Quality Management Systems | Client Showcase

Business intelligence for meaningful management decisions

2009-04-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

The average organisation is data-rich but information-poor. In order to function most efficiently, organisations must have information available at their fingertips when they need it.

Business Intelligence is a combination of technology and business processes. It takes data and in a timely manner, turns it into information on which business decisions can be made. Through Insource's Business Intelligence products, Data Academy and Corporate Radar, decision makers can access and create relevant reports that deliver just the information that requires their attention. Data Academy is the solution to providing information management and is based on a data warehouse, accessed through a browser-based environment. Data Academy consists of complex data loaders, schedulers, built-in trackers, deduplicators, standardisation tools and search functions to ensure that the data on which management decisions are based are based on facts, not fallacy.

Corporate Radar provides the solution's reporting tool using the latest Microsoft .NET technologies to deliver powerful, multidimensional reports and charts. It provides accurate, up-to-date information on demand, via a browser, to anyone anywhere within the organisation. A combination of stable products, good people skills and a solid methodology (Insource System Deployment Methodology (ISDM)) ensure Insource's place in the Business Intelligence marketplace. A sure testament to the success of this methodology is the ISO 9001 certification Insource obtained in November 2003, which was issued to them by QMS International plc in one of the fastest times in QMS's history. If your organisation is unable to make confident management decisions based on data you cannot trust, contact us. You can feel confident in the quality of our products and services.
For further information contact Jackie Sawyer at 0118 921 1561, email jackies@insource.co.uk or visit www.insource.co.uk.

HR solutions made easy

2009-04-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

RICHARDS HR Solutions is a Human Resources consultancy with a difference.

They form a long term relationship with their clients and in effect become their HR Manager assisting with the myriad of problems faced by employers from preparing Contracts of Employment to attending complex discipline and grievance hearings.

Formed in 2005 by Trevor Richards, an experienced HR Manager and former member of the Armed Forces, who has worked with firms of Lawyers and a national firm of Chartered Surveyors with 20 offices throughout England, Scotland and Wales before establishing his own business; he now has clients from a variety of industry sectors. Clients vary from those with just a handful of employees to those with several hundred members of staff; sole traders and partnerships to Limited Companies and PLCs. Typically clients come to Richards HR Solutions because they are expanding but are not yet at a size that warrants the employment of a full time HR Manager but who are increasingly aware of the vital role HR has within their firms. The provision of sound employment law advice forms a very important aspect of the work undertaken but at the same time this is given in a practical and pragmatic way; an approach that is much appreciated by clients who need to know what to do in a particular situation, not just what they should have done.

Whilst compliance with employment legislation is important Richards HR Solutions can assist businesses with other matters such as performance management and absentee management – all issues that have a direct bearing on the bottom line.

Since achieving ISO 9001 (2000) certification with QMS in 2006, Richards HR Solutions has noticed that many more enquiries are coming from companies who are also quality assured and want to use suppliers who have the prestigious ISO 9001 quality mark.

To learn more contact Trevor Richards of Richards HR Solutions on 01733-361800 or richardshr@btconnect.com or visit: www.richardshrsolutions.co.uk

Managed, secure and bespoke logistics

2009-04-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

Started in the mid-eighties by a husband and wife team as a Business Consultancy, SMA grew and diversified into three distinct and highly successful divisions: Management Consultancy, Security and Global Logistics. The SMA Group currently employs more than 3,500 people around the world between direct employees and associate branches.

In May 2003 SMA Worldwide Ltd, the Logistics arm of the company gained ISO 9000 certification with QMS International plc. This certification revolutionised their internal and external procedures and in October 2005, the company was renamed SMA Worldwide plc. SMA Worldwide plc provide a full logistics service to many blue chip companies that demand on-time deliveries, bespoke software, secure transport and track and trace. Their individually designed IT caters for all their clients' auditing and accounting needs. It presents their invoicing exactly as they wish, even creating separate accounts for various divisions or departments within the same company. The rigorous procedures within the QMS ISO system encouraged their customer service procedures, accounting, after-sales care and shipment tracking to become the best in their field. SMA Worldwide plc provides a full logistics service capable of handling anything from an envelope to a multi-tonne steel shipment to and from all corners of the globe.

