29 January 2024         Blogs

In today’s highly competitive and rapidly evolving business landscape, leadership effectiveness is not just an aspiration but a strategic imperative. Leaders are expected to navigate complex challenges, inspire their teams, and foster a positive organisational culture. To meet these demands, leaders need more than just technical skills; they require a high level of emotional intelligence (EI).

By understanding the impact of EI training and its various facets, businesses can unlock the potential for sustainable growth and resilience. Moreover, investing in EI training can lead to higher employee engagement, lower turnover rates, improved customer relations, and a more positive corporate reputation.

This article delves into the profound impact of emotional intelligence on leadership effectiveness in both private and public sector organisations, and gives insight into some of the requirements of implementing a successful EI training strategy.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a set of skills and abilities related to the recognition, understanding, management, and use of emotions in ourselves and in our interactions with others. The term was first coined in 1990 by researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey, but was later popularised by psychologist Daniel Goleman.

EI encompasses a wide range of emotional and social competencies that influence our behaviour, decision-making, and relationships. The most effective leaders consider emotional intelligence a critical skill to recognise and solve their team members’ problems.

EI can be broken down into several key components:

• Self-Awareness
• Self-Regulation
• Motivation
• Empathy
• Social Skills:

Emotional intelligence is considered a critical skill set in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, leadership, and workplace success. It plays a vital role in effective communication, conflict resolution, decision-making, and overall emotional well-being. High emotional intelligence is associated with better mental health, improved interpersonal relationships, and enhanced performance in both professional and personal realms. Employees with high emotional intelligence are more likely to stay calm under pressure, resolve conflict effectively, and respond to co-workers with empathy.

Leaders must lead by example

Effective implementation of EI training should be top-down, with leaders setting the example. Leaders set the tone of their organisation. Those who exhibit emotional intelligence not only serve as role models but also create a culture where EI is valued throughout the organisation. If they lack emotional intelligence, it could have more far-reaching consequences, resulting in lower employee engagement and a higher turnover rate.

Senior leaders, including the CEO, must model emotionally intelligent behaviours. However, this can be a challenge, as it requires a high level of self-awareness and a commitment to continuous growth. Leaders who prioritise emotional intelligence set the tone for the entire organisation and create an environment where EI is celebrated. An organisation led by a leader who lacks emotional intelligence cannot survive the tide of a complex business environment.

Mindfulness and Self-Awareness

Leaders’ mindfulness and high self-awareness are foundational to emotionally intelligent leadership. Mindfulness practices enhance self-awareness, allowing leaders to better understand their emotions and responses, ultimately leading to more effective decision-making and communication.

Voluntary Participation Enhances Engagement

Participation in EI interventions is most effective when it is voluntary. Learners must feel a genuine need, liking, or both, to learn, and spend the time and energy needed in developing their emotional intelligence. When individuals willingly invest their time and energy in such training, they are more likely to apply what they learn in their leadership roles. However, it’s essential to recognise that voluntary training may sometimes reach only those who are already inclined toward emotional intelligence.

Compassion-Driven Culture

A compassionate, rather than performance-driven, culture sets the stage for successful EI training transfer and consolidation in the workplace. When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to embrace and apply their emotional intelligence skills. Compassion fosters a sense of psychological safety that encourages open communication and collaboration.

Allowing Sufficient Time for Change

Organisations often seek quick results, but emotional intelligence development is a gradual process. Change, especially in larger organisations, tends to be incremental. It’s crucial to understand that the compound effect of small changes can lead to substantial improvements over time. Patience and commitment to the process are key.

Fostering a Supportive Community

Being part of or creating a supportive community can significantly aid leadership development. Such communities provide mentoring and networking opportunities, fostering empathy and influencing skills. This type of support helps to consistently motivate team members and leaders to put their best foot forward as well as helping to develop a strong bond between a leader and their team.

