked with universities on collaborative research projects.

Panel speakers:

Carrie Rose ( Technical Director at Arcadis and Panel Chair)

Carrie is a Technical Director and Head of Geoenvironmental at Arcadis. She has 20+ years of experience in the land condition sector and has a broad range of experience. She is a registered SiLC, SQP (NQMS), QP (DoWCoP), CEnv, CSci, CWEM and FCIWEM. She is also on the SiLC Professional Technical Panel.

Andrew Lawrance (Divisional Director at Mott Macdonald)

Andrew is a chartered chemist and scientist and has been a SiLC since 2006. With almost 30 years Mott MacDonald experience, he has moved into operational management roles, whilst maintaining contaminated land technical skills and a passion for urban regeneration projects. He has recently taken on a role leading Mott MacDonald’s UK flood defence business.

David Carr (Lead Scientific Officer Environmental and Community Protection at Dacorum Borough Council)

David has 21 years of Local Authority Environmental Health experience focussing on land contamination, environmental permitting and local air quality. Preceded by 6 years in environmental consultancy. He is currently a CIEH Environmental Protection Advisory Panel member and on the National Contaminated Land Officers Group Committee.

Paul Sheehan (Director Geo Southeast at Stantec)

Paul has 25 years of experience in contaminated land assessment and remediation as a regulator, consultant, and contractor in the UK and internationally. He specialises in Contaminated Land Regulations, planning, and nuisance. As former Chairman of The National Brownfield Forum, he helped promote sustainable land use, collaborating with regulators, industry, and policymakers.

The SiLC Annual Forum 2024 took place virtually on Wednesday 20th March and was Chaired by Tom Henman (SiLC PTP Chair)

This half day event brought together industry professionals for a stellar programme of presentations and discussions divided into two sessions; Current Developments in the Land Condition Sector and Looking into the Future.

There was additionally a panel discussion on ‘What regulators expect to see on the incorporation of climate change into land condition assessments’, chaired by Mark Hill (Climate & Sustainability – Lead at The Pensions Regulator).

More details regarding speakers and presentations can be found below. VIEW THE FULL EVENT PROGRAMME HERE.

To view the recording please email silc@silc.org.uk for the password.

Tickets are £72 for SiLC Members, £32.40 for Retired SiLC Members, and £111.60 for Non SiLCs. For Affiliate Schemes the rate is £70 per ticket, with Local Authority & Other Public Sectors, Jobseeking/Graduates and Students welcome to register free of charge. All prices include VAT.

PRESENTATIONS

Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment: A Systems Thinking Approach by Lucy Bethell (Senior Associate (Contaminated Land Specialist), Mott MacDonald)

The challenges associated with AMR can only be tackled by a systems thinking approach, as linked to the One Health Approach promoted by the World Health organisation. This presentation will give an introduction to AMR in the Environment, the challenges it brings and how a systems thinking approach must be used to start to tackle this global threat.

The Future of Land Condition and Sustainable Development by Freddie Kennedy (Associate Director at AtkinsRéalis )
Freddie will discuss opportunities for land condition professionals to have a more impactful role in shaping the sustainability performance of development projects. The presentation will feature Freddie’s forward-thinking ideas on how the industry can be reinvigorated, such as by adopting a broader scope to site assessment and remediation options appraisal.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 for Land Condition Professionals by Emma Tattersdill (Partner (Environmental Law), Bexley Beaumont)
Emma will provide a brief overview of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 before exploring two areas of particular relevance to land condition professionals: Environmental Outcome Reports, which are set to replace the Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment regimes across the UK, and Nutrient Pollution Standards (relating to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in water).

A Regulator’s Guide to Cover Systems and their Verification by Rae Watney (Senior Land Quality Officer at Sheffield City Council)

An overview of the new NCLOG guidance on Simple Cover Systems and their Verification. This document is intended to be a reference to help Local Authority officers provide a consistent approach to regulating the design and verification of simple cover systems. The document signposts and collates existing guidance and discusses and contextualises regular issues faced by regulators and consultants.

Healthy Soils as Part of a Sustainable Future by Bruce Lascelles (UK Director – Sustainable Land Management at Arcadis)

This short video will highlight the critical importance of healthy soils for our sustainable future and the multiple ecosystem services soils provide as a critical part of our life support system. Understanding these aspects of soils provides opportunities to increase the impact of land remediation projects in terms of sustainability, biodiversity and climate.

