24 January 2024     News

Newport City Council Faces Hefty Penalty Following Tragic Street Works Incident

In recent weeks, Newport City Council has been slapped with a staggering £2 million fine by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after a highway operative lost their life while performing road repair works. The tragic incident has sparked renewed emphasis on the imperative need for high quality street works training to ensure the safety of workers on our roads.

The HSE investigation revealed that the council failed to implement all reasonably practicable measures to create a safe working environment. The deficiencies included the absence of a suitable and sufficient safety zone between the road works area and the live part of the carriageway, as well as a lack of proper measures to secure the perimeter of the road works site against workers entering the running lane.

The incident, which resulted in the loss of 57-year-old Stephen Bell, underscores the critical role that NRSWA street works training plays in preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of those working on our roads. The NRSWA training programme is designed to equip highway operatives and workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties safely and efficiently.

A stark message to those involved in street works

The HSE’s findings have sparked concerns about the level of compliance with safety regulations across various local authorities. The £2 million fine sends a stark message to councils and organisations involved in street works, emphasising the importance of adhering to safety protocols and providing adequate training to personnel.

NRSWA training covers a range of essential topics, including the establishment of safety zones, securing work areas, and implementing measures to prevent unauthorised access to potentially dangerous zones. Regular updates and continuous training are paramount to keeping workers abreast of the latest safety standards and protocols. Proactive measures, such as regular safety audits and comprehensive training initiatives, can also contribute significantly to preventing accidents and saving lives.

Safety of street works operatives a top priority

As the tragic incident in Newport prompts a reflection on safety practices within the industry, the spotlight is now firmly on the importance of NRSWA street works training as an indispensable tool for safeguarding the well-being of those who work tirelessly to maintain and improve our road infrastructure. It is a reminder that safety should always be a top priority, and investing in the training and development of our workforce is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.

Need streetworks (NRSWA) training?

At Develop Training we’ve NRSWA courses to meet the training needs of every street works discipline; from signing, lighting and guarding, to reinstating the highways, dropping a kerb, and locating and avoiding underground apparatus. We deliver NRSWA training at centres across the UK including: Derby, Swindon, York, Essex, Manchester, Norwich, Birmingham & Linlithgow in Scotland. We can also deliver onsite training if required.

Click here to view our full range of NRSWA training for Operatives and Supervisors.

Alternatively, you can speak to our Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk.

Further information about streetworks training can be found in our streetworks FAQ’s.

   18 January 2024     News

Due to increased demand for confined spaces training courses, Develop is pleased to welcome Martyn Dring to the team as a Confined Space Trainer.

Martyn’s career began in the Royal Marines where he spent six years in a variety of combat roles including arctic, desert, mountain, and urban warfare.

In 2019, he embraced a career shift and transitioned into the realm of training. Joining Mines Rescue as a Confined Space, Working at Height, and Fire Safety Trainer, Martyn trained and assessed learners in related NVQ awards. He also personally obtained City and Guilds qualifications in High-Risk Confined Space Working, Emergency Rescue and Recovery, Emergency First Aid, and Advanced Working at Height over his five-year tenure.

Martyn said,

I’ve enjoyed the last 5 years at Mines Rescue but I was ready for a change of scenery and I’m thrilled to have joined Develop Training as a Confined Space Trainer. I look forward to sharing my expertise with delegates in the near future, once I have undertaken my initial induction and training. I’m also particularly excited to be able to deliver confined space training on our customers’ sites via our mobile confined space unit.”

Throughout his career, Martyn has celebrated various milestones, with one of the most memorable being his graduation from the Marines. He also holds a Degree in Business Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from the University of Derby.

Away from work Martyn is a keen sports fan. He enjoys playing as well as spectating, particularly rugby, tennis and football.

Welcome to the team, Martyn!

   09 January 2024         News

In a significant update to Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation & Power),  professionals who install, commission, maintain, monitor, and manage heating systems, are set to face a major shift in regulations concerning flow temperatures. The new guidelines emphasise that, for heating systems, flow temperatures should not exceed 55°C, and ideally, they should be kept below this threshold.

