Creating a healthy and hearty discussion between industry figures and Seafish, the courses have also served as a forum where industry have been able to have their voices heard and shape the scheme moving forward.
Aimed at skippers, vessel owners, producer organisations and businesses along the supply chain, the courses provide guidance on the RFS audit process, equipping attendees with the knowledge to support themselves or others through this process.
Seafish has held the courses across the UK in Grimsby, Peterhead, and in the Southwest of England. Further courses in Northern Ireland will soon be announced.
Anton Dietschel-Buehler, Head of Technical at Flatfish, attended the course in Grimsby and said: “I have to admit that I was quite sceptical when attending the RFS one day support course but it turned out to be a very positive experience for Flatfish. The RFS is something we are passionate about embracing as it aligns with our own ethical and sustainable values and the course certainly aided my understanding of the RFS and made it clear to me why it is such a positive scheme to be involved in.”
“The course was also a unique opportunity to gain insight into the RFS process and it was great to equip ourselves with this knowledge and be in a position to help others too. Any doubts I had about the RFS were removed and I would confidently recommend the scheme to others”
Mick Bacon, RFS Fleet Manager, was delighted at the feedback the courses have received and said: “Time and time again, people are saying that applying to the scheme is more straightforward than they first thought, and that getting certified is a great way to ensure buyers are happy and skippers get the recognition they deserve.”
The feedback received from course attendees so far has proved extremely useful to the team, and further courses, aside from those scheduled for Northern Ireland, may be run dependent on demand. If you’d like to register your interest in attending a future event in your area please contact Mick Bacon.
Further information about RFS can be found at http://www.seafish.org/rfs/
