ARCA Members Achieve Record-Breaking Performance Standards

HSE's Head of Asbestos Unit Hears Data Demonstrating Unprecedented Improvement in Industry Standards

ARCA members have achieved what Chief Executive Steve Sadley described as "one of the most significant collective performance improvements we've ever recorded" in site audit results, demonstrating a 30% improvement in average audit scores whilst simultaneously cutting failure rates in half.

The remarkable achievements were presented at the Association's Annual General Meeting on 3rd October 2025, held at the Institute of Engineering and Technology in London, with Adrian Hodkinson, Head of the HSE's Asbestos Licensing Unit, in attendance to hear the data demonstrating the exceptional standards being achieved by ARCA's membership.

Speaking to a packed auditorium, Steve Sadley revealed comprehensive analysis of over 1,000 audit records across two 12-month periods, showing dramatic improvements across every performance metric. In ARCA's scoring system, lower scores indicate better performance, with zero representing a perfect audit result and any score above 10 indicating a failed audit requiring remedial action.

"For the first time, our average grade has risen above B, climbing almost half a grade over the last two years," Sadley explained. "This improvement has a statistical significance of 99.99%, meaning we can be virtually certain this isn't down to chance. This is down to interventions, your hard work, and your commitment to continual improvement."

The data revealed that average audit scores improved by over 30%, falling from 4.5 to 3.1 – representing 31% fewer non-conformity points. Perhaps most impressively, the median member performance improved from a score of 2 to 1, meaning that most of ARCA members' audits now achieve what Sadley described as an A-star grade, which is an A0 score – a perfect zero score with no non-conformities recorded.

"Perfect audit scores, those achieving zero points, have increased dramatically from 27% to 40%," Sadley noted. "Almost two-thirds of all audits conducted by our members now achieve a grade A standard, whilst audit failures, those scoring over 10, have almost halved, dropping from 58 last year to 30 this year, despite conducting more audits overall."

The significance of presenting this data with Adrian Hodkinson in the audience was notable. Earlier in the meeting, Hodkinson had discussed the substantial role that external audits play in the HSE's licence assessment process. "External audits are really, really useful for us," Hodkinson explained. "We typically might visit a licensed contractor three times a year, so over the course of the licence period, if you've got a three-year licence, we might see you nine times out, sometimes more, sometimes less."

Hodkinson described how external audits give HSE assessors confidence in their licensing decisions: "When we're seeing really good results at sites, the audits are showing really good results, it just helps us have a warm, fuzzy glow when we hand out that licence back to you to say, we've made a confident decision here that we're alright with this one."

This correlation between external audit performance and HSE findings was further reinforced by Sadley's discussion of ARCA's refusal to tolerate poor performance, particularly where members refuse to engage with the process of improvement when standards are found to be lacking. In a demonstration of ARCA's unwavering commitment to standards, Sadley revealed that three members had been lost in the past year because they refused to accept the independent auditors' observations and engage with the improvement process.

"Rather than work to improve, they chose to challenge our auditors' findings and claim the auditors were mistaken," Sadley explained. "It's notable that of these three companies, two had their licences conditionally refused at the last HSE asbestos licence renewal, resulting in additional conditions on their licence, and one had recently received an HSE enforcement notice."

The parallel between poor performance in ARCA's audit scheme and subsequent difficulties with HSE licensing processes demonstrates a clear correlation. As Hodkinson had noted in his address, external audits provide important broader context. He explained: "Where we've got limited information, where we've had some poor inspection results, we've come through poor compliance, again, the external audits are really useful for us because they give a different perspective." He added: "Equally, where we've got limited information, where we've had some poor inspection results, we've come through poor compliance, again, the external audits are really useful for us because they give a different perspective."

"We will not compromise on standards," Sadley stated emphatically. "Tolerating poor standards for the sake of a couple of membership fees does a disservice to the rest of our members who work so hard to maintain the exemplary standards expected within our hazardous industry."

The improvements demonstrated by ARCA members extend throughout the entire grading system. Seventy-five percent of audit scores are now 3 or better compared to 5 last year, and 90% of audit scores are now 8 or better compared to 11 last year, showing that excellence is becoming the norm across the entire membership.

What distinguishes ARCA's Site Audit Accreditation Scheme is its rigorous approach. It is the only scheme that utilises totally unannounced audits, requiring four audits per year rather than one, and operates with complete transparency about the number of audits conducted, the results obtained, and the measurable performance improvements achieved. The scheme maintains clear standards, with membership ceasing for those who consistently fail to engage with the improvement process when issues are identified. Whilst other audit schemes operate in the sector, they tend to be less specific about their application, their measurable outcomes, and how they address ongoing non-compliance.

Sadley attributed the improvements squarely to members themselves: "The credit belongs to you, our members. Your dedication to continuous improvement and commitment to excellence is what's making the difference. ARCA plays a supportive role through our audit process and the provision of monthly standardisation minutes, which allow you to learn from other members' experiences."

The achievements represent more than just statistics. They are data-driven proof of the dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence that defines ARCA membership. As one member captured perfectly in feedback: "The unannounced auditing makes me understand potential things that have been missed but picked up by the auditor, making me a better manager on jobs to come."

With 597 programmed audits conducted this year, an increase of 50 from the previous year, and the HSE's Head of Asbestos Unit bearing witness to these exceptional results, ARCA members are demonstrating that they are not simply meeting industry standards but setting new benchmarks for excellence in asbestos removal.

The partnership between ARCA's rigorous audit scheme and the HSE's licensing process continues to strengthen the industry, ensuring that high standards are not just maintained but continuously improved, creating a safer working environment for all.