Jackson Environmental Secures Maximum-Term Renewal of HSE Asbestos Licence
Jackson Environmental Secures Maximum-Term Renewal of HSE Asbestos Licence
Jackson Environmental is proud to announce the successful renewal of our Health & Safety Executive (HSE) licence to undertake licensable asbestos removal — once again achieving the maximum renewal term. This milestone continues an unbroken record held by the company since 1991, underscoring more than three decades of consistent excellence, robust safety culture, and industry-leading operational standards.
A Legacy of Excellence Since 1991
Achieving the maximum licence term is not automatic; it is awarded only to organisations that demonstrate exceptional competence, strong management systems, and consistently high performance during HSE inspections and assessments. The renewal process is rigorous, detailed, and designed to ensure that only the most capable contractors are entrusted with the highest‑risk asbestos work.
For Jackson Environmental, maintaining this top-tier status for over 30 years reflects the dedication of our teams, the strength of our procedures, and our unwavering commitment to protecting workers, clients, and the public.
Understanding the HSE Asbestos Licensing Regime
Asbestos remains present in many buildings across the UK, and its removal is tightly regulated to protect health. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, most higher risk work with asbestos requires a licence issued by the HSE. Examples of licensable work includes:
- Removing sprayed coatings (limpet asbestos)
- Removal or other work which may disturb pipe lagging
- Any work involving loose fill insulation
- Work on asbestos millboard
- Cleaning up significant quantities of loose/fine debris containing ACM dust (where the work is not sporadic and of low intensity, the control limit will be exceeded, or it is not short duration work)
- Work on AIB, where the risk assessment indicates that it will not be of short duration
Why a Licence Is Required
The licensing system ensures that contractors undertaking hazardous asbestos removal:
- Have robust management systems
- Maintain competent, trained staff
- Demonstrate safe working practices
- Provide evidence of strong site performance
- Respond effectively to any issues raised during inspections
The HSE assesses each renewal application in depth, reviewing site performance, management arrangements, and any changes since the previous assessment. The process is intentionally stringent to ensure that only organisations with proven capability continue to operate in this high‑risk field.
Why the Licensing Regime Matters
The licensing framework exists to protect workers, building occupants, and the wider public from exposure to asbestos fibres — a known cause of serious long‑term health conditions. By requiring contractors to demonstrate ongoing competence, the HSE ensures that:
- Removal work is carried out safely and effectively
- Standards do not slip over time
- Organisations remain accountable for continuous improvement
- Only those with strong compliance records retain the privilege of operating
This system is a cornerstone of the UK’s approach to asbestos risk management and is recognised internationally for its robustness.
A Continued Commitment to Safety and Quality
Securing the maximum-term renewal once again is a testament to the professionalism of every member of the Jackson Environmental team. From site operatives to project managers, from compliance specialists to support staff, this achievement reflects a shared commitment to excellence.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also reaffirm our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and service for our clients.
Jackson Environmental Achieves ARCA Gold Site Audit Award 2025/26
Jackson Environmental Achieves ARCA Gold Site Audit Award 2025/26
Jackson Environmental Ltd is proud to announce that the company has been awarded the prestigious ARCA Gold Site Audit Award for 2025/26, recognising our continued commitment to excellence in asbestos removal and site safety standards.
The award, issued by the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), is granted only to companies that demonstrate consistently high performance across two consecutive membership years. To qualify, members must achieve:
- Audit grades between A and C
- An overall average grade of at least a B
- Two full years of compliant audit performance
- No prohibition notices or prosecutions for asbestos work during the qualifying period
All ARCA audits have been unannounced since 2017, making this achievement an even stronger reflection of the professionalism and preparedness of our site teams. ARCA also applies weighting adjustments to account for the different stages at which audits may occur — from pre‑enclosure checks to live or post‑enclosure inspections — ensuring a fair and rigorous assessment.
In his letter of congratulations, Matt Boulton, ARCA Membership Secretary, commended Jackson Environmental for embracing the Site Audit Accreditation Scheme and maintaining high standards across all operational activities. He also expressed confidence in the company’s continued performance in the year ahead.
