This article applies to all four administrations of the UK.

We are pleased to confirm the full membership of the packaging EPR Scheme Administrator (SA) Steering Group.

The purpose of the EPR Scheme Administrator (SA) Steering Group is to bring together representatives of the value chain directly affected by the scheme, enabling their voices within the operational design, implementation, and strategic direction of the SA ahead of its appointment.

The first meeting is planned for early February, and the group will run until December 2024 when the formal governance arrangements within the Scheme Administrator will come into effect.

The packaging EPR Scheme Administrator Interim Steering Group will comprise:

Independent Chair: Sebastian Munden 

Head of the Scheme Administrator: Dr Margaret Bates. Read more here following Dr Bates’ recent appointment.

Four Nation Government Officials: Rhodri Asby (Welsh Government), Angela Murphy (Defra), Janice Harris (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland - DAERA), David McPhee (Scottish Government)

Local Authority representation (Local Government Associations): Silke Isbrand (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities – COSLA), Craig Mitchell (Welsh Local Government Association – WLGA), Eamon Lally (Local Government Association – LGA), Karen Smyth (Northern Ireland Local Government Association – NILGA)

Businesses/Producers: Luke Emery (Aldi), Karen Graley (Marks and Spencer), Sokhna Gueye (Nestle), Luiz Brandão (Budweiser), Jim Bligh (Food and Drink Federation – FDF), Andrew Tighe (British Beer and Pub Association), Paul Vanston (Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment – Incpen), Talia Goldman (Colpac), Ian Percival (British Retail Consortium – BRC), Irasema Hernandez Elvira (Roche), Catherine Marsdon (Booker), Robbie Staniforth (Ecosurety)

Waste Management Organisation: Corinna Reynolds (Veolia)

Environmental non-governmental organisations – NGOs (job share): Paula Chin (World Wide Fund for Nature – WWF) and Libby Peake (Green Alliance)

The interview panel were impressed by the high calibre of candidates, and the enthusiasm demonstrated by the successful candidates. We would like to thank all those who expressed an interest in joining the group.

Ongoing participation from across the value chain

The composition of the group was designed to give a balanced view across the value chain as EPR progresses. The number of seats on the group was limited and there was a strong suite of applications. Whilst we appreciate it may be disappointing for those who were unsuccessful, we encourage stakeholders from across the value chain to continue to participate in the other forums discussing packaging.

There will also be new opportunities for stakeholders to become further involved in the design of the Scheme Administrator over the coming months. Details will be shared via this newsletter and at upcoming forums. Click here to view our 2024 forums schedule.

Further information

If there are questions or comments for the Steering Group, please email and the message will be passed to the Chair for consideration.

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