Introduction

This Advanced International Training Programme (ITP) is specially designed for people qualified to participate in major reform processes on different levels and  employed in ministries and authorities with a mandate to run change processes. 

It offers support to enhance, adapt and maintain capacity over time in order for organisations to define and achieve goals in both the short- and long-term. Participants will learn about the latest developments in their area of work under the supervision of skilled Swedish colleagues and experts, have the opportunity to develop a network of colleagues from other countries and enhance their knowledge of new working methods. The methodology used is based on the assumption that organisations wishes to make changes and is willing to invest its own resources to achieve these changes. 

Chemicals are used in everyday life and contribute to our improved health and welfare. However, the use of hazardous chemicals without relevant knowledge  and preventive measures causes severe problems in many countries both for  humans and environment.

The aim of chemicals management is to build up a preventive system including  the classification and labelling of chemical products, so action can be taken towards a non-toxic environment. In the programme, we focus on roles and responsibilities at the start of the supply chain in the country so users of chemicals can get relevant information from the suppliers.

Programme objectives

The overall (long term) objective of the full set of programmes is to contribute to improved human health and evironmental quality, economic growth and poverty reduction by promoting preventive chemicals control for the sound management of chemicals. Key elements are development of legislation, institutional capacity, enforcement mechanisms and financing. 

The mid-term objective (3–5 years) of the full set of programmes is that participating organisations have improved their practises by the use of new relevant methods and tools pertaining to an effective preventive chemicals control at the national level. 

After each individual programme, the participants will have acquired relevant skills and knowledge and completed a change project which will contribute to the development of the national preventive chemicals control.

Contents

The focus of the programme is to give an overall perspective  of chemicals management, including the advantages and disadvantages of different ways of organising roles and responsibilities through legislation. Key elements of preventive chemicals control are covered: legislation, enforcement and awareness raising data on current situation and trends in the production and use of chemicals, classification and labelling of chemicals, exposure assessment, risk assessment and methods for risk reduction. Relations between preventive chemicals control and the sustainable development goals as well as areas such as pollution control, occupational safety and health, waste management, product development and trade will also be addressed.

The participants’ individual change project is an important tool in the development of the national chemicals management. The project should be executed as an integrated part of the participants’ ordinary work, fully endorsed by the organisa-tion and completed before the project seminar.

Programme structure

PHASES

The programme consists of four compulsory phases for the participants, including a change project, and a monitoring and evaluation phase. Participants are expected to actively work on their change projects during the entire training programme. Participants from the same countries are encouraged to cooperate on projects.

Phase 1: Preparatory phase

The training will start with a one-week digital introduction with a number of scheduled online meetings and workshops. This will be followed by preparatory work at the home institution during which the participant will develop the change project plan, which has to be endorsed by the nominating organisation and be in line with its’ overall objectives. Distance support will be offered by mentors at KemI. KemI will provide key reference material for mandatory reading. 

The change project should be time-bound and realistic in scope (duration approximately seven months of full time or part time work) and may include issues such as revising current legislation, developing a local system for inspection, developing regional training programmes or a chemicals hazards awareness raising project for various stakeholders. It is vital that the project is fully endorsed, supported and financed by the participant’s home organisation throughout the duration of the programme. The project should be an integral part of the home organisation’s strategic plan and a prioritised task in order to reach sustainable results.

Phase 2: Training in Sweden

The second phase of the programme consists of three weeks of training at KemI in Stockholm, Sweden, including lectures, group discussions and study visits. The development of strategies for chemicals management internationally, in the European Union and in Sweden will be addressed. Different approaches (legislative and others), their benefits and disadvantages, will be discussed.

The following topics will be addressed:

• The needs, drivers and barriers of chemicals management
• Principles and basic elements in chemicals management
• Use and occurrence of chemicals
• Hazard assessment and hazard communication
• Exposure assessment and risk assessment
• Risk reduction
• Enforcement
• Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders (authorities, industry and civil society) as well as financing options.

The change project plans will be further developed during the third week with the assistance of mentors from KemI. Before leaving Sweden, the participants will present their change project plan. The third week will also be used for elective in-depth seminars and study visits.

Phase 3: Interim period

Participants will work on their change projects in their countries  as part of their ordinary work for approximately six months preceding Phase 4. The mentors will support and monitor the development of the change project  during this phase. The project work needs to be finished and the results made available before Phase 4.

Phase 4: Project seminar

Phase 4 is a one week project seminar in one of the participating countries, focusing on change project results, analyses and discussions. Study visits and guest lectures will be included in the programme, according to relevant and available resources.

Phase 5: Monitoring and evaluation

KemI will monitor and evaluate the results of the change projects, in cooperation with the participating organisations, in order to make full use of the results and enhance the capacity for chemicals management at the national level.

Contact

All queries and requests should be addressed to:

Swedish Chemicals Agency
Box 2, SE-172 13 Sundbyberg, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 519 41 100
Fax: +46 8 735 76 98
E-mail: itp@kemi.se
Web: www.kemi.se 

www.kemi.se/en/international-cooperation/international-training-and-workshops