The guidelines state that,

“All parts of the system, including pipework and emitters, should be sized to allow the space heating system to operate effectively, and in a manner that meets the heating needs of the building, at a maximum flow temperature of 55°C or lower. To maximise the efficiency of these systems, it would be preferable to design to a lower flow temperature than 55°C. Where it is not feasible to install a space heating system that can operate at this temperature (e.g. where there is insufficient space for larger radiators, or the existing distribution system is provided with higher temperature heat from a low carbon district heat network), the space heating system should be designed to the lowest design temperature possible that will still meet the heating needs of the building.”

The reduced temperatures are primarily in response to new condensing boilers. The water returning to the boiler needs to be lower than 55 °C otherwise the water won’t condense and therefore it would be like having a non-condensing boiler, which defeats the point.

While this change brings about several advantages in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact, it also introduces a new consideration for those that manage secondary hot water systems heated by them — the increased risk of Legionella bacteria formation in hot water systems due to decreased hot water flow, return and distribution temperatures. It will also have impact on the scald risk and management protocols, amongst others.

Legionella is a waterborne pathogen that can lead to acute respiratory pneumonia. The bacteria multiples between the temperatures of 20°C and 45° which is more likely as a consequence of this change.

Hot water systems face increased risk of Legionella bacteria

Dan Sutherland, Senior Water Systems & Legionella Trainer at Develop Training explains,

It is important that industry understands, communicates and provides specific risk assess guidance on each situation on its own merits. This can be challenging and so developing employee competence is part of this (partly achieved through training). Late understanding of these principles impacts businesses and individuals from a commercial, financial and personal aspect.”

He continues,

Where the hot water system represents a lower risk from legionella, reduced hot water temperature may have little impact (typically in domestic dwellings and smaller commercial settings) but in larger commercial and healthcare systems (and commonly older systems), maintaining traditional hot water flow and return temperatures of 60°C and 50°C may still be a key control.

There is also impact in the world of scald prevention and thermostatic mixing valves – can these valves now be removed in some settings? Will they continue to work effectively due to reduced supply temperatures? What is the possible impact and effect on build quality requirements, and will hot water system design change as a consequence?

We should also remember that best practice up to now has been to supply hot water to kitchens for hygiene reasons of at least 55°C.”

Legionella training a critical factor in mitigating risk

To address this concern, training providers in the Building Services industry play a crucial role in ensuring that professionals are well-informed and equipped to navigate these evolving regulations. It is essential for heating engineers and those who work with hot water systems to stay up to date with the latest industry standards, enhance their knowledge of Legionella prevention measures, and implement best practices in their installations to uphold both safety and efficiency.

As the industry adapts to these changes, Develop Training will be incorporating the latest updates into its curriculum, ensuring that heating engineers are well-prepared to meet the demands of the evolving regulatory landscape. This proactive approach will not only enhance the skills of professionals in the field but also contribute to creating safer and more energy-efficient heating systems for the benefit of both consumers and the environment.

Click here to find out more about Develop’s range of Legionella training.

Click here to find out more about Develop’s range of Gas training.

   8 January 2024     News

A warm welcome to Sibonisiwe ‘Sibo’ Sibindi who has recently joined Develop Training’s Finance Team.

Sibo brings a wealth of experience in various financial capacities to her new role, having been employed in both sales ledger and general accounting roles. Her expertise encompasses managing cash books, overseeing accounts, and handling payables.

The highlight of Sibo’s professional journey so far is attaining a postgraduate diploma in accounting.

Sibo said, “I am immensely proud of achieving my postgraduate diploma in accounting as it symbolises the culmination of many months of dedication and hard work. It’s a milestone that fuels my passion for accounting and I am lucky because I do truly enjoy what I do for a living.”

Beyond her professional life, Sibo finds joy in the company of her friends and family. In her leisure time, she engages in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle, with a particular interest in regular exercise.

We look forward to the valuable contributions and positive energy Sibo is already bringing to the Finance Team at Develop. Welcome to the team!

   8 January 2024     News

Introducing Michaela Glenister, who joins Develop as a Centre Coordinator and Administrator at our Brentwood centre.

With a background deeply rooted in the care industry, Michaela has dedicated the majority of her career so far to providing around-the-clock care to seriously ill individuals.