Receiving this award is a testament to the dedication, skill, and diligence of every member of the Jackson Environmental team. From site operatives to supervisors, project managers to compliance staff, this recognition reflects a shared commitment to safe working practices, regulatory compliance, and delivering exceptional service to our clients.
We are delighted to add the Gold Site Audit Award 2025/26 to our growing list of accreditations and achievements, and we remain focused on upholding the highest standards throughout 2026/27 and beyond.
Congratulations to the entire team!
Jackson Environmental Awarded Prestigious ARCA Gold Training Award
Jackson Environmental Awarded Prestigious ARCA Gold Training Award 2024-2025
Jackson Environmental is proud to announce that we have been honoured with the ARCA Gold Training Award, a prestigious recognition from the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) that celebrates excellence in training and competency across the industry.
This award is reserved for ARCA members who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to professional development and training standards. To qualify, organisations must meet rigorous criteria, including:
- Completion of ARCA training courses for Supervisors and Operatives (new, refresher, or TNA)
- A minimum of eight delegates participating in these courses
- An outstanding average score of 92.5% or higher across all delegates trained
We are thrilled to share that our team not only met these standards but exceeded expectations, showcasing the dedication, skill, and professionalism that define Jackson Environmental.
A Testament to Our Team’s Excellence
In a letter from the ARCA Training and Competency Committee, the achievement was described as a “considerable” milestone and a reflection of the high standards upheld by our staff. The committee extended personal congratulations, stating:
“It is a testament to all your staff that have attained a higher-than-average score in training sessions to achieve this award.”
This accomplishment was also formally acknowledged at the ARCA Annual General Meeting held on Friday, 3rd October 2025, further highlighting its significance within the industry.
Looking Ahead
Receiving the ARCA Gold Training Award reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, and professional development. We remain dedicated to investing in our people and ensuring that every member of our team is equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver excellence in asbestos removal and environmental services.
We thank our staff your their hard work, focus, and dedication.
We're Hiring
Job Advert: Trainee Asbestos Removal Operative
Location: Thurleigh (MK44 2EA)
Company: Jackson Environmental
Jackson Environmental Ltd are a family-run licensed asbestos removal company seeking hardworking and reliable individuals to join our team as Trainee Asbestos Removal Operatives. This is an excellent opportunity to start a career in a vital industry, with comprehensive training provided.
We primarily operate in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire and are looking for candidates located within a 20-mile radius of our Thurleigh yard (MK44 2EA).
Key Responsibilities
As a Trainee Asbestos Removal Operative, you will receive training to safely remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials in various environments. You’ll gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Criteria for Applicants
The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:
- Age: 18 years or older
- Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence (essential)
- Physical Fitness: Ability to perform physically demanding work
- Work Ethic: Hardworking, reliable, and eager to learn
- Health & Safety: Clean shaven and comfortable wearing a full-face mask for extended periods (see FAQ for guidance)
- Location: Reside within a 20-mile radius of MK44 2EA
In Return, We Offer
- Competitive Pay: Starting from £32,000 per annum (higher salary available depending on relevant experience).
- Pay Reviews: Pay reviews at 3, 6, and 12 months. With proven performance and reliability, operatives can realistically target earnings of approximately £45,000 in the first 12 months of employment (includes overtime and bonuses).
- Fleet Vehicles: Use of company vehicles for site work.
- Bonus Scheme: Staff Bonus Incentive Scheme, with daily pay additions depending on site.
- Overtime Pay: Extra pay for travelling and regular Saturday shifts.
- Leave & Benefits: 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays) and company pension scheme.
Working Hours
- Weekday Hours: Monday to Friday, 7am – 5pm (work on site 8am – 4.30pm, with 1-hour unpaid lunch break).
- Saturday Hours: 7am – 1.30pm (paid at your usual full-day rate).
- Candidates must be available for regular Saturday shifts, particularly during busy periods (minimum of 25 Saturdays per year).
Visit Our Website
We understand that starting a new role in asbestos removal can raise questions. For more information about the role, the work involved, and the health and safety procedures, please visit our website to review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. This will help you gain a clearer understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the role.
