Introduction
Well, what a week last week! It certainly was a challenging one as we battled heavy snowfalls and plunging temperatures. For some this opened up new opportunities with some clients busy with snow clearing work. For those unable to get into work or working from home, a lot of fun was had outdoors. Social media feeds were full of pics of people out at the parks and countryside on foot, sledge and skis!
Many of our clients had to endure the challenge to continue to deliver, and at these times we must be mindful of safety, both driving and lone working. We have had discussions around this here with our team as we’ve balanced the desire to stay open to deliver for our clients (we had a busy week delivering a planned H&S awareness course and CSCS testing) whilst protecting our team’s welfare.
I’d like to thank my team for their efforts of going above and beyond to keep training running for our clients.
Revisiting our vision and mission
At the start of each year I like to plan.
It is important that I have a clear view of what I want to achieve and it is valued by the team that I communicate this clearly to them. That way we are all aligned and working to achieve the same goals.
The first thing we did as a team was review our vision and mission.
This was established at launch in 2019 and it was great to confirm that this is still as valid now as it was at outset.
What training do you need?
Not everyone knows what H&S training they actually need. They are aware of some obvious ones like CSCS cards to get on site or tickets for plant but there is often more.
Training staff has many benefits and with funding routes available, particularly for construction companies, there is very little outlay.
Why don’t you organise a chat with Jen who can sense check your current plans and give you the peace of mind everything is in place?
Are you COVID secure?
The latest newsletter from the HSE opens with the header that spot checks and inspections continue during national lockdown. The key message being that businesses are required to ensure measures are in place to manage the risks from coronavirus. We have posted previously about risk assessments and controls required, but we thought we would share our own experience of an inspection.
Our sister company, Raeburn Construction were visited recently at their Head Office. A new recruited member of the HSE arrived unannounced to review measures in place. The inspection office explained he had been engaged by the HSE to travel around premises to specifically check COVID measures in place.
Areas covered included
- Whether face masks were being worn in communal areas
- Whether only essential staff were in the office
- Whether social distancing was in place
- Whether cleaning regimes were in place (he was impressed by the sign-off sheets around the building showing these were being done regularly)
The feeling among staff was that this was a positive visit. Providing reassurance that everything put in place was in order
Meet the Team
The first in a series of introductions of the people within the company. David volunteered to go first… he has been with the company 6 months and is a welcome new addition to our team.
Name – David Harber
Role – Operations Manager
What do people call you – David or Harbs
What does your role involve – Responsible for operational activities overseeing our test centre and training course delivery staff. Working with clients, training partners and awarding bodies to enhance management, development and great delivery of our customers training requirements.
What you did before you came here – Over 20 years of business development experience focused on SHEQ training, sales and L&D. International , operational experience in Oil and Gas, Logistics and Healthcare in Regional Manager and training consultant positions.
What are you famous for – Climbing some cool mountains
Your favourite place and why – The Alps…. Great memories of summiting Mont Blanc and The Matterhorn amongst others
A favourite saying – “I’m alright…..it’s all the others!”
How are you surviving this lockdown – Just……juggling a new job, wife who’s a teacher and two young boys home schooling…..Phew!
New course announced – H&S Awareness
Due to the popularity of the next CITB H&S Awareness course running on Thursday 26th February it is now FULLY BOOKED, we have therefore added an additional course of Thursday 4th March. There is great availability in the test centre following these courses, and a combination of the course and the test enables candidates to apply for their CSCS green card.
