BASIS was awarded the role to administer the register of some 21,000 members ranging from users of knapsack sprayers up to operators covering large areas of broad acre crops.

The tender process was overseen by members of the VI Board and BASIS Registration was selected from three short-listed suppliers.

"BASIS Registration was awarded the contract due to its existing and proven track record in administering professional registers," says Neal Evans, VI operations director

BASIS Chief Executive Stephen Jacob stresses that the NRoSO scheme will be operated separately.

"We are recruiting a dedicated team to service NRoSO and its members, says Mr Jacob. "In addition, we have dedicated phone lines a new website."

While all parties are working for as smooth a change over as possible, some glitches are inevitable. For instance, no new applications have been accepted since the end of 2022. But key stakeholders, such as Red Tractor, have been made aware and there will be some tolerance in the operation of assurance schemes for a short period.

"BASIS has made significant investment in digital technology to deliver benefits to its professional register members," says Mr Jacob. "We aim to offer the same benefits to NRoSO members.Once the initial transfer is complete, we will looking to develop benefits, such as the popular BASIS Classroom technology for on-line training. This will allow sprayer operators to gain CPD points at times that suit them."

"NRoSO is an important part of providing assurance to food processors, retailers and consumers that plant protection products are being used professionally. I believe the standard of sprayer operators in the UK is as high as anywhere in the world. Together with the National Sprayer Testing Scheme and IPM planning it is a vital part of the work overseen by the VI," says Dr Evans.  

About BASIS

BASIS Registration Limited:

• Offers a range of recognised qualifications for people working in the plant protection, plant nutrition and related sectors
• Operates an annual inspection scheme for more than 800 UK pesticide stores to ensure storekeeping operations present minimal risk to people and the environment
• Manages the professional registers of more than 10,000 qualified advisers in the plant protection, plant nutrition and public health pest control sectors
• Operates the Amenity Assured standard to raise and maintain good practice in the amenity and industrial pesticide sectors
• Provides a forum for industry bodies and other stakeholders to ensure how professional standards are maintained, improved and promoted
• Works closely with industry, the regulatory authorities and governments to promote and develop professional standards

BASIS is a registered charity (No. 1077006) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England (No. 1365343).

Visit the BASIS website: www.basis-reg.co.uk

Visit the NRoSO website: https://nroso.org.uk/

Listen to the BASIS Agronomy Matters Podcast: www.basis-reg.co.uk/podcasts