Having navigated the challenges of ensuring patients receive the crucial care they need, Michaela found great fulfilment in her work. Her dedication and compassion were particularly evident in her previous roles, where the well-being of those under her care was paramount. One of her proudest achievements was creating an environment that made the final days of residents as comfortable as possible – a testament to her commitment to making a positive impact on even the most difficult of situations.

Michaela explains what she’s looking forward to most about her new role, “I’m really looking forward to joining the Develop family and can’t wait to meet the rest of the Brentwood team. I’m a happy and friendly person and I’m in my element when I’m meeting new people, so I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the role and greeting all our delegates with a smile and a friendly face!”

Beyond her professional endeavours, Michaela’s life is filled with social activities. She relishes spending quality time with friends, engaging in social activities, and indulging in a spot of shopping.

   05 January 2024        News

In a strategic move to improve incident management and enhance the preparedness of its staff, firmus energy, a natural gas supplier in Northern Ireland, has collaborated with Develop Training, a renowned utilities training provider.

The objective was clear: to rigorously test procedures and ensure that firmus’ engineering and technical teams were well-equipped to handle real-world incidents. The decision to opt for Develop Training was influenced by the organisations’ successful track record in creating bespoke incident management training programmes for utility companies.

Training expertise in incident management for the gas industry

The driving force behind firmus’ choice was the wealth of experience brought to the table by Develop’s experts, Jim Donnelly and Chris Parker, both of whom have many years experience of working hands on in the gas industry and devised a similar training initiative for Phoenix Energy last year.

The bespoke programme of training designed by Develop brought together various teams within Firmus, fostering collaboration among individuals who may not typically work together on a day-to-day basis but would have to work effectively together in the case of a serious incident. The training aimed to simulate real-life incident scenarios, allowing the group to test procedures and for Jim and Chris to gather invaluable feedback from those involved. The pair also assessed how the group responded both as a team and individuals. The feedback was then presented to firmus and an action plan created.

Positive feedback from delegates and employer

The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed that the experience was not only enjoyable but also deeply appreciated.

One delegate said,

The training was a fantastic opportunity for us to demonstrate our ability to react to a simulated incident, uncovering potential areas for improvement in procedures. The best way to learn is by actively doing the task so I found it incredibly useful to do this training and it’s definitely given me some learning points to go away and put into practice.”

One of the standout benefits cited by firmus was the opportunity to receive direct feedback from the individuals who participated in the training. This feedback loop proved instrumental in shaping the action plan.

Chantal Hemphill, HSE Manager at firmus, expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration, stating,

Working with Develop Training has been an incredibly valuable experience for firmus. Jim and Chris were clearly very experienced, making us feel comfortable throughout the process. Their professionalism and commitment to ensuring our teams were well-prepared for any incident were evident, and we are grateful for the positive impact this training has had on our organisation. There have been some clear takeaways that the training highlighted and we’re now working through the action plan to address these.”

A bespoke training package for incident management and response in the gas industry

As effective incident management and response continues to play a key role in the utilities industry, investment in employee training proves to be essential for companies like firmus. Develop Training’s successful collaboration with firmus underscores the importance of hands-on, bespoke training in ensuring the preparedness and efficiency of industry professionals in handling real-world scenarios.

To find out more about how Develop can help your organisation with bespoke incident management and response training, please contact our Customer Service Team on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk

   18 December 2023         News

As we bid farewell to 2023, Develop Training takes a moment to reflect on the past twelve months filled with milestones, investments, and a commitment to excellence. From prestigious awards to state-of-the-art training facilities, the year has been a testament to Develop’s dedication to providing training of the highest quality to its customers.

January: Investors In People Gold Award

The year kicked off with a bang as Develop proudly received the highly sought-after ‘Investors In People Gold Award.’ This recognition, achieved by less than ten percent of applying companies, underscored Develop’s commitment to team development, progression, and performance.

February: Mobile Confined Space Unit Joins the Fleet

In February, Develop expanded its training capabilities with the introduction of a Mobile Confined Space Unit. A transformative vehicle that becomes a bespoke training environment in just 15 minutes, this significant investment made confined space training more accessible across the country.

Find out more about the unit here.