Additionally, they are fully certified Dangerous Goods packagers, handlers and shippers. The company also operates full storage and Pick & Pack facilities, Global Mail services and a Post Room Management service. By utilising their expertise in Management Consultancy, Security and Counter Terrorism they have a diversity of clients ranging from major hotel chains, educational establishments and manufacturers, through to pharmaceutical companies and e-commerce sellers. By combining its various disciplines, SMA Worldwide plc can provide a consultancy service offering a bespoke solution to all its clients. The
Plimsoll Sector analysis published in April 2006 ranks SMA Worldwide plc in the top 30 companies among more than 2,500 companies within the UK.

SMA Worldwide plc is now embarking on a new and highly relevant diversification by creating a fourth division with a new service to cater for a much wider client base. It will call on all the aspects of ISO certification to provide a much needed service for a growing niche in the Global market place.

For further information contact Dr Attia on 01923 290490 or visit www.smaconsultancy.com

Ty Nant - Has Designs on Growth

2009-04-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

TY NANT Natural Mineral Water, famed for its stylish cobalt blue glass, and curvaceous ‘ice like’ PET bottles is gearing up for yet another record-breaking year. With sales in the UK and worldwide growing at over double the market rate they have secured prestigious agreements with both Malaysia Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, thereby increasing still further, visibility and recognition across the world for TY NANT. Having implemented a major investment programme across 2001/2 and adding new production and warehousing facilities for the launch of the award winning PET bottle, TY NANT has now geared up still further with new plant and new staff to enable them to increase capacity. Their achievement of ISO 9001 Certification with QMS in November 2004 is recognition of their commitment to exceptional quality of service.

The team at TY NANT have a reputation for being passionate about outstanding design and regularly do things differently. In the past few years this has lead to the launch of the cutting edge clear asymmetrical PET bottle specifically designed to evoke the fluidity of water, and more recently the understated contemporary TAU Spring Water with its minimalist black & white design, both major award winners. This year sees the launch of the sexy red TY NANT ‘too’ in a new 330ml single serve glass bottle, which has already been listed by Harrods.

TY NANT ‘too’ in crimson glass bottles was originally launched in ‘limited edition’ 750ml bottles to celebrate TY NANT’s 10th anniversary. It proved to be so popular that the bottle was kept in production and the smaller 330ml version now completes the range. Both colours of TY NANT in glass are available in still and sparkling variants. One of the UK’s most successful bottled water exporters TY NANT will be showcasing this expanded range at major exhibitions including IFE London in March, NRA Chicago in May, and ANUGA Cologne in October.

A worldwide audience in TV and Film regularly sees TY NANT. Appearances in James Bond Die Another Day, both Bridget Jones films, The Italian Job, Ab Fab, and Friends, to name a few, have helped achieve a TV media value of at least £1.5M in the UK alone with still more the world over. Combined with exposure at major fashion & celebrity events such as The BRITs, MTV and prestigious sporting events such as The Stella Artois Championships and The Masters, ensures that TY NANT is one of the most visible brands in the market.

For further information contact: Laura Dodds, Brand Manager on 01974 272 111 or e-mail her: laura.dodds@tynant.com

QMS working with Croners

2009-04-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

We enhance our services by working in partnership with business advice experts, Croner Consulting.

By teaming up with Croner Consulting, QMS is able to offer both employment and health & safety best practice solutions. For businesses that don’t have dedicated human resources or health & safety personnel, keeping up-to-date with legislation becomes the responsibility of the owner or manager. But managing compliance with employment and health & safety law can be a difficult, costly and time-consuming process that few companies can afford. Failure to comply leaves your business at risk of court action, which can cost time, money and even your reputation.

Our association with Croner Consulting gives you the opportunity to benefit from tailored employment law and health & safety professional advice, complimenting your existing quality management procedures. The flexible solutions offered can ease your legislative burden, whatever the size and structure of your business. Croner Consulting is able to provide comprehensive support to organisations across the whole of the UK and can ensure your business is compliant with employment and safety legislation. They will represent you at employment tribunals, offer advice via their telephone advice lines and carrying out on-site safety, risk & employment liability assessments.

