Chief among new achievements for 2025 is the development of a strand of research and inquiry into new technology and scientific applications. The Committee has overseen the design, development and testing of a new Walton and Beckett-style graticule, with the potential to enhance fibre counting. Two other research projects have moved beyond the early stages and will be proposed to the Research Governance Committee for implementation in 2026. We have also been working towards a better understanding of AI fibre counting technology.

The FAAM Committee is not directly responsible for BOHS qualifications, since FAAM gives equal value and recognition to RSPH and other awarding bodies, and seeks to avoid conflicts of interest. However, the Committee has contributed time to assisting in standards development internationally, especially with its partner FAAMANZ, who are seeking to develop national qualifications modelled on the UK approach to asbestos assessment. Committee members have also offered review and feedback to organisations developing training materials and courses.

We have not focused on the development of guidance, but have undertaken reviews, including detailed guidance on asbestos in soils, in collaboration with NORAC. While the work is not entirely finalised, it represents progress towards a better understanding of good practice in this complex field.

The FAAM Committee has been focused on the current challenges emerging from the asbestos surveyors’ market. This includes developing a “trilogy” of materials to support duty-holders in avoiding incompetent and fraudulent service providers. Considerable work has been invested in the development of an asbestos surveyors’ competency framework (developed from HSE and UKAS guidance), a buyer’s guide for asbestos surveys, and the launch of a qualifications verification register. All of these will become available this quarter.

The FAAM Committee works to support the Conference Committee in delivering a programme aimed at highlighting scientific and technical knowledge from an independent professional standards perspective. In addition, we were able to deliver a number of webinars, which you can catch again if you missed them:

•   PCM vs TEM: https://youtu.be/xa7kB5xtz3w?si=LLx_8X2OE0okLFBZ
•   FAAM Response to HSE Consultation: https://youtu.be/Hc–k2Z94dQ?si=r0RvI-kZwDSBWarP
•   Research Priorities: https://youtu.be/q2t5b0MPLlY?si=BNzSQd2sD-fmZv1P
•   Respiratory Protection and Exposure Limits: https://youtu.be/t-kNaYVqSog?si=phdo_ffOKZtk5g7g
•   Thinking Outside the Box and Exposure Limits: https://youtu.be/d4mpRJfrVFk?si=8bEzpXb-FFoRMrqt

We also re-launched the FAAM newsletter in a new editorial format.

We continue to work to recognise professional levels of expertise, awarding Fellowships to those who contribute to the advancement of asbestos scientific professions. FAAM commenced work on developing a pathway to Chartered status for its professional members, regardless of their technical qualification route. This will be realised by Quarter 3 of 2026, alongside a more systematic and supported approach to continuing and higher professional development.

FAAM Committee members attend the full range of asbestos networking and advisory meetings, advocating from an independent scientific and technical perspective on behalf of the membership.

FAAM is still a young organisation, but with 79 new members this year, it has seen significant growth. We are not a trade body, but a professional community committed to improving understanding of how asbestos can be most effectively assessed and controlled. The work of FAAM aims to underpin the UK’s response to its legacy of asbestos.

The FAAM Committee consists of the following members: [insert pictures and bios]