Name and role: Matt Hedges, Project Manager
How long have you been with RVA Group?
Almost seven years.
Describe your career journey before that?
I worked for a German engineering company for 16 years, installing emissions reduction systems at coal fired power stations.
What did you want to be, when you were younger?
I was never really sure. Like a lot of kids, I dreamt of being a footballer, but realistically, I was interested in building designs and wanted to be an architect, so I studied building construction at technical college.
And what do you think is the key skill you need to be a successful decommissioning project manager?
Having a strong understanding of the project, knowing the constraints, ensuring robust systems are in place, and being able to manage changes.
What’s your biggest RVA achievement to date?
Working on a long-term project with a major pharmaceutical client to safely decommission multiple process buildings and a solvent storage facility.
And the most memorable thing you’ve learnt during your career?
Working with a good team of people makes the job go so much better.
Describe your dream project.
To plan and project manage the build of my own house, somewhere remote.
RVA Group is celebrating 30 years in business, with a truly global reputation for decommissioning excellence. Why do you think the company has earned such a stand-out position in industry?
Hard work, experience, and commitment. We have a continuous improvement mindset, so are always trying to build on what has been learnt from previous projects, so we can use that knowledge on the next assignment. The goal is always to ensure the highest standards of safety for all involved.
Of all the sectors RVA operates in, which is the most exciting right now?
I couldn’t pick just one — they all have unique challenges, depending on the individual project, let alone the sector.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you could give to an organisation preparing for a decommissioning project?
Allow sufficient time to understand the risks and hazards of the client’s specific processes, and — where possible — use the knowledge and experience of the workforce to identify potential issues, as they know their plant better than anyone.
What makes you tick outside of work?
Spending time with my kids when they come to stay and seeing them happy. I enjoy getting out hiking or mountain biking as well — anything out in the countryside really.
If you could be given a plane ticket for anywhere, where would you choose?
Probably somewhere like Peru or Chile — I’d go and trek somewhere for a few months.
Which one word would you hope colleagues would use to describe you?
Legend Funny.