The many benefits Croner Consulting offer include:
• Support and guidance all day, every day
• More time to concentrate on running your business
• Protection against legal challenges
• Excellent value for money with access to top business expertise at a small business cost
• Business critical issues handled by experts
• Immediate support from specialist advisers
• Support to improve performance productivity and of course profitability

The service will be tailored to the needs of your business and can include:
• 24 hour expert telephone advice
• Employment tribunal representation
• Up-to-date policies and procedures
• On-site support from experienced consultants
• Health & safety crisis support
• Training

Croner Consulting is the UK’s largest and most experienced provider of in-depth advice and practical support for businesses in the high-risk areas of employment, health & safety and other regulatory driven areas. For more information on the services Croner Consulting offer, call 0800 6341700 quoting reference number 496 or email qms@cronerconsulting.co.uk

Social Entrepreneur of the Year

2009-04-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

A Tipton woman was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year in the West Midlands for contributions to the local economy and community.

Catherine Paterson Higgins of Tipton Homecare Limited was presented with her prize at a national social economy conference held in Dudley. She was picked from more than 20 people nominated in the awards which were sponsored by the West Midlands Co-operative and Mutual Council. She set up the community enterprise six years ago while working as a fundraiser for the RNIB. She saw a need for home-based care services and researched the market before opening the business with one other care worker. The non-profit making organisation was launched with the help of Tipton Community Enterprise and now employs 50 staff providing care services to 140 elderly and infirm clients in the Sandwell area of the West Midlands.

After her success, Catherine said: "I am overwhelmed and delighted that my work has been recognised and hope that other people will be inspired by this award to set up similar enterprises where there is a desperate need". She was also keen to acknowledge the contribution of everyone involved with the business: "Without good staff you can't accomplish anything" she said. She received a cheque for £2000 which, she says will be used to provide training for staff to ensure the current high quality of service is maintained. As for her tips for any budding social entrepreneurs: "Be determined, work hard and put in long hours - but the rewards are great."

Tipton Homecare Limited were certified by QMS in November 2000.
For further details call Catherine on 0121 557 3649.

Oxfordshire Business of the Year 2001

2009-04-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

Optical filters Ltd, Thame

A QMS registered company aiming to provide better viewing for TV and computer users has been named Oxfordshire’s Business of the Year 2001. Optical filters Ltd, based in Thame, aims to hike its turnover this year to £3 million with its new EmiClare screen shield. The filter, fitted to electronic displays, protects them from glare, loss of contrast due to sunlight, electro-magnetic interference and impact. Additionally, it can incorporate heat control to keep the displays at their optimum operating temperature.

Originally the Thame company’s technology was aimed at the relatively high value but low volume markets such as the military. Now, after four years’ research, its engineers have developed an improved filter that can be produced at lower cost to meet the demands of the growing commercial and consumer markets. The innovation has been used in applications such as wide-screen plasma displays, on the Leopard II tank and in new medical scanning technology.

The new product has already resulted in a 60% sales growth for Optical filters Ltd in the first full year of marketing and the workforce has subsequently grown from 28 to 40. Optical filters Ltd also won the Innovation category at the awards. The guest speaker at the ceremony was Mr Boris Johnson, Conservative MP for Henley, who paid tribute to all of the award-winners, saying that "they were risk takers in a world increasingly worried about taking any chance".

For further details contact Nichola Dent at Optical filters Ltd on 01844 260377 or visit www.opticalfilters.co.uk.

The writing on the wall...

2009-04-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

A woman was appearing at the Old Bailey charged with murder. In a fit of jealousy, triggered by an anonymous letter warning that her boyfriend was sleeping around, she'd lashed out with a kitchen knife and killed him. It didn't look hopeful. Fortunately, her defence team had passed the letter to forensic handwriting expert Maureen Ward-Gandy, along with a pile of other writing examples, and asked her to see if any of them matched. The result was as astonishing as it was tragic - the man had written the note himself to try to make her jealous, but it had worked a little too well. "It was something of an own goal" says Maureen ruefully. "I was able to prove scientifically that the writing matched his. Faced with this mitigating provocation, the charge was reduced to manslaughter and she got four years rather than life".