Time Scales
After your application, Jackson Environmental may conduct an initial interview via video call. Following this, a face-to-face interview will be arranged for the week commencing 23rd June 2025. Anticipated start date for successful applicants will be on or around 4th August 2025.
Fair and Inclusive Recruitment
To ensure fairness, all applications are assessed against the same objective criteria. Interview questions and scoring are standardised, and all hiring managers follow our internal Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) guidelines. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
How to Apply
If you are motivated, eager to learn, and excited to be part of a dynamic team, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to begin your career with Jackson Environmental!
Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in building materials and other products due to its durability, heat resistance, and ability to withstand chemical and biological degradation.
Due to the health risks faced by exposure to asbestos containing materials, removal and remediation work is highly regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Jackson Environmental are a highly experienced, family run, asbestos removal contractor licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
We undertake the full range of asbestos works throughout Beds, Bucks, Herts, Cambs, Northamptonshire, and occasionally beyond.
Asbestos removal operatives are trained professionals responsible for the safe removal or encapsulation of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Key tasks include:
- Preparing sealed work areas with controlled airflow (enclosures)
- Using specialist tools and techniques to remove asbestos safely
- Cleaning and decontaminating equipment and the work site
- Disposing of asbestos waste legally and securely
This work is carried out under strict conditions and licensing requirements, with close attention to health and safety.
There are risks, but they are tightly controlled. When all safety procedures, training, and equipment are properly followed, the job can be performed safely. Operatives wear full protective gear, including RPE, and follow strict decontamination processes.
Asbestos removal operatives must wear specific protective equipment to prevent exposure:
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE):
- Full-face, positive-pressure masks or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) with P3 filters are used.
- RPE must be properly fitted (face-fit testing is legally required). Operative must be clean shaven to achieve this.
- RPE is regularly cleaned, inspected, and maintained to ensure effectiveness.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Disposable coveralls (Type 5/6, typically white) with fitted hoods
- Gloves (usually nitrile or latex, double-layered)
- Boot covers or dedicated footwear
- Eye protection, depending on task
- All PPE is disposed of or decontaminated after use to prevent cross-contamination.
No prior experience is required for entry-level roles, but you must complete specialist asbestos removal training.
Having a CSCS card or general construction experience can be beneficial.
All training is provided by Jackson Environmental.
No qualifications or training are required to apply for this role as it is provided by us. It will include:
- Asbestos Removal Training – 3 Day Course (this will be undertaken at the start of your employment)
- In House Skill’s Training (we will teach you best practice on all skills required to succeed in the industry)
- Face-fit testing for Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
- PASMA & IPAF (following your probationary period, and as your skills develop we offer training in the use of Tower Scaffold & MEWPS – this will broaden the roles you are able to fulfil in the company)
Working hours can vary depending on the job site but early starts & Saturday work is common.
Conditions may include:
- Confined spaces
- Working at Height
- Dirty or dusty environments
- Wearing RPE & PPE for long periods
Overtime at Jackson Environmental is frequently available.
- Overtime pay is applied for additional travel to site
- Saturdays are frequently available. They are a shorter day but paid at a full day rate. (We expect operatives to be available for atleast 50% of Saturdays within the year – particularly during busy periods).
Yes. Travel is required between home, our yards and our sites. A driving licence is required. We generally operate within Beds, Bucks, Herts, Cambs and Northamptonshire
We operate a fleet of mostly transit, and transit custom vans. You will need to be comfortable driving these.
Travel to site is organised as efficiently as possible, so lift sharing is common.
Yes. Pay reviews are undertaken regularly from 3 months onwards and increases are given on merit. With experience, you can progress to roles such as:
- Senior Operative / Chargehand
- Supervisor
- Contracts Manager
Yes. The work can involve heavy lifting, wearing hot and restrictive RPE and PPE, and operating in tight or awkward spaces. A reasonable level of fitness is important.
Both. Jobs range from private homes to schools, hospitals, factories, and demolition sites. Every job is different, which keeps the role varied.
Yes. Asbestos is still present in many buildings across the UK and will need managing or removing safely for decades to come. The demand for skilled, qualified operatives remains very strong.
