Meet a New SiLC: Justin Haves 

Congratulations to Justin Haves 

We are delighted to welcome Justin Haves to the SiLC Register. 

Justin is an Environmental Protection Team Leader at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, with more than 23 years of experience across both consultancy and local government. His expertise spans contaminated land, waste and environmental regulation, and he has worked on a wide range of complex projects in the UK and internationally.  

As part of our Meet a SiLC series, we asked Justin about his career, his experience of the SiLC assessment process and his advice for future applicants. 

Please introduce yourself – who are you, what is your role, and where do you work? 

My name is Justin Haves and I am an Environmental Protection Team Leader at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. 

I have over 23 years of experience in environmental protection from both consultancy and public sectors, with particular expertise in contaminated land, waste and wider environmental regulation. 

Throughout my career, I have worked on a wide range of complex land contamination matters in the UK and abroad, including Part 2A investigations, complex site investigations, remediation projects and strategic contaminated land management. I am passionate about maintaining high technical standards while also improving the way environmental protection services are delivered.  

What inspired you to pursue SiLC registration? 

Throughout my career, I have always valued high technical standards and wanted my professional recognition to reflect the level of responsibility and judgement required when dealing with contaminated land. 

SiLC is widely recognised as a leading professional registration for land condition specialists, so achieving it was an important personal and professional goal.

What surprised you most about the assessment journey? 

The depth of reflection required surprised me most. 

It is not simply about demonstrating technical knowledge. You also need to show professional judgement, explain your decision-making and justify why you reached a particular conclusion. 

I also found that the breadth of experience expected was greater than many applicants may initially realise.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for SiLC? 

Do not wait until you think you are the perfect candidate. 

If you have built up solid experience across a range of land condition projects, start preparing early. 

Brush up on the relevant standards, guidance and current best practice so that your knowledge is fully up to date. Be honest about the areas where your experience is weaker and focus your preparation on developing those areas. The aim should be to build yourself into a confident, well-rounded practitioner rather than relying only on your strongest specialisms. 

Mentors are available to support applicants throughout the SiLC journey, so take advantage of the opportunity and engage with one early. A mentor can provide valuable guidance, help you better understand what is expected and give you greater confidence as you work through the application and assessment process. 

Keep good records of the projects you have worked on and think carefully about the decisions you made, the challenges you faced and why you took a particular approach. The application is much easier when you can draw on clear, real-world examples from your own career.  

Is there anything you wish you had known before starting the process? 

I wish I had started gathering evidence and project examples much earlier. 

You often already have much of the required experience, but recalling the finer details of projects completed several years ago can take time. 

I would also recommend identifying your weaker technical areas at the outset. This gives you time to revisit the relevant standards and guidance, strengthen your knowledge and approach the assessment as a more complete, well-rounded land condition professional. I would also have engaged with a mentor earlier. Having someone experienced to discuss the process with can help focus your preparation and provide reassurance that you are moving in the right direction. 

Preparation is everything.  

What does being recognised as a SiLC mean to you personally and professionally? 

Professionally, it provides independent recognition of the knowledge, experience and judgement I have developed throughout my career and gives me more confidence to stand by my convictions on a piece of work. 

Personally, it is incredibly rewarding because it represents many years of continuous learning, practical experience and professional development. It also gives colleagues, clients and other professionals additional confidence that my work is being delivered to a high professional standard.

Quick Fire Round 

Early bird or last-minute preparation? Early bird. Preparation over time always beats cramming.  

Favourite way to celebrate a professional achievement? A good meal with family, followed by looking ahead to the next challenge.  

One word to describe the SiLC application process? Demanding. 

One word to describe becoming a SiLC? Proud.

Final Question: What would you say to someone who is unsure whether they’re ready to apply? 

If you are questioning whether you are ready, you are probably closer than you think. 

Speak to existing SiLCs, engage with a mentor, understand what is expected and honestly assess the breadth of your experience. Even if you decide to wait a little longer, the preparation itself will make you a stronger practitioner. 

Do not let self-doubt hold you back from aiming for one of the most respected professional registrations in the land condition sector.

Thank You 

Thank you to Justin Haves for sharing his experiences as a newly qualified SiLC. 

The Meet a SiLC series aims to showcase the people behind the Register and provide aspiring applicants with valuable insight into the profession and the SiLC journey. Justin’s experience highlights the importance of preparation, reflection and professional judgement, while also demonstrating that many applicants may be closer to achieving SiLC status than they realise. 

Interested in becoming a SiLC? Visit the SiLC website to learn more about eligibility requirements, available mentoring support and upcoming assessment rounds.