Future Policy and Regulation of Excavated Materials – Findings of a Recent SiLC/ CIRIA Soil CoP Stakeholder Workshop by Louise Beale (Integration Project Manager SLR Consulting, Deputy Chair SiLC PTP)

There is a widespread perception among regulators and the development sector that current approaches to regulation of excavated soils within the waste regulatory regime are not fit for purpose. They do not take account of the value of soil as a limited resource, as a carbon sink, load bearing horizon, water store, and its inherent value in supporting biodiversity. Equally, current approaches do not take account of circular economy principles and the need to divert waste away from landfill. SiLC and CIRIA held a workshop in January to identify potential improved regulatory and policy options for excavated soils. Key issues, desirable outcomes and perceived barriers were discussed and potential solutions presented and ranked.

Digital Data and AI: The role(s) of Artificial Intelligence Including Machine Learning in Land Contamination Risk Management by Paul Nathanail (Director, Land Quality Management Ltd)

Paul will discuss how Machine learning (ML), a subset of AI, uses processes or rules and statistical models to analyse and reach conclusions from patterns in data without following explicit instructions. He will go on to explore how large language models such as ChatGPT apply deep learning, a form of ML, to generate text from large datasets and how AI has a role to play in identifying patterns of contamination or migration; predicting the likelihood of contamination risks and ensuring land contamination management practices comply with regulations and standards.

Changing Weather, Changing our Approach to Land Remediation? by Claire Dickinson (Director at, Geo-environmental Matters)

With the news that the 1.5C threshold of global warming has been breached according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, what are we doing as Land Condition professionals to mitigate and adapt to our changing climate and increased frequency of extreme weather events? This presentation considers the impacts of climate change on some contaminant behaviour and whether there needs to be a shift in approach in response to the Climate Emergency.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Tom Henman (Director at RSK and Chair of SiLC PTP)

Emma Tattersdill (Partner (Environmental Law), Bexley Beaumont)

Emma is a solicitor specialising in environmental law. She works with businesses and individuals on all aspects of environmental regulation, contamination, water and waste management, nuisance issues and the natural environment. As well as supporting SiLC, Emma is a trustee of CL:AIRE and represents UKELA on the National Brownfield Forum.

Lucy Bethell (Technical Director, Mott MacDonald)

Lucy is a contaminated land specialist at Mott MacDonald and is a Specialist in Land Condition (SiLC). Lucy has been involved in Mott MacDonald’s AMR Working Group since 2019 and has a keen interest in emerging contaminants and big picture, cross discipline challenges.

Freddie Kennedy (Associate Director at AtkinsRéalis )

Freddie is a contaminated land and remediation specialist and Chartered Environmentalist. He has practiced as a land quality consultant and remediation contractor. Freddie has a diverse project portfolio, including a wide variety of former industrial sites and contemporary oil and gas assets.

Mark Hill (Climate & Sustainability – Lead at The Pensions Regulator)

Mark is the Climate and Sustainability Lead within The Pensions Regulator (TPR), responsible for developing the regulatory response to climate change and sustainability disclosure requirements and delivering TPR’s Climate Change Strategy. He brings some 30 years of experience working predominantly in the public sector.

Rae Watney (Senior Land Quality Officer at Sheffield City Council)

Rae has been a Local Authority Officer specialising in Contaminated Land for the last 4 years, and prior to that worked in Contaminated Land consultancy. She is active in local and national officer groups for NCLOG and YALPAG and is a member of the working group for the new NCLOG guidance on simple cover systems. In 2021, she won Best Young Brownfield Professional at the Brownfield Briefing awards.

Bruce Lascelles (UK Director – Sustainable Land Management at Arcadis)

SiLC ANNUAL FORUM 2023

The SiLC Annual Forum 2023 took place virtually on Wednesday 29th March 2023.

This half day event (9:30am – 13:30), Chaired by Tom Henman (SiLC PTP Chair), bought together industry professionals for a stellar programme of presentations and discussions.

This event was divided into two sessions; Climate & Sustainability and Looking into the Future, and there was a panel discussion, Chaired by Claire Dickinson on the topic, “What do land condition professionals consider they need to understand to tackle climate change and sustainability challenges?”

The event was sponsored by Jackson Remediation, Vertase FLI, AECOM, Statom Group, Element, Arcadis, Evonik, and Unyte Waste.

