Five Minute Focus on: Melissa Murray, Program Manager RPM Program CIC
Tell us about the Responsible Plastic Management (RPM) Program?
The RPM Program is a relatively new assurance program with a very important task. We are a not-for-profit, social enterprise with a mission to help reduce the levels of plastic from organisations which are entering and polluting the ocean and environment.
How do we do this:
Our existing supporter and membership base comes from a broad range of organisations across a wide range of sectors throughout NI and further afield in workspace, automotive, construction, retail, food service, government, manufacturing, aerospace, law, IT and pharma. We are the organisation and team that has stepped up to help protect our oceans and environment.
Many businesses want to reduce their plastic footprint, but don’t know how to start. Our role is to raise awareness and gain support from organisations to engage in responsible plastic management initiative’s. We are working to create change, no matter how small, to tackle the plastic pollution crisis affecting oceans, wildlife and water security. We start with engagement and work with organisation towards systems and control with voluntary verification and certification if desired.
What is your role in the company?
As Program Manager for the RPM Program I have a number of roles from business development, to account manager and information management.
Tell us something about the RPM Program that we might not know?
Our team have worked around the world in over 26 different countries protecting oceans and food security. We certified the sustainability of Alaska’s fisheries including the ‘Deadliest Catch’ Crab Fisheries as seen on TV. We are also helping fight climate change, as most plastic comes from fossil fuel.
What’s next for the RPM Program?
We have launched a new ‘Support Partner’ initiative. This is a result of the COVID19 pandemic and the realisation that many organisations are moving into a period of financial austerity. This initiative will assist organisations to build and run successful and measurable ‘Plastic Reduction’ initiatives in the workplace, without the need to commit to a significant budget.
Support Partners receive a Certificate of Membership to the ‘RPM Partner’ Program, full use of the ‘RPM Partner’ logos, posts on our social channels announcing their support, their logo and link added to RPM Website and access to training.
What’s your favourite thing about working in Belfast?
We are excellently located for meetings and networking. We love the convenience and accessibility of the office to the local shops and services and our clients love to visit. We look forward to a time soon when we can welcome them back.
What do you like about being a Glandore Member?
The Arthur House building is fantastic, well managed and the RPM Team love to feel that they are part of a network. Our team have engaged in many social events and have been very well supported by the Glandore management and staff who have been so welcoming, friendly and helpful since we moved into the building at the start of the year.
Friday lunch in or Friday nights out?
We would love to do both, but the team have families and commitments that compete for time. We set up a routine of ‘Foodie Friday’, dining in a different eatery each Friday at lunchtime, then on the last Friday of every month we forfeit lunch to have dinner with cocktails after work. It’s really wonderful to have such a selection of fabulous restaurants and bars around Belfast. We could start a good food guide!!
How to learn more about RPM Program
The RPM Program is suitable to all types of organisations. We can help your organisation to demonstrate leadership for our environment to your employees and customers.
Further details of the RPM Program and its benefits can be found within our RPM Digital Brochure http://online.flipbuilder.com/pahc/fghh/mobile/index.html