Asbestos Removal Operative of the Year 2023-2024
Ross Turner – ARCA Asbestos Removal Operative of the Year 2023-2024 Award
We are excited to announce that one of our own has been honoured with the prestigious Ross Turner – ARCA Operative of the Year 2023-24 award! This year, the competition was particularly fierce, and the quality of the performance was so high that ARCA opted to award nine exceptional operatives throughout the country for their outstanding performance in their roles.
Among these distinguished individuals, Scott stood out for achieving a perfect score in refresher training and completing an NVQ within the same year. This remarkable accomplishment not only highlights his dedication to personal and professional growth but also sets a new standard for excellence within our organisation.
We extend our congratulations to Scott and we are eager to see what future accomplishments he will achieve.
Thank you for setting a high bar for excellence and for being an invaluable member of our team. Keep up the fantastic work!
ARCA – The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association are the UK’s leading trade association in the field of asbestos management services.
As the UK’s leading association representing the interests of asbestos removal contractors and associated businesses, ARCA provide guidance, asbestos training, and support on all legislative requirements for members and their clients.
Jackson Environmental have been members of ARCA since 2007 and continue to utilise their industry leading training and support to ensure our staff are operating at the forefront of the industry.
ARCA Gold Training Award 2023/ 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Jackson Environmental have once again been awarded the ARCA Gold Training Award! This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team.
The ARCA Gold Training Award is granted exclusively to members who meet rigorous training standards. To qualify, we undertook comprehensive training programs through ARCA, including Supervisor and Operative courses—covering new training, refresher sessions, and eLearning. Our commitment to professional development was further demonstrated by ensuring all of our staff completed these courses at ARCA.
We are especially proud of our team’s outstanding performance, achieving an average score of 92.5% across all delegates trained. This exceptional achievement reflects the hard work and determination of each staff member, who has gone above and beyond to enhance their skills and knowledge.
A big thank you to all the team for the dedication to continuous improvement and for making this achievement possible. Together, we will continue to raise the bar in our industry!
Award Season - Asbestos Removal Site Audits & Training
Special Award to top ARCA Gold Award Winners
Jackson Environmental are delighted to announce we have been awarded the Diamond Award for a “Decade of Excellence” by the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA).
The new accolade has been put in place by ARCA to celebrate and honour companies that have consistently maintained the Gold Site Audit Award for 10 consecutive years. Jackson Environmental Ltd are one of only three companies to have achieved this accolade.
Juliette Church, Site Audit Manager for ARCA commented:
“Achieving the standards to receive the Gold Site Audit Award is hard enough but continuously achieving them over a 5 and then 10-year period is something that deserves special recognition”
ARCA Gold Training Award 2022/ 2023
Jackson Environmental have also been awarded the ARCA Gold Training Award for consecutive years.
This award acknowledges the companies who have trained over eight operatives and/or supervisors with ARCA during the twelve-month period and the candidates who achieved an average score of 92.5% or above.
All of our Jackson Environmental site team annually undertake the esteemed training provided by ARCA. To achieve such a high average score across the board is a testament to their knowledge and understanding of the roles they fulfill with such credit.
Training Manager of ARCA commented:
“We are still seeing challenging times in the industry, so it’s great to see so many of our members gain the ARCA Gold Training Award this year”
“We are proud to have had another successful year delivering centre-based training courses and remote courses, all of which are well supported by members. Also, I am proud to have received such positive feedback on the content and delivery of our courses.”
Jackson Environmental Issued New Licence to Remove Asbestos
Jackson Environmental Issued New Licence to Remove Asbestos
We are pleased to announce Jackson Environmental have been granted another 3-year licence to work with asbestos by The Health & Safety Executive (HSE). This continues our run of consecutive maximum term licenses since 1991.
Asbestos Removal – A “permissioning regime”
Regulation 8 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires an employer to hold a licence, granted by HSE, in order to undertake “licensable work with asbestos”
Asbestos Licensing is a “permissioning regime”. One of only a very few that operate in the UK. Permissioning regimes such as asbestos licensing are only considered where the work activities involve significant hazard, risk or public concern. Asbestos is classified as a category 1 carcinogen, with asbestos related disease causing around 5000 deaths every year in the UK. Work with asbestos requires a high degree of regulatory control and the purpose of licensing is to achieve this.