Handwriting identification first fascinated Maureen while she was a teacher in America. No forged sick notes ever escaped her eagle eye. She began studying handwriting and word of her recognition skills spread. While still continuing to teach, she was asked to do some work for the Denver police department. After returning to England, she found that what had started as a sideline was now taking over. Eventually she quit teaching in 1981 to become a self-employed forensic document examiner. Since then she has gained every qualification possible and now averages 550 enquiries a year. She is often called as an expert witness by lawyers to determine authorship or forgeries. She scientifically analyses telltale loops and swirl, pen pressure and ink content of signature, scribbled notes, envelopes, wills and diaries, using hi-tech computer, video equipment, microscope and lightbox, which she keeps in her lab at home in Sussex. Work is plentiful, but whichever side calls her in, her opinion is determined by the facts not the feepayer.

This can lead to one of the most stressful aspects of her kind of self-employment. "When someone hires and pays you and you find against their client, it is a very difficult situation. But I work for the court, I am totally impartial, as required under the rules of the Expert Witness Institute". She has given evidence in every level of law court, and after a course in handling cross-questioning, no Rumpole can rattle her. "I love the atmosphere in court although at first I found it frightening."

Maureen gained ISO 9000 Certification in May 1999 and believes "when you're self employed, it will give you the edge on your competitors".

You can contact Maureen Ward-Gandy on 01293 536189. Article courtesy of Rebecca Gosh, Alodis Magazine.

Who Dunnit?

2009-04-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Lift problem on the Orient Express - solved

Liftting awkward and valuable loads into inaccessible places is an everyday task for most crane rental companies, but the jobs don't come much more difficult than having to lift a 39 tonne precious museum piece into position at the British Museum. Nationwide Crane Hire Limited were called in to provide the lifting equipment for installing the classic, 32 metre long sleeper-carriagefrom the historic Venice Simplon 'Orient Express' train into position at the British Museum. It took its place as one of the exhibits in the Agatha Christie exhibition which opened there last November.

However, Carriage No. 3483 is no cosseted static museum piece. Built originally in Birmingham, England in 1928, it is one of seventeen similar carriages still in regular daily use on the ever popular 'Orient Express' route between Calais and Venice, covering some 5,000 km every week. It returned to service at the end of January 2002, after the delicate lifting process had been reversed.

Nationwide Crane Hire Limited were ISO 9001 certified by QMS in August 1997. For further details of their services contact David Slack on 01924 262964.

Managing Violence and Aggression with Quality

2009-04-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

Violent and aggressive behaviour has become part of every day life. Violence in the work place causes immediate, often long term disruption to interpersonal relationships, working procedures and the overall working environment. Employers bear the direct cost of lost work and the indirect costs of reduced efficiency, loss in product quality and company image and a reduction in the number of clients.

On an individual level, the suffering and pain resulting from violence at work can lead to lack of motivation, loss of confidence and reduced self-esteem, depression and anger, anxiety and irritability. If the causes of violence are not eliminated or contained these symptoms may develop into physical or psychological illness and tobacco or alcohol abuse. They can culminate in occupational accidents, invalidity and even suicide.

The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) says employers have a legal duty to supply a safe working environment - this includes protecting employees from violence. As well as verbal abuse, threatening behaviour and physical attacks, the definition of violence covers sexual harassment, bullying and mobbing. Workers at high risk include the country’s most caring professionals - social workers, teachers, doctors and nurses. In addition, traffic wardens, retail staff, air and train stewards, door supervisors, bar staff, meter readers, postmen, plumbers, taxi drivers, journalists, holiday reps. and even football referees are the subjects of verbal and sometimes physical abuse.

The Department of Health has launched a ‘Zero Tolerance Campaign’ to draw attention to the estimated 65,000 attacks per annum on NHS staff. Similarly, their ‘No Fear Campaign’ highlights the violence faced by social workers. The DfEE have issued guidelines to teachers on using reasonable force to restrain violent pupils. However, the recent case of the teacher in Gwent accused of slapping a pupil shows how careful people must be in controlling aggressors. Training in the safe, proper use of recognised ‘duty of care’ techniques is essential. The risk of being sued by staff who have not been given adequate help in handling workplace violence is adding to employers’ interest in MVA International Limited.

