November 27, 2025
The British Drilling Association (BDA) Technical & Standards (T&S) Sub-Committee met on in the second week of November 2025. Discussions took place around the BDA audit processes, technical standards, competency and graduate recruitment, and upcoming updates for BDA members.
Key Highlights:
- Technical Questions for Audits – The audit team requires an expanded and more robust suite of technical questions. Existing questions will be circulated to the committee for review, with members invited to propose additions to improve technical depth and consistency across future audits.
- Audit Records and Pre-Audit Checklist – Feedback from a recent positive member audit emphasised the value of a clear pre-audit checklist outlining required paperwork and records. The sub-committee members discussed the importance of better visibility of audited driller records.
- BSI Standards and Competence Developments – A recent BSI session reviewed BS EN ISO 22475 parts 2 and 3 and whether they should be consolidated into a standalone standard. Future updates are expected to address competence requirements for both engineers and drillers, aligning with broader reviews by Skills England, the CIC and the CLC.
- Graduate Recruitment and University Engagement – It was noted that Universities increasingly direct opportunities through online portals rather than careers fairs, creating challenges for direct engagement. The committee agreed that member companies should continue to promote opportunities locally, with the BDA signposting career events and advertising opportunities through newsletters. Further engagement with Leeds University will be explored as part of the student case study work.