Experiential Learning and Coaching

Effective EI training should be experiential, rooted in self-reflection, and aligned with self-selected goals. Coaching can play a pivotal role in supporting individuals on their EI journey, as it encourages self-discovery and provides personalised guidance.

Transformational coaching is particularly valuable for EI development. It activates positive emotions, which are essential for learning transfer and intentional change. Positive affect enhances motivation and fosters a growth mindset, enabling leaders to embrace and apply their emotional intelligence skills more effectively.

Develop’s Organisation Development Consultant’s have been developing a six-month Coaching & Mentoring programme that aims to provide opportunities to develop, practise and apply the coaching and mentoring thought processes, techniques and tools. This six-month programme will consist of monthly group sessions and 1-2-1 coaching. It has been designed to take leaders through the experience of being coached and undergoing deep self-analysis.

Individuals who partake in the course will get the opportunity to develop their listening and observation skills, empathy, communication, influencing and other supporting skills for coaching and mentoring management and leadership.

Register your interest here to find out more about the programme when it is released: https://resources.developtraining.co.uk/mentoring-coaching-leadership-register-interest

Risks of Internal Coaching

Internal coaching can be challenging due to the pressure internal coaches face while juggling their daily responsibilities. Insufficient support from leadership can also hinder the effectiveness of internal coaching efforts. Consider external coaching options when these challenges are present.

Conclusion

Emotional intelligence is a game-changer in leadership effectiveness, both in the private and public sectors. To harness its full potential, organisations must commit to voluntary, multi-level, and spaced-out EI training. They should prioritise resonant leadership, compassion-driven cultures, and senior leaders as role models.

Additionally, transformational coaching, mindfulness, and supportive communities are invaluable tools in fostering emotionally intelligent leadership.

In short, the insights offered here provide actionable strategies for businesses to create a leadership culture that drives performance, adaptability, and long-term success.

Investing in emotional intelligence is an investment in the future success of any organisation.

Does your organisation need help with mentoring & coaching leaders?

We can help.

Click here to browse our range of ‘off the shelf’ Leadership & Management training programmes.

Register your interest here to find out more about the Coaching & Mentoring programme when it is released: https://resources.developtraining.co.uk/mentoring-coaching-leadership-register-interest

Alternatively, we are highly experienced in developing bespoke training programmes for organisations across a wide variety of industries. Simply get in touch with our Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or enquiries@developtraining.co.uk and a member of our Leadership & Management team will call you back to discuss your unique needs.

In the meantime, why not take a look at a recent leadership programme we developed for National Grid. Click here to view.

   26 January 2024     News

Despite the chilly and rainy weather that enveloped Yorkshire yesterday, commitment to excellence prevailed as Wayne Stones, Utilities & Streetworks Trainer, conducted utility excavation training for a group of delegates from Northern Gas Networks. The inclement weather failed to dampen the spirits of both the Trainer and the delegates as they engaged in practical training on our specially constructed trench excavation area on Training Terrace.

The delegates, huddled in their PPE, showcased their determination to enhance their skills in utility excavation, undeterred by the challenging weather conditions. Wayne Stones, with his wealth of expertise, led the group through a comprehensive training session, emphasising safety protocols and best practices in the field.

Training Terrace, a state-of-the-art training facility, is designed for hands-on learning experiences and played a crucial role in facilitating the practical aspects of the training. The dedicated trench excavation area provides a safe yet realistic environment for the delegates to apply their knowledge and hone their skills under the guidance of Wayne.

Find out more

Training Terrace is a true to-scale, artificial street and serves as a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality training experiences, ensuring that professionals in the utility industry are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles.

For those interested in learning more about Training Terrace and the comprehensive training programmes offered, visit: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/training-terrace

To see which courses can be facilitated at our York training centre, download our brochure here: https://resources.developtraining.co.uk/york-training-brochure

For more information on our utility excavation training and upcoming course dates, please contact our Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk.

   24 January 2024         Blogs

In this month’s instalment of our Meet the Team blog, we’d like to introduce you to Gas Utilities and Street Works Trainer, Wayne Stones.

