Case Studies

The Challenge

Firmus wanted to test its staff’s incident management capabilities and improve preparedness. In response to this, firmus engaged in a collaborative partnership with Develop Training, a renowned utilities training provider. The primary objective was to rigorously test procedures and ensure that firmus’ engineering and technical teams were well-equipped to handle real-world incidents.

Firmus’ decision to choose Develop was driven by the organisation’s successful track record in creating bespoke incident management training programs for utility companies. Specifically, their successful collaboration on a similar training initiative for Phoenix Energy earlier in the year underscored their expertise and capability. However, the pivotal factor behind the choice was the wealth of experience brought by Develop’s experts, Jim Donnelly and Chris Parker, both of whom who have extensive hands-on experience in the gas industry.

Chantal Hemphill, HSE Manager at firmus energy, said:

The feedback we received from Phoenix Energy about Jim and Chris was absolutely glowing, and it became clear to us from the very first phone call we had with them that they’re clearly very experienced and know exactly what they’re talking about. It was this phone call that told us all we needed to know and we just felt so comfortable with them throughout the entire process.

The Solution

Develop worked closely with the HSE team at firmus to design a bespoke scenario that brought together various teams within firmus. The scenario ensured that individuals who may not typically work together on a day-to-day basis, but would have to collaborate effectively during an incident, got the chance to put their emergency procedures into practice.

Jim and Chris played a crucial role in assessing the group’s response both as a cohesive team and as individual contributors.

The Result

This feedback, alongside feedback from the participants themselves, was fed back to the HSE team at Firmus and then used to create an action plan.

Chantal Hemphill, HSE Manager at firmus energy, said:

The collaboration with Develop has had a significant positive impact on our organisation. The training has not only enhanced our incident management preparedness but also facilitated teamwork and collaboration among diverse teams. The overall feeling of everyone involved has been that it was an extremely useful exercise and we’re thankful to Develop for their expertise and the work they’ve put into helping us.”

Conclusion

As effective incident management and response continue to play a key role in the utilities industry, investment in employee training proves to be essential for companies like firmus.

As the utilities industry evolves, the emphasis on hands-on training and preparedness remains critical, and this case study serves as a model for organisations seeking to enhance their capabilities in this ever-changing landscape.

For organisations interested in similar transformative experiences, Develop Training can be contacted through the Customer Service Team on 0800 876 6708 or via email at enquiries@developtraining.co.uk.

   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

   08 December 2023         Blogs

The NCO gas scheme is an evidence-based skills scheme for individuals working on the gas network infrastructure. It categorises some aspects into ‘pipe size’ categories and can also incorporate registration of an individual’s specialist skills such as Escape, Locate & Repair.

There are 3 routes to registration for the NCO (Gas) scheme:

1. completion of a regulated national vocational qualification (NVQ), e.g. City & Guilds Level 2 Network Construction Operations (Gas), or
2. completion of the Level 2 Gas Network Team Leader (GNTL) Apprenticeship or
3. completion of the Gas Network Operative (GNO) Apprenticeship

Are you unsure which NCO gas training course you need? View our handy NCO Gas pathways guide to help you determine which course you need to take.

Develop Training offers the following NCO training courses:

Network Construction Operations Gas Level 1

Network Construction Operations Gas Level 2 – Initial Units 

Network Construction Operations Gas Level 2 – Service Laying

Network Construction Operations Gas Level 2 – Main Laying

Network Construction Operations Gas Level 2 – Escape, Locate & Repair

Network Construction Operations Gas Level 2 – Main Laying Upskills Gas 180mm-355mm

Network Construction Operations Gas Level 2 – Gas above 355mm

Network Construction Operations Gas Level 2 – Portfolio Build Day

Meter Disconnection for Gas Team Leaders

Under Pressure Branch Connections (Gas) – up to 7 bar

Impact Moling/Thrustboring

Multi-Utility Electrofusion Jointing – up to 355mm

Multi-Utility Butt Fusion Jointing – up to 355mm

Multi-Utility Large Diameter Fusion Jointing – above 400mm

   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.”

To receive news from Develop direct to your inbox please sign up to our mailing list at the bottom of this page.

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

   01 December 2023         Blogs

Regulations can be confusing, frustrating and difficult to understand; particularly when concerning confined spaces. The definition of a confined space is broad and can lead to a grey area that poses several risks for the safety of workers and the potential for large fines if regulations aren’t adhered to correctly.

What are the 1997 confined space regulations?

The Confined Spaces Regulations of 1997 contain the following three key duties:

1. Avoid entry to confined spaces where possible, e.g. by doing the work from the outside
2. If entry to a confined space is unavoidable, follow a safe system of work
3. Put in place adequate emergency arrangements before the work start

What should be done before working in a confined space?

