Service Inspection Group

The following is an interview with Chris Simmonds, Chair of the Service Inspection Group…

What is the history and purpose of the Service Inspection Group (SIG)?
The Service Inspection Group (SIG) was formed over 20 years ago by a small number of Corporate Members of BINDT who wanted to demonstrate a commitment to providing a professional service, based on an ethical approach to a very competitive environment. The group boasts over 30 members now, most are UK-based and the companies are a mix of small and large sizes. The group sits under the Trade and Industry Committee.

The group’s function is to serve players in industry who are facing issues, for example with new regulations. The group itself comes together when there are particular issues that need discussing. A selection of people from SIG member companies sit on the SIG committee. SIG members or any BINDT members can turn to the SIG committee with queries and these are either handled by the SIG directly or channelled to other BINDT committees.

What is your role within the group?
I joined the SIG committee in early 2000 and I have now been the Chair for approximately ten years.

What are the key achievements of the SIG?
Radiation requirements is the area in which most queries are raised. We held many meetings with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) when the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 came into force. We have also worked on new requirements, including same-day waiver and high-dose radiation.

How can companies join the SIG?
SIG membership is open to BINDT Corporate Members at no extra charge. To obtain SIG membership, companies are required to provide evidence of a quality system, preferably to the requirements of UKAS or BS EN ISO 9001:2008/2015. If your initial application is not successful, you will be assisted to improve it and try again, and you will not be turned away!

SIG members benefit from the guidance and support they receive with solving problems, discussing issues and so on. SIG members are also entitled to use the SIG logo as part of their corporate image. This is substantial proof that they are working hard to meet and exceed legal requirements. SIG members recently re-signed up to a new code of ethics and quality standards. BINDT membership and continuing professional development is encouraged for employees of SIG member companies.

Finally, what is the one thing you want people to know after reading this?
The SIG is not a closed group but an open one, so contact us today. We strive to promote quality in the industry, to encourage training and to raise the bar.

Contact Cindy Bailey (cindy.bailey@bindt.org) if you would like to get involved or to know more about the Service Inspection Group.

The next group to be featured in the ‘In Focus’ column will be the Terahertz User Group in the September 2023 issue. If you have questions for this group, please send them to the editor by email to ndtnews@bindt.org or email Maria Felice directly at mvfelice@gmail.com. The value of this new column depends on your questions so please do send them in. It is your choice whether we keep them anonymous or mention your name.

Looking for the People in NDE column? This column will continue on an occasional basis, so if you have any interviewees to recommend, or would like to be featured yourself, please contact the editor at ndtnews@bindt.org or email Maria Felice at mvfelice@gmail.com

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