Please note this video is password protected. If you attended the SiLC Annual Forum and would like to view the webinar replay please contact silc@silc.org.uk for access details.

VIEW THE EVENT PROGRAMME HERE.

PRESENTATIONS

Voices of Early Careers Professionals – What does sustainability mean to me?

Delivering Effective and Sustainable Materials Management on National Infrastructure Projects (Carrie Rose, Associated Technical Director at Atkins and Ian Evans, Senior Technical Director at Arcadis Consulting (UK))

Please note due to client confidentiality, we’re unable to share Carrie and Ian’s presentation within the Annual Forum replay.

The Development and Application of Carbon Calculator Tools to Sustainable Development (Sarah Cook, Associate Director, Leap Environmental)

Understanding the Relationship Between Soil Biodiversity and Soil Health (Dr Felicity Crotty, Senior Lecturer in Soil Science and Ecology at the Royal Agricultural University)

Panel Discussion: “What do land condition professionals consider they need to understand to tackle climate change and sustainability challenges?”

Claire Dickinson, Director, Geo-environmental Matters (Panel Chair)
Amy Juden, Associate at The Environmental Protection Group
Martin Ballard CEnv CMgr FIEMA, Group Head of Environment, Wates
Robert Tyler, Environmental Quality Officer at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Nina Pimblett, Sector Guidance Lead, Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) Secretariat
Mark Hill, Climate & Sustainability – Lead at The Pensions Regulator

The Scottish Centre for Geopoetics – Poetry Reading

Post-Brexit Regulation of Excavated Materials: Waste Not Want Not; Waste, Want or Not; Want, Not Waste; Not Want, Waste (Paul Nathanail, Director at LQM)

Evolving Environmental Risks and the Insurance Market (Robert Wade, Environmental Underwriting Manager, The Hartford and Thomas Hughes, Senior Market Services Executive, International Underwriting Association)

PFAS: What the UK can learn from Jersey and Guernsey approach to PFAS (James Lemon, Associate Technical Director, Arcadis)

SiLC ANNUAL FORUM 2022

The SiLC Annual Forum took place virtually on Tuesday 22nd March. This was a half-day event which featured a stellar lineup of expert, industry speakers, each covering a wide array of topics.

The Forum was divided into two themes; NQMS: 5 years on – where has it added value? and Sustainable Remediation & Climate Change. It was an interactive event in which audience participation was encouraged via live polls, handouts, a virtual breakout session and Q&A’s. To view the event programme please click HERE.

To view the SiLC Annual Forum 2022 replay, please click HERE. Please note the link is password protected. If you attended the SiLC Annual Forum and would like to view the webinar replay please contact silc@silc.org.uk for access details.

This event was sponsored by Jackson Remediation, Element, Statom Group, Vertase FLI, Arcadis, Mott Macdonald, Hydrock and Advisian.

PRESENTATIONS

Angela Haslam, Senior Advisor, Land and Contamination Management Team at the Environment Agency
Environment Agency reflections on the National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Contamination (NQMS) in England

David Kerr, Ireland Brownfield Network and Principal Environmental Consultant at Delta-Simons Environmental Consultants

Demonstrating Competency in Contaminated Land in Ireland

Paul Nathanail, GHD Technical Director of Contamination Assessment and Remediation & Chair SiLC Register Ltd
International perspectives on competency and accreditation for land contamination reporting

Joe Jackson, Managing Director at Jackson Remediation
Sustainable Remediation and Climate Change – Real Impacts & Real Opportunities

Helen McMillan, Associate Director at RSK and SoBRA
Considering climate change in controlled waters risk assessment

Claire Dickinson, Director at Geo-Environmental Matters
Land Condition, extreme weather events and climate change

SiLC Annual Forum 2021

The SiLC Annual Forum took place online on 30th March 2021.

Hosted by SiLC PTP Chair, Ian Evans (Technical Director at Wood PLC), the event featured a stellar line up of expert, industry speakers, each covering a wide array of topics.

The interactive event encouraged audience participation via live polls, the webinar chat facility and Q&A sessions. Delegates also had the opportunity to network in one of the multiple breakout rooms, each co-hosted by our presenters and members of the SiLC PTP.

The event was sponsored by Jackson Remediation Ltd as the Diamond Sponsor and VertaseFLI Ltd as the Gold Sponsor.