MVA specialises in the management of violence and aggression in the work place. It supplies a full service from policy development and risk assessment to training and related security services. With MVA training, most difficult incidents can be deescalated before they reach the crisis phase and physical attacks. Participants on MVA courses learn that their own attitudes and body language can trigger violence. All organisations with staff working with the public will benefit from MVA consultancy and training. MVA has many clients in the public sector and find that ISO 9000 accreditation is a major selling point. They gained their ISO 9000 Certification with QMS in January of this year.

For more information call Mr Brian Harrigan on 01432 268016.

Cimex Drives Forward with ISO 9000

2009-04-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

Cimex was set up 7 years ago to develop interactive solutions for CD-ROMs, now it has evolved into internet, extranets, intranets, enhanced and interactive TV and mobile technologies.

The company has a team of 20, with clients as diverse as Government departments, SMEs and global brands like Aston Martin, BA and Intel. This success is due to its size enabling a flexible approach to suit clients’ needs. As the industry is relatively new, how to select the right partner is a potential minefield. There are no standards defining the nature of services, management, or quality assurance processes and there has been no such rise in standards or regulation within the industry.

Many design houses manage complex software development processes upon which the client’s business may depend. “The image portrayed in the IBM e-business TV campaign belies the determination that young creatives bring to their work,” stresses Ian Hayes, Strategic Technical Partner and joint founder of Cimex. Recognising the need for working standards, Cimex had already established internal quality control to ensure clarity in the areas involved in successful project delivery and felt it should demonstrate its commitment to its clients and its business by registering with an internationally recognised quality standard.

Cimex is aware of the significance of ISO 9000 to the industry as a whole and to the company in particular. Haynes continues, “ISO accreditation from QMS has enabled us to demonstrate to our clients that we believe absolutely in what we do and that our management processes have been certified against an internationally recognised standard.” The company is rapidly expanding into new fields and although ISO accreditation is not always a key requirement, it certainly adds value and credibility.

“The benefits of the whole process are enormous,” adds Haynes. “A major client benefit is peace of mind that comes from a guaranteed level of professional service. Internally there has been tremendous value in going through the application, which made us reassess the way we manage processes." Among the many successful projects undertaken by Cimex is Channel Four’s flagship educational site, Homework High, which enables kids to ask homework questions online that are answered live by a team of teachers. Cimex is one of the very few new media agencies that is ISO 9000 accredited. This alone helps to put the company ahead of the game in terms of management and quality assurance. They see the accreditation as a way of helping to drive the business forward and of reassuring organisations seeking a quantifiable demonstration of quality assurance, a sound project managerial process and total professionalism.

For more information call 0207 359 4664.

BSS ACHIEVES THE DOUBLE

2009-04-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

BSS International Limited is the first QMS client to take advantage of and successfully achieve both LawCert and the BenchmarQ Certifications.

Bss specialise in buying and selling salt for use in a range of industries and businesses including water softening, chemical and human food industry, winter ice and snow clearance, animal nutrition and water purification.

LawCert, the legal audit ensures that all major employment and health and safety regulations are being met. It is a cost-effective method ensuring that companies can concentrate on business rather than worrying about potentially costly legal minefields.

Philip Mapson, Managing Director of BSS International said: "We are delighted to be awarded the LawCert certificate, it proves that our commitment to provide the best possible working conditions for our staff is being put into practice. We firmly believe that if our staff are happy, they are more likely to deal with our customers in the right way and that is paramount to the success of our business."

BenchmarQ, the Customer Satisfaction award comprises an independent survey conducted by QMS and supports the new requirements of the ISO 9000 : 2000 standard. The award recognises BSS International's commitment to providing the best possible level of service and products. Their pro-active approach in monitoring their customers’ opinions enables them to adapt their business towards meeting their customer requirements. Philip Mapson stated: "We have received very positive feedback on the whole (through BenchmarQ) and the one customer complaint we have received, has allowed us an opportunity to speak to our customer and rectify the matter".

To contact BSS International Limited call 01780 784141 and for further information on either LawCert or BenchmarQ contact QMS Head Office on 01603 630345.

Security within the home and workplace

2009-04-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

Crown Security Limited, has been associated with the Security Industry within London and the Home Counties since 1914.