Apprenticeship roots

Wayne grew up in the small Yorkshire town of Pontefract and took his first step onto the career ladder in 1992 when he began an apprenticeship with British Gas, which later rebranded to Northern Gas Networks (NGN). During his apprenticeship he worked as a Gas Distribution Craftsman before moving onto the role of Team Leader following the completion of his training. This saw him take responsibility for a team of colleagues repairing damaged parts on the gas network.

Wayne’s career journey went from strength-to-strength during this time as he undertook various roles including a Network Distribution Engineer, where he gained more responsibility and became an expert in installing and repairing a variety of gas networks and appliances, and a Network Officer, where he supervised a total of eight teams of engineers repairing gas escapes in the network, across six years. Wayne then decided to make a move into the IT side of the business in the role of Release Manager, whereby he was responsible for looking into the hardware and software that colleagues had collected from sites.

Joining Develop

Wayne joined the Develop team in January 2022 after having seen a Utilities & Streetworks Trainer vacancy advertised via the business’s Emerge & Evolve Trainer Recruitment Programme.

The programme is aimed at tackling the sector skills shortage and getting those who are currently working ‘hands on’ in the industry to become Trainers of the future. Develop provide a full package of training to help individuals’ hone their training and delivery skills so they can pass on their invaluable experience to the next generation of utility workers. Further information on the programme is available here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/emerge-and-evolve

Wayne explains,

I felt it was time for a change in my career and I was keen to share the knowledge and experience that I’d gained over my30 years of working in the gas industry. The opportunity at Develop came at just the right time and I feel incredibly lucky to have been offered formal training, qualifications, and a fantastic mentor, to guide me on this journey.”

Much of the training that Wayne delivers is based in-centre at York and Derby, however he also travels across the country to Develop’s other centres in Swindon, Essex, Manchester & Scotland to deliver bespoke courses for various companies in the utilities sector. Wayne regularly teaches NCO Gas, Street Works (NRSWA) and gas escape training, and works with a number of high-profile organisations, including NGN.

First-hand experience working on the gas network

After spending 30 years in the gas network industry, Wayne has invaluable experience and knowledge that he can share with the delegates that attend his courses. His past hands-on roles at British Gas/NGN have allowed him to develop technical knowledge that he is able to refer to during training.

Wayne says that he really enjoys his role at Develop and feeling that he is making a difference with his teaching.

He says:

There are people that I’ve trained, and I see them coming back for additional courses, so it’s always great to see how far they’ve come.”

He also says that he finds it extremely rewarding to see that his training is helping his delegates to progress in their career as they move into more senior and management roles.

Outside of work, Wayne is a keen house DJ and regularly plays at local bars and festivals, and also practices Brazilian Jujitsu with his son.

To find out more about the courses that Wayne delivers please click here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/training/utilities

   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!

   10 January 2024         Blogs

Since 2011, anyone working on English highways is subject to street works training under the New Roads and Streetworks Acts 1991 (NRSWA).

NRSWA legislation also requires operatives and supervisors to be re-assessed every 5 years to ensure they maintain their level of skill and understanding since they registered or last re-registered.

Here are the top FAQ’s we receive about street works training and re-assessments:

1. What is a NRSWA course?

NRSWA (street works) training courses are designed for Supervisors and Operatives who work on the highways and are required to carry out their duties to the standards prescribed by an Awarding Body in-line with the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA), current legislation, and any applicable Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP’s).

2. How do I get a NRSWA card (ticket)?

In order for operatives and supervisors to work legally on the highways, they must register with the Streetworks Qualification Register (SWQR) . To do so they need to hold the up to date Streetworks qualification.

When the individual has successfully completed their training and assessment (s) the Training Provider will notify the Awarding Body who will then issue certificates for the units or qualifications they have successfully completed.

Once the certificates are issued, the Training Provider will apply on the individuals’ behalf to the Street Works Qualifications Register (SWQR) for their ID Card.