Joe Jackson of Jackson Remediation Ltd, presented on Remediation and Risk: Identification, Mitigation and Transparent Apportionment

Dr. Alan Thomas, Technical Fellow at ERM & Co-Chair of SuRF UK, gave a presentation on The SuRF UK Sustainability Process and Indicator Guidance.

Ellanor Joyce, Project Manager within the Magnox Winfrith End State Project, presented on the phased assessment of land quality for the Winfrith site through the final stages of decommissioning to support site closure

Dr. Tom Henman, Director at RSK Geosciences and Deputy Chair of the SiLC PTP, presented on Effective Risk Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Highly experienced contaminated land officers Ann Barker and Rebekah Norbury jointly provided an introduction to the National Contaminated Land Officers’ Group (NCLOG) from inception through to progress to date plus an updated view on NQMS from a Contaminated Land Officer’s viewpoint.

ination Assessment and Remediation at GHD UK and Deputy Chair of the SiLC Board, provided an interesting and useful presentation on Professional Qualifications and their recognition in a post-Brexit world.

View the programme here

SiLC Annual Forum 2020
The 2020 SiLC Annual Forum took place on the 6th March 2020 at the Geological Society, and featured the following presentations:

RemSoc Framework- A Practitioners Guide to Remediation – Steve Edgar, Vertase FLI

Demonstrating Geotechnical Suitability Materials Management Plan– Ian Gardner, Hydrock

Land Contamination: Risk Management– Angela Haslam, Environment Agency

Comparisons with a Critical Concentration– Nigel Marriott, Independent Statistician

SiLC Annual Forum 2019
The 2019 SiLC Annual Forum took place on Wednesday 6^th March 2019 at The Royal Society of Chemistry, in London, and featured the following presentations.

The Challenges of Growing a Consultancy – Helen Smith

Definition of Waste Code of Practice 10 year review – Nicholas Willenbrock

Emerging Contaminants – Phil Crowcroft

Part 2a Where are we and where are we going? – Rob Biddlecombe

SiLC Annual Forum 2018

The SiLC Annual Forum 2018 took place on Thursday 19th April at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London, and included the following presentations:

Welcome Address – Paul Burden, SiLC Chair and Principal, Environmental and Ordnance Liability Management at the Ministry of Defense

BGS Geoscience in the Redevelopment of UK Brownfields: Examples of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange – Darren Beriro, Geoscientist at the British Geological Survey

Update on Phase 2 of the Category 4 Screening Levels Project – Hannah White, SAGTA

State of Brownfield 2018, Following the Launch of our Latest Research into the Brownfield Registers- Rebecca Pullinger, Planning Campaigner at Campaign to Protect Rural England

National Quality Mark Scheme Panel Discussion: Take up and take off
Nicola Harries, Project Director at CL:AIRE
Helen Peters, Legal Director at Pinsent Masons
Phil Crowcroft, Technical Fellow at ERM
Angela Haslam, Senior Advisor at the Environment Agency
Frank Evans, Head of Operations at National Grid Property
Anita Metelko, Senior Land Quality Officer at Dudley Council
Compered by Paul Burden, Principal, Environmental and Ordnance Liability Management at the Ministry of Defense

Land Transactions and the Importance of Robust Data, Expert Review and Consultancy Appointments – an Environmental Lawyers Perspective –Helen Peters, Legal Director at Pinsent Masons

Asbestos in Soils: A Part 2a Case Study – James Macfarlane, Asbestos Manager at Hydrock Consulting

SiLC Annual Forum 2017

The 2017 SiLC Annual Forum took place on Thursday 27^th April 2017 at The Royal Society of Chemistry, in London and was attended by over 70 delegates.

SiLC Annual Forum 2016

The 2016 SiLC Annual Forum took place on Tuesday 19th April at The Royal Society of Chemistry, in the heart of London.

Attended by over 70 delegates, last years half day seminar saw a number of speakers present on topics unique to their experience and expertise.

Presentations on the day included:

Phil Crowcroft (SiLC PTP Chairman)- The National Mark Scheme

Richard Blyth (Royal Town Planning Institute) – Implications of the housing and planning bill for brownfield re-use

Steve Wilson (The Environmental Protection Group) – SUDS and how it interacts with contaminated land and brownfield sites

Alan Jones (Institute of Occupational Medicine)- Occupational Health

Alan Wilson (Jones Environmental Laboratories)- Emerging Contaminates; challenges for consultants and laboratories

Chris Barrett (Arup) – Estimating Remediation Costs