March: Derby Training Centre Refurbishment Begins

March saw construction work commence on Develop’s Derby training centre. The refurbishment aimed to enhance delegate classrooms, breakout areas, the canteen, and communal spaces, setting the stage for an improved training experience.

April: Mobile Water Jetting Unit Enhances Training Capability

Continuing to invest in the business, Develop introduced a Mobile Water Jetting Unit in April. This portable high-pressure water jetting unit allows the delivery of water jetting courses at any Develop centre or customer site. It has already proved to be a hit with customers.

Watch this video of Water Jetting Trainer, Danny Connor, as he talks about the mobile unit.

May: Unveiling the Artificial Street and York Centre Refurbishment

May was a pivotal month for Develop as the highly anticipated artificial street, Training Terrace, was unveiled. Following a £500k investment, Training Terrace includes three purpose built bungalows, a confined space unit, deep excavation pit, street scene, and Utili-teas Cafe. Each area has been specifically designed for training purposes, and allowing Develop to safely deliver courses in emergency response to gas incidents, as well as excavation safety, cable avoidance, street lighting, drains, sewer jetting and confined spaces entry.

The York training centre also underwent a £500k refurbishment, featuring updates to classrooms, communal areas, and the HV/LV electrical workshops.

Find out more here.

June: Launch of Digital Learning Platform, LEDA

June marked the launch of Develop’s digital learning platform, LEDA, enriching the existing range of practical training courses on offer.

This online content enhances Develops existing range of courses and provides an easy to use, convenient and flexible learning experience, catering to the diverse needs of our customers.

Matthew Gray, Interim Managing Director, commented: ““Develop has historically provided on-site practical training – and that will continue to be our main focus. However, following the successful launch of our virtual and blended training programmes, we have worked with industry professionals to develop a range of e-learning courses, many of which are professionally accredited by external awarding organisations. This will allow our customers to choose the delivery methods best suited to their employees’ needs.”

Find out more here.

July: Emerge & Evolve Recruitment Programme Success

Six months after the launch of the Emerge & Evolve recruitment programme, Develop celebrated success as it recruited several industry professionals. These individuals were enrolled in a comprehensive training and development plan, paving the way for them to become trainers of the future.

The programme is still ongoing and applications can be made here.

August: Completion of Derby Training Centre Refurbishment

In August, the extensive work on the Derby training centre was officially completed. With an investment of £500k, the upgraded facility boasts modern classrooms and communal spaces, reflecting Develop’s commitment to providing a professional learning environment.

Develop unveils its Derby training centre following a £500K refurbishment

September: Annual Employee Conference and Awards

September saw the return of Develop’s annual Employee Conference, centred around the theme of ‘growth.’ The conference included presentations and team-building activities, and culminated in the Employee Awards where colleagues were recognised for their outstanding contributions.

Here’s where you can find a full breakdown of the awards and their winners.

October: ISO 27001 Accreditation and Continued Success

October was marked by significant achievements as Develop acquired the ISO 27001 Information Security Management System accreditation and were finally able to collect their IIP Gold Award at a prestigious ceremony. The Internal QAA Team also celebrated their second birthday, highlighting the business’s ongoing commitment to quality.

November: F-Gas Training Programme Relaunch and Norwich Training Centre Opening

November was a month of expansion as Develop re-launched its F-Gas training programme and officially opened a new training centre in Norwich. Based in the same building as parent company JTL, the modern centre address the growing demand for electrical and gas traing and relevant short courses in the local area.

Find out more about the Norwich centre here.

In summary, 2023 has been an innovative and successful year for Develop Training, marked by new centres, courses, and accreditations. As the year concludes, Develop remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering high-quality training and looks ahead to another year of growth and achievement in 2024.

   04 December 2023         News

With over £1.5 million of investment in its training centre network, a range of new courses, and a host of large contract wins, Develop Training, one of the UK’s leading accredited providers of compliance, technical and safety training, is celebrating a successful year.

Develop has made significant strides in 2023, bolstering its offering with a focus on refurbishments to its centres. These include a £500K investment in its Derby centre and a further £500K outlay on its York centre, as well as launching new training units, such as its mobile confined spaces unit and mobile water jetting unit.