To keep qualifications and NRSWA cards (tickets) up to date individuals must be reassessed every five years to show that they are professionally competent to work on English highways.

Develop Training offer a number of NRSWA training courses including, those for Operatives, Supervisors, Inspectors & Auditors, as well as re-assessment training.

View the full range here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/training/utilities/street-works/

Individuals must ensure that they apply to renew their qualification(s) no less than 3 months prior to the expiry date. If they do not register in time, they will need to retake the full unit, which will result in additional time spent away from work and extra cost.

3. How much does a street works ticket cost?

In the industry, street works cards or SWQR cards are commonly known as ‘tickets’.

Streetworks courses vary in length, depending on the requirements of the learner. Courses range from 1-5 days and therefore vary in price. Question 4 of this blog post outlines the minimum requirements to obtain a streetworks card (or ticket) – therefore, these courses would form the minimum cost of a street works ticket.

4. What are the minimum qualifications required to get on the SWQR and get a Street Works ID card?

For Operatives:

LA – Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus

or

O1 – Signing, Lighting and Guarding

LA can be held in its own right, as can O1, however, both are required if you wish to progress on to further units.

For Supervisors:

LA – Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus

or

S1 – Monitoring, Signing, Lighting and Guarding

LA can be held in its own right, as can S1, but both are required if you choose to obtain further certificates.

Key Street Works (NRSWA) Units in Wales and Northern Ireland are:

For Operatives:

Certificates for LA, O1 and O2 must be held if you work in Wales and/or Northern Ireland.

LA – Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus

O1 – Signing, Lighting and Guarding

O2 – Excavation in the road/highway

For Supervisors:

LA – Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus

S1 – Monitoring, Signing, Lighting and Guarding

S2 – Monitoring Excavation in the Road/Highway

Note: In Northern Ireland and Wales, O1-Signing, Lighting and Guarding and S1-Monitoring Signing, Lighting and Guarding cannot be issued alone on an SWQR card. You must hold at least one of the above combinations in order to be issued with a valid ID card.

5. Which Units do I need to obtain a full Street Works card?

For Operatives:

LA – Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus. Find out more here.

O1 – Signing, Lighting and Guarding. Find out more here.

LA can be held in its own right, as can O1, however, both are required if you wish to progress on to further units.

O2 – Excavation in the Highway. Any operative who is performing excavations will need this unit to be able to dig down to reach buried utilities. Find out more here.

O3 – Reinstatement and compaction of backfill materials. Any operative working within a reinstatement team would need this unit to be able to reinstate the road after the utilities have been installed, however this only covers up to back fill level.

O4 – Reinstatement of sub-base and base in non-bituminous materials. This unit comes in after the backfill level (Unit O3) and allows operatives to reinstate up to base level, including sub-base and base.

O5 – Reinstatement in cold lay bituminous materials. This unit is about the reinstatement of cold lay to cover the excavation.

O6 – Reinstatement in hot-lay bituminous materials. This unit is about the reinstatement of hot lay.

O8 – Reinstatement of modular surfaces & concrete footways. This unit covers concreting in the footways, such as laying block paving and slabs. A reinstatement team would need this if working with concrete footways or modular footways and roads.

For Supervisors:

LA – Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus. Find out more here.

S1 – Monitoring, Signing, Lighting and Guarding. Find out more here.

LA can be held in its own right, as can S1, but both are required if you choose to obtain further certificates.

S2 – Monitoring excavation in the highway. This unit covers the supervisory role of excavations. Find out more here.

S3 – Monitoring reinstatement and compaction of backfill materials. This unit covers the supervisory role of backfill.

S4 – Monitoring reinstatement of sub-base and base in non-bituminous materials. This unit covers the supervisory role of base and sub-base.

S5 – Monitoring reinstatement in bituminous materials. This unit covers the supervisory role of all bituminous material regardless of whether it is cold or hot lay.

S7 – Monitoring reinstatement of  modular surfaces and concrete footways. This unit covers the supervisory role of concrete in the footways and modular surfaces in the road and footways.