Early in 1999, Peter Seymour fashioned the company as it is perceived today, bringing a great number of years security knowledge and experience. This experience allows today’s company to offer a wide and varied range of services, that are available to both the public and private sectors. They range from simple door and window locks, to the most sophisticated electronic intruder alarm systems with computer based access control features. These systems, coupled with the addition of investigation services and computer security, have brought Crown Security Limited to the forefront of the Security Industry.

All our systems conform to, and are recognised and certified by, the Security System & Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB), a governing body that is accredited to UKAS. In addition, we gained BS EN ISO 9002 Certification with QMS in January of this year. Crown Security is currently recognised and operates under the Association of Police Officers policy (ACPO) by the Metropolitan and Kent Police Constabularies and is currently under approval by Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Sussex and the Thames Valley Police Authorities. This added level of security enables all our customers to receive a police, fire or medical assistance response via our central Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), thus allowing us to guarantee that all alerts are received from whatever system is installed.

We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction whilst operating to a high standard of workmanship (working to the current British Standards and new BS EN standards soon to be implemented). We provide the customer with full support and technical advice, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 52 weeks of the year.

Not all security companies are the same. Nevertheless, here are a few of the services that you should be offered by your security company: service visits; maintenance contracts, 24 hour call out service (this should not be just a mobile number or an answer phone), a full site survey, advice and technical help. In addition a full and working knowledge of the current standards (BS and ACPO), a copy of their efficacy insurance and a copy of their registration with a recognised governing body (SSAIB, NACOSS, ACIS, Integrated 2000).

We have a wide spectrum of customers ranging from public houses, night clubs, Members of Parliament and the Bureau Veritas
(another Quality Assurance company), to the local householder who may require “that ‘little bit more’ of a deterrent” against the opportunist thief. Crown Security Limited are able to offer a full range of services, including: intruder alarms, CCTV, access control systems, door entry systems, scaffolding security systems, covert CCTV, locks, safes, grilles, bars, key cutting, master key systems, computer security and investigation, personal investigation, vetting, close protection and finally chauffeuring.

If you wish to find out more about Crown Security Limited or how to enjoy that extra piece of mind, please visit our web site:
www.crownsecurity.net or contact us on: 020 7357 9144 or fax: us on 020 7357 9114.

Professional Indemnity and the ISO 9000 Relationship

2009-04-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

Royal and Sun Alliance, Professional and Financial Risks (ProFin) is one of the UK’s leading providers of Professional Indemnity Insurance. Our policy holders range from the traditional professions, such as accountants and surveyors, through to management consultants, advertising agents, those in the construction industry and a myriad of “miscellaneous” professions.

Over the years we have, of course, seen many claims made against our policy holders, a good proportion of which could have been avoided by the application of good risk management practices. Examples of claims that could easily have been avoided include:
- Missing deadlines because the firm had no diary system
- Notes not taken at a crucial meeting meant there was no defence to allegations
made against our insured
- The lack of a contract or engagement letter resulted in clients expectations not being met
- Survey and valuation reports issued with vital details missing because the firm had no checklist to work from
- A job taken on by a junior member of staff became too complex resulting in a claim against a partnership for work they did not even realise they had undertaken
- The firm had no procedures for taking on new clients or reviewing the work of staff
- No professional is perfect and it is for that reason PI cover is purchased; PI Insurers are happy to defend and pay claims for professional negligence. However, they do not expect to have to pay for what really amounts to the failure of a business to properly manage itself. When rating a PI risk at Royal and SunAlliance, we firstly take into account factors such as the type of work undertaken, the experience and qualifications of the directors/partners and staff and, of course, the claims history. Once we are satisfied with these we will look at the overall quality of the risk. We place great importance on the existence and application of risk management procedures and, everything else being equal we will usually apply at least a 10% discount to firms who have obtained ISO 9000 Certification or something similar. Where it is obvious that no attention is given to these areas, we may not quote the risk, or if we do, may impose terms.

Of course, mere possession of a Certificate does not mean a risk will be claims free. We know, however, that by submitting themselves to the Certification process and building the results into their day to day professional activities, firms can reduce the number of easily avoidable incidents similar to those outlined above.

A Certified firm incorporating a risk management culture and their own industry best practice into the everyday delivery of professional services will not only save money on PI insurance but will reduce the time spent on dealing with complaints and allegations made against them.

