Matthew Cooch

I transferred to High Voltage Field Manager in 2020, after previously managing the Low Voltage network for a number of years. As part of this role, I am responsible for all vegetation management on the 11kv network across the Mendip (1167) area working very closely with NGED.

Key responsibilities of my current position are as follows:

• Surveying vegetation in the vicinity of the 11kv network
• Processing LiDAR data, adhering to target dates and prioritising high risk vegetation
• Organising and planning maintenance cutting to provide a safe and constant power supply to NGED customers
• Site safety and quality auditing of all teams and sites including sub-contractors
• Reporting and recording of incidents including RIDDOR and ESQCR regulations
• Liaising closely with NGED to plan shutdowns and manage KPIs in the area
• Prioritising customer and engineer requests
• Complaint handling
• Completion of tree and vegetation risk assessments, reports and plans
• Job costings and quotations to include specifications of appropriate works to be carried out
• Organising faults, call outs and revisits ensuring sites are left safe and tidy
• Managing multiple cutting teams and surveyors, including their weekly work planning and ensuring completion of safety declarations, Toolbox Talks, kit requests, submissions to HR for weekly overtime.
• Other staffing duties - ensuring policies are adhered to by teams, completing appraisals, interviews and performance reviews.

• Organisation of job specifications and equipment
• Dealing one to one with customers
• Experience working on MOD sites and council contracts
• Produce and complete risk assessments
• General climbing and formative pruning to British Standards BS3998
• Reductions and dismantling
• Using rigging equipment
• Safe use of chippers, stump grinders and winches
• Supply and erect all types of fencing
• General maintenance, landscaping, turfing and laying patios
• Competent use of mobile elevated work platforms