Chemring Defence had identified a need for specialised Emergency Response training within their organisation. With a number of health and safety training providers on the market, they engaged Cogent Skills to help find the perfect partner. Cogent Skills, via the Cogent Skills Network Training Partner, recommended Emergency Response specialists Reynolds Training Services (RTS).
Sara Hartshorn, quality systems engineer from Chemring Defence, recalled how her organisation only had a “small number of people” who were trained in Emergency Response. This, she said, was restricting the amount of people who could be used in fulfilling the Emergency Response roles. “Due to the training, this number has now increased,” added Ms Hartshorn.
An “excellent” referral service
Ms Hartshorn said Cogent Skills Referral Service was an “excellent” way for organisations like Chemring Defence to find safety training providers. “Cogent Skills found the trainers that would match our requirements perfectly and provided us with a number of different options, which gave us the choice to select the training provider we preferred.”
“We now have an upskilled and newly trained selection of staff who are confident and competent at carrying out this role in Emergency Response. We have planned future training with Reynolds Training Services to complete the next part.”
Reynolds Training Services managing director, John Reynolds, said his company had provided “Development and Delivery of Bespoke Emergency Response Training relevant to HSE Guidance and company standards”. Commenting on whether the training was successful, he responded: “Yes, we have received very positive feedback from those on the course and from Chemring Defence directly.”
Adapting the course to Chemring Defence
The training had been adapted to Chemring Defence’s specific requirements. Mr Reynolds explained: “We discussed with the customer their specific requirements, reviewed their ER procedures and mapped this to the regulator’s requirements.
“We utilised their forms to make exercises relevant and had photographs of the facility to keep it local and recognisable. We forwarded a copy to them prior to delivery for approval and then after the first delivery made some minor changes.”
The Cogent Skills Business Referral Service provided a “direct link to industry”, he added. “Cogent send out regular communications in respect of enquiries and responds promptly to both client and training provider, tracking and informing on progress, we look forward to expanding our relationship with Cogent Skills.”