For further information regarding the possible discounts contact your insurance broker or visit www.rsa-profin.co.uk. Steve Abrahams is the Worldwide Professional Indemnity Product Leader, ProFin, Royal and Sun Alliance.

Focus EAP Limited - Provider of Employee Assistance Programmes

2009-04-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

What the mind of man can conceive and believe, the man of mind can achieve.

The Managing Director and key staff of Focus launched their first Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in 1988, this being the first EAP introduced to the UK by a British company.

Focus gained ISO 9000 Certification with QMS in 1996 and they currently provide tailored programmes for a wide variety of organisations, in both private and public sectors, with employees based throughout the UK.

Although many large firms have this kind of support system in place, Focus EAP Ltd also provides cost effective provision for medium and small businesses. What are Employee Assistance Programmes? EAPs are a form of employee support which helps them tackle both personal and work issues and therefore can be of great benefit to them. However, EAPs are not designed solely for this purpose. They are also designed and provided as an effective organisational resource aimed at supporting management as well as staff. In this respect, they will enable the organisation to identify and address issues which have a negative impact on employees' well-being and their work, through management information and analysis. It is worth noting that being an organisational tool to help tackle stress and promote employee well-being, an EAP is not taxable as a benefit in kind. EAPs provide a confidential forum through which matters can be dealt with, often without involving managers.

This can help reduce any stigma associated with seeking assistance to counter stress or alleviate personal issues that are distracting individuals, which may affect their work. This type of programme can also relieve pressure on human resources, occupational health and line managers who have time pressures and, in the case of line management, may not have the range of skills required to help employees who are experiencing problems. At the same time, managers who recommend the use of the service to one of their team would not be avoiding their responsibilities.

Another major advantage of this type of confidential support system is that it can provide direct assistance to managers who require guidance in handling difficult or sensitive staff situations. Where the HR or Personnel Department is under pressure, assistance can be obtained on employment law and the like and HR consultancy is available. How does an EAP work?

- A 24hr/365 day telephone service via an 0800 number, providing direct access to counselling, information, guidance and support for a range of issues. These include work, emotional, stress, relationship, family, alcohol, drug, financial, legal and others including health, child and elder care and consumer issues. Assessment for onward referral where appropriate is also made. The telephone service is unlimited in the number of times an employee may access it and the duration of the calls.

- Referral to face to face counselling (limited to an agreed number, usually 4 or 5) or specialist advice such as legal and debt, where appropriate.

- Account management including reporting, periodic review meetings and promotional activities.

- Consultancy for managers, HR advice.

- Service monitoring and evaluation.

- Monthly/quarterly reporting detailing usage data, issues and trends while protecting confidentiality. Reporting on critical issues as necessary.

For more information on Focus EAP services, call James Wright, Client Services Manager on 0208 441 9300.

It's that usual question

2009-04-09T06:08:00.000-07:00

So what do you do for a living? A doctor, a train driver……
no, I am a rigger. Most of you have already thought ….. a what?

I run Nippy Industries Ltd, a rigging company. We provide “Production Rigging Services to the Conference, Film, Theatre and Entertainment industries”.

Most events and shows need to have equipment at height, from simple light and sound equipment to more complicated suspended moving structures (remember the pendulum in Gladiators?). So how do you get the equipment up

there, what do you attach it to and how do you make it safe?

Simple, you employ a rigging company. We excel in providing ‘Lifting Gear’ services and equipment with highly trained staff with engineering and structural experience. We
also deal with industrial rope access jobs, where access to high and awkward places can't be achieved using machinery; for example cleaning the outside of buildings or even maintaining the lights on top of Canary Wharf.

For most large entertainment events we form part of a team of companies covering lighting, sound, audio visual, staging, set
building, catering and transport. We build a framework at ground level and attach it to lifting points from structural beams. Once the
lighting and sound is attached, the whole structure is lifted into position.

Obviously, Health & Safety issues are paramount with strict adherence to approved codes of practice and a quality administrative system to support us; QMS helped us achieve ISO 9002 Certification in Sept 2000.

So, next time you ask that question and the reply is “I’m a rigger” you’ll know your next question should be…. Have you ever toured with the Spice Girls?

For further information on our services call me, Steve Williams,
on 01480 431555 or visit our website at www.nippyindustries.co.uk