Before any work in confined spaces takes place, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment must take place.

There is often confusion as to whether there are any specific hazards within an environment, but therein lies the problem; just because there are no known hazards doesn’t mean that they don’t exist.

A correct risk assessment involves identifying all of the potential hazards that are present, and from this, all risks can be assessed and safety precautions can be determined.

The following areas should be considered:

• The task and the environment
• The suitability of employees
• The working environment
• Working tools and materials
• Arrangements in case of emergency

A safe system of work for confined spaces

If your assessment identifies any risks of injury, the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 outline several key duties:

If possible, avoid entry to confined spaces environments

Check if there is any other viable way for the work to be completed, a different approach (such as working from the outside) can reduce the need for confined space work. Pose the question as to whether the work is necessary at all or consider modifying the space itself so that entry is no longer required.

If entry is unavoidable, follow a safe system of work

Use the results of your risk assessment to identify all possible precautions in order to reduce the risk of injury. This system must be identified and put into practice and everyone involved will need proper training and instruction. Which of course, Develop can assist with – you can see our full range of confined spaces training courses here.

Suitability of employees

As well as the general training for all employees, you may need to appoint competent people to help you manage the risks. Furthermore, supervisors should be given responsibility to ensure that the necessary precautions are taken, to check safety at each stage and may need to remain present while work is underway.

Working tools and materials

PPE in such environments is a given, but in some cases the use of additional signage and special emergency communication tools and electronic sensors will be necessary. Workers will also need to be mindful of introducing a hazard within the space, such as flammable and aerosol like materials.

There should always be training on how to use all rescue and resuscitation equipment.

Safety arrangements in case of emergency rescue from a confined space

Regulation 5 of the Confined Space Regulations 1997 states:

... no person at work shall enter or carry out work in a confined space unless there have been prepared in respect of that confined space suitable and sufficient arrangements for the rescue of persons in the event of an emergency, whether or not arising out of a specified risk.”

Having a rescue team present at every confined space entry is not a legal requirement. However, it is a requirement to have both suitable and sufficient emergency arrangements in place.

Your arrangements should be aligned with the level of risk. They should be suitable, sufficient and in accordance with current best practice.

These rescue arrangements may include:

Self-Rescue – for a very low risk entry, this may include the use of gas detection equipment and escape breathing apparatus which gives the wearer sufficient air to evacuate.

Non-Entry Rescue – for a vertical entry where the entrant does not traverse and will not become entangled, this may include the wearing of a harness connected to a mechanical device capable of lifting a casualty out of the space.

Casualty Extraction – for an entry where there’s no risk of a hazardous atmosphere, a casualty extraction team can recover a casualty who has become ill or injured.

Rescue Team – this will be more appropriate for an entry where there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of a hazardous atmosphere.

Confined spaces training

At Develop Training, we believe that a well-trained workforce is the bedrock of workplace safety. Our tailored training programmes equip your employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate confined spaces safely, ultimately reducing accidents and saving lives.

Remember, investing in training is an investment in your employees’ well-being and the overall success of your business.

We offer a wide range of confined space training solutions including:

Awareness of Confined Spaces

Confined Space Entry & Escape Breathing Apparatus

Level 2 Award in Working in High Risk Confined Spaces

Level 3 Award in Emergency Rescue & Recovery of Casualities from Confined Spaces

Level 2 Award in Working in Low Risk Confined Spaces

Confined Space Medium Risk & Top Person

Authorised Person: Confined Spaces

View our full range of confined spaces courses here: www.developtraining.co.uk/training/utilities/confined-spaces

Our locations

Training can be offered at our Derby, Swindon or York based centres or at a location of your choice via our mobile confined space unit: Learn more

Contact us

Contact us today on 0800 876 6708 or enquiries@developtraining.co.uk to learn more about our comprehensive confined space training solutions.

   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

   28 November 2023        News

Welcome to Karin Balfe, the latest addition to our Swindon team

A warm welcome to Karin Balfe, the newest addition to our Administration team in Swindon, as she takes on the role of Centre Coordinator.

Karin began her professional journey in HR and dedicated many years to the industry, finding great enjoyment in the role. Seeking a change, she transitioned to recruitment, where she immersed herself for 13 years, gaining valuable insights into range of companies and industries. Most recently, she has moved into reception work, accumulating five years of experience so far.

Expressing enthusiasm about her new position, Karin shared, “I’m really looking forward to my new role at Develop as it’s different to the roles I have had before and I love a new challenge. It’s definitely going to keep me busy and on my toes.”

Beyond her professional life, Karin finds joy in singing with her local choir and cherishes moments spent with her three beloved grandchildren.

   Career Opportunities