An industry partnership to be proud of

This year also saw the launch of Develop’s Joint Emergency Training Set (JETSET), a £500K fully-to-scale artificial street, named Training Terrace in a public naming competition. Training Terrace was constructed next to the York centre in partnership with Northern Gas Networks (NGN). This state-of-the-art provision has expanded Develop’s offering allowing it to deliver courses in real-life simulated situations including gas incidents, excavation safety, cable avoidance, street lighting, drains, sewer jetting and confined spaces entry.

A year of upgrades, innovation, and accolades

This expansion has been echoed in Derby, where Develop’s centre has undergone a significant refurbishment, including upgrades to the office and classroom, as well multiple communal spaces including the reception, canteen and breakout areas.

During 2023, Develop has also furthered its accessibility provision, bringing training directly to its delegates via its mobile confined spaces vehicle. The confined spaces unit allows training to be delivered nationally, transforming from a functioning vehicle to an immersive, bespoke training environment in just 15 minutes.

Introduction of a dedicated e-learning platform

Accessibility has increased throughout the wider JTL Group, which is comprised of JTL, Develop and CompEx, with the launch of its e-learning and professional development platform LEDA, which is home to over 64 e-learning courses.

Recruiting & inspiring the next generation

Further projects launched in 2023 include Develop’s recruitment campaign Emerge and Evolve, which seeks to encourage skilled individuals from across the utility sector, to become industry-leading trainers and help inspire the next generation of talent.

IIP Gold Award for commitment to people

As a mark of a successful year, the business has even achieved the Investors in People Gold Award accreditation in recognition of its commitment to the development, progression, and performance of its team. Additionally, Develop has won a number of large accounts including National Grid to deliver a highly successful, bespoke leadership and management training programme centred around modern managerial skills.

Matthew Gray, Interim Managing Director at Develop, said:

I’m incredibly proud of all the achievements that our team has accomplished over the past 12 months. The investments we have made throughout the business are already making a significant impact, from the successful refurbishments of our Derby and York centres and the construction of Training Terrace, to the launch of further training initiatives such as LEDA. As we look ahead to 2024, we are excited to continue this momentum and look forward to more accomplishments in the future.”

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We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful festive season and a Happy New Year.

Christmas Opening Hours

Our offices and training centres will be closed for the Christmas and New Year period from 12:30pm 22nd December 2023 until 08:30am on 2nd January 2024.

Best wishes,
The Develop Training Team

   30 November 2023         News

Develop Training, the UK’s leading accredited provider of compliance, technical, and safety training, has re-launched one of its most popular courses, F-Gas (Category 1), to provide delegates with training to identify the hazards and safe working practices for working with fluorinated gases.

Re-launched on 20^th November, the return of the course to Develop is well-timed with the growth of the F-Gas industry, bridging the skills gap to meet the demands of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) sectors.

F Gas Category 1 training certified by City & Guilds 2079-11 scheme

The F-Gas course, certified under the City & Guilds 2079-11 scheme, will be delivered by Develop trainer, Brandon Clark, a seasoned refrigeration and air conditioning engineer. This will explore updates to statutory regulation requirements, while combining both theory and practical testing to ensure delegates understand the risk and management techniques needed in the sector.

F-Gas training courses in York, Derby and Scotland

Available at Develop’s York, Derby and Linlithgow centres, prospective delegates can view course dates on Develop’s website, with more to come in 2024. The course can also be delivered at other locations for businesses that have six or more staff that require training.

Brandon Clark, F-Gas Trainer at Develop, said:

We are pleased to relaunch our F-Gas course this year at Develop, which has been updated to reflect the current regulations. F-Gas maintenance and reduction is crucial to achieving the UK’s target of reducing F-Gas emissions by two-thirds by 2030. This course will enable us to provide a range of essential theoretical, practical and green skills and help our customers successfully manage their F-Gas containing equipment in-line with EU Guidelines and regulations.”

Develop now also offers the City & Guilds 6187-21 qualification, equipping delegates with the skills and knowledge to safely handle Hydrocarbon and Flammable Refrigerants, covering all stages from installation to disposal.

To find out more about Develop’s F-Gas course or to sign up for training, please visit: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/courses/electrical-and-mechanical/f-gas