High Standards
Such a fantastic record demonstrates the consistently high standards set by our workforce and is a testament to their experience, hard work and commitment.
Jackson Environmental continue to deliver an exceptional service at the forefront of the asbestos removal industry. We are licensed to undertake the full range of asbestos removal and remediation works. Visit our Our Services page to find out more.
2022 in Review at Jackson Environmental
2022 in Review at Jackson Environmental
As 2022 draws to a close we take a brief look back on another successful year at Jackson Environmental.
The year started relatively slowly, largely due to a hangover from the impacts of the Covid pandemic, and a cautious outlook across the construction industry.
However, the landscape quickly improved, and our order book soon filled. This continued throughout the year to date. We now look back at an incredible amount of work our teams have managed to achieve.
The Numbers
We completed 85 Licensed projects ranging from 1 day to 130 days long.
Furthermore, well in excess of 250 Non-Notifiable and NNLW projects were completed.
700 tonnes of asbestos were disposed of at Landfill. This includes asbestos contaminated soil, bricks & crushed concrete.
A recruitment drive led to us employing and training 5 new asbestos removal operatives, whilst retaining all of our existing staff.
Our Projects
The map below gives a perfect demonstration the volume and scale of our work this year.
The Feedback
Which brings us onto the incredible feedback we have received from clients and stakeholders on our asbestos removal projects throughout the year:
Keep an eye on our Case Studies page where we’ll be posting some more details on some of the asbestos removal projects we’ve completed this year.
To see how we can help you in 2023 and beyond
Work & Pensions issue report into Asbestos Management
The House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee recently issued a report into the HSE’s approach to asbestos management.
The report highlights the continuing importance of good management with regards to asbestos.
HSE predict asbestos remains in approximately 300,000 non-domestic buildings, and many more homes.
Interesting extracts in the report point to a possible change in approach which will focus on full asbestos removal with a zero-legacy aim.
“The current asbestos regulations say that asbestos that is in good condition, well protected and unlikely to be disturbed, can be left in place in buildings. These buildings will not, however, last forever and a policy of waiting for materials containing asbestos to deteriorate before removing them is not sustainable in the long term. The TUC, the ‘Airtight on Asbestos’ Campaign and others, have said a stronger and proactive programme of asbestos removal is required.”
MP’s recommended that the government commit to a strategy to remove all asbestos from public and commercial buildings:
“We recommend that a deadline now be set for the removal of asbestos from non-domestic buildings within 40 years. The Government and HSE should develop and publish a strategic plan to achieve this, focusing on removing the highest risk asbestos first, and the early removal from the highest risk settings including schools.”
Within the report it is considered the drive towards retrofitting of buildings to meet net zero targets will only increase the disturbance the asbestos containing materials and therefore the risk of exposure will increase in the coming decades.
As long-standing licensed asbestos removal contractors Jackson Environmental continue to invest in the future to ensure we are well equipped to make a positive contribution to these aims and the asbestos removal industry.
The full report is available here
Jackson Environmental are Recruiting Asbestos Removal Operatives
Jackson Environmental are looking to recruit experienced asbestos removal operatives.
Job Details
- Permanent Full Time Positions
- Immediate Start Available
- Plenty of Opportunity for Overtime
- Competitive Rates of Pay
Jackson Environmental are a small family owned company. We use the highest quality plant, equipment, consumables and training providers to ensure our staff are best placed to achieve.
We are based in Thurleigh, North of Bedford, MK44 2EA.
Ideally candidates will be based locally, though not essential.
Job Requirements
Candidates will require:
• ARCA/UKATA Licensed Asbestos Operative
• Licensed Asbestos Medical
• Full and Half mask face fits
• CSCS card
• Driving License
Renewals / refreshers can be undertaken immediately on employment if required.
To Apply
email: chris.stuartleach@jacksonenvironmental.co.uk,
call: 01234 779020, or
complete our contact us form