Download our handy pdf guide that shows which NRSWA courses are available for Operatives and Supervisors, and the courses that are offered by Develop Training: https://resources.developtraining.co.uk/develop-guide-to-streetworks-training

Develop Training offer a 5 day training course that covers all these units for Operatives and/or Supervisors. Further information can be found here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/courses/streetworks/operatives-and-supervisors/nrswa-reinstatement-of-highway/

6. Why do I need streetworks (NRSWA) refresher training?

Undertaking a street works (NRSWA) re-assessment ensures that operatives and supervisors work legally, safely and efficiently on the highways, maintaining their level of skills and understanding. Refresher training helps operatives and supervisors to understand the latest NRSWA legislation, and any changes to practices on the highway that may have occurred since their last training.

7. What are the pre-requisites for individuals looking to undergo Streetworks Refresher Training?

Streetworks Refresher Training can only be taken in units that the operative or supervisor already holds. For new areas of work, the individual must attend the full streetworks (NRSWA) training course for the units they wish to complete, before they can register with SWQR.

Reassessment takes the form of multiple choice questions on each unit the candidate wishes to renew. These are completely electronically and are timed under exam conditions.

Develop currently offers two NRSWA re-asessment courses:

A 1 day course for individuals who need to be re-assessed to renew their SWQR Streetworks card for LA + O1, O2 / S1, S2 (Units 1, 2, 3, 10, 11). Find out more here.

A 1 day course for individuals who need to be re-assessed to renew their SWQR Streetworks card for O3 – O8 / S3 – S7 (Units 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16). Find out more here.

8. How can I obtain a copy of my NRSWA certificate?

If you undertook your street works (NRSWA) training with Develop Training at one of our training centres in Derby, York, Swindon, Manchester, Brentwood, Linlithgow (Scotland), Birmingham, or Norwich then you can contact our Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or enquiries@developtraining.co.uk and request a copy of your certificate (certificate charges may apply). This also applies to any training that was undertaken on-site but run by Develop Training.

For all other certificates, you must contact the training provider at which you completed the training.

9. Which Awarding Organisation does Develop Training use?

Following successful completion of a written and practical assessment for each unit/qualification, learners will receive a CABWI certificate in recognition of their achievement.

10. Where does Develop run NRSWA training courses?

Develop has eight dedicated training centres and NRSWA training courses can be run from the majority of them, including Derby, York, Birmingham, Norwich, Swindon, Linlithgow (Scotland), Brentwood, and Manchester. We may also be able to provide a training course on a site or location of your choice. Find out more about our training centres here.

11. What’s the difference between streetworks and roadworks?

Street works are those completed by utility companies to install, repair and maintain their services. Road works are works completed by the highway authorities.

At Develop Training we’ve streetworks courses to meet the training needs of every streetworks 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, Brentwood (Essex), Manchester, Norwich, Birmingham & Linlithgow in Scotland. We can also deliver onsite training if required.

View our full range of streetworks training courses here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/training/utilities/street-works

Download our handy pdf guide that shows which NRSWA courses are available for Operatives and Supervisors, and the courses that are offered by Develop Training: https://resources.developtraining.co.uk/develop-guide-to-streetworks-training

Unsure which course you need? Our flowchart will help you work out which training course you require to safely & competently carry out specific aspects of street works: https://resources.developtraining.co.uk/develop-streetworks-flowchart

Contact us

Contact us today on 0800 876 6708 or enquiries@developtraining.co.uk to book a place on a street works (NRSWA) training course or enquire about a bespoke course at a location of your choice.

   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.

   08 January 2024         Blogs

For this month’s Meet the Team blog, we’re introducing our Senior Confined Spaces Trainer, Chris Tennant.

With a rich background in the water industry, Chris has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to Develop over his nine years at the business.

