After the government decided to downgrade the organisation from a national training organisation structure to a number of 'sector skills councils', Tony Hirons was told by WINTO directors that his initial one-year contract would not be renewed.
Commenting on his departure, Mr Hirons said: “I believe I leave WINTO in a much stronger position than when I started. My core objective on taking on the role was to obtain recognition from government for WINTO as the national training organisation for the waste management industry, and I achieved this within four months of taking up my post.”
He added: “The parting is an amicable one and I wish WINTO every success in whichever direction it takes in the future.”
An employer-led partnership, WINTO is chaired by the Earl of Arran and funded by the Environmental Services Association, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management and the Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board.
Speaking on behalf of the ESA, chief executive Dirk Hazell said: “I confirm that Mr Hirons left WINTO on an agreed basis in mid-July. The Government has given WINTO interim recognition but has decided to replace the National Training Organisation structure with a smaller number of Sector Skills Councils. WINTO's duty is therefore to negotiate with suitable prospective partners.”
Formerly the communications director of the Energy from Waste Association and press and parliamentary affairs manager at the Institute of Wastes Management, Mr Hirons has said he will now be pursuing other projects within the industry. It is understood that the day-to-day running of WINTO will be undertaken by company secretary Wayne Laramee while the directors consider WINTO's future.
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