A background in the water industry

Chris began his career after leaving school in electrical engineering, where he worked in the role of coil winder on repairing and rewiring electric motors. Following this, he transitioned into the water industry as a leakage technician on water systems through spells working for companies surveying and mapping of underground assests, including a short spell in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq to train local staff in low cost leak detection methods. Chris eventually joined GWC Ltd., where he was contracted to Thames Water, Severn Trent and Scottish Water to work across various roles including working in a drawing office, surveying manholes and managing the distribution of pressure and leakage surveys.

During my eight years at GWC Ltd, I had the pleasure of travelling all across the UK, covering regions including Scotland, Yorkshire, Cornwall and North London to analyse DMA flow and pressure data.”

Chris then worked for just over a year with H20 Water Services Ltd. as a team leader, working to repair large water leaks in Yorkshire. Following this, Chris then moved back to his previous employer, GWC Ltd., and began training those starting to work in the water industry. This role involved Chris using his many years of experience to help to design and implement training and assessment programmes on leakage practices and equipment.

I grew to learn that many individuals that were entering the water industry had little to no previous experience, so I knew it was my duty to let them know the sorts of scenarios they would be dealing with.”

Joining Develop

In 2014, Chris joined Develop after hearing positive things from a previous manager that had recently joined the company.

Chris initially came on-board to work on the water-side of the distribution network as a training consultant, however, his previous skills quickly caught the attention of the team, and he was soon involved in a wide variety of projects, utilising his previous experience in training too.

Current role and responsibilities

Chris currently works as a Senior Confined Spaces Trainer at Develop. His responsibilities include working closely with other trainers to design Develop’s courses, and training delegates for confined spaces work.

It’s a priority for us to ensure the delivery of our courses meet the specific needs of each of our clients. We collaborate closely with each business we work with to understand their training requirements and how we can streamline our courses to meet their needs.”

Additionally, Chris plays a crucial role in the internal quality assurance aligning courses with the relevant awarding bodies. He also works closely with the sales team and senior account managers to ensure clients receive high-quality training that is catered to the confined spaces environments they are operating in.

Chris recently wrote a blog that provides a detailed 20-point confined space entry checklist for producing a safe system of work. The checklist underscores the critical importance of implementing rigorous safety measures when working within confined spaces, regardless of the industry involved, and has been very well received by Develop’s customers.

Bringing real-world confined space experience

Chris believes it is vital for trainers to apply their own industry experience into their role when training delegates to allow for real-world examples to be applied to the learning materials presented.

“I have found that delegates appreciate trainers with real-world experience, and at Develop, the majority of the trainers we work with have had extensive exposure to the areas they now teach.

In my previous role, we used to survey manholes and I have also experienced being in the Victorian brick sewers and large rainwater tanks, which are all scenarios that I now apply to my teaching from a practical perspective for delegates to learn from.”

10 years of success

Approaching his 10-year anniversary in November 2024, Chris has played a pivotal role in developing bespoke courses for Develop’s wide range of clients.

“A particular highlight of mine is when we designed and delivered a remote course for individuals that were managing the confined spaces work, but wouldn’t be entering the confined spaces themselves.

We developed an in-depth, interactive course that included breakout rooms, questionnaires and an assignment that we then marked and provided feedback on.

The remote course was a great success and evidenced our commitment to creating innovative and tailored solutions to meet the needs of delegates.”

Life in Norfolk

Outside of work, Chris keeps himself busy with cycling, hiking and photography. His weekends often involve walks along nearby rivers, and he’s even had the opportunity to explore the Lake District twice this year.

Chris Tennant is more than just a Senior Confined Spaces Trainer; he’s a dedicated professional with a passion for quality training and many years of industry experience.

Confined Spaces Training Team

Interested in finding out more about Develop’s Confined Space training team? Click here to discover more about the team and their range of abilities.

Visit our dedicated webpage to view all the confined spaces training offered by Develop, all of which can be offered at one of our training centres in Swindon, York or Derby, as well as on-site at a location of your choice via our confined spaces mobile unit.

Alternatively, click on one of the blog posts below to find out more about confined spaces and how your organisation should be managing them.