The West Midlands-based operator is renewing its ongoing relationship with IED Training and developing an online course
Arbroath-based IED Training Solutions has once again joined forces with National Express to deliver a package of health and safety courses in 2021. Employees across the West Midlands are being trained in ‘Managing Workplace & Transport Health and Safety’, the country’s first IOSH-approved safety management course specific to the coach and bus industry. Created by IED Training Solutions for National Express in 2018, the course has been further developed to allow it to be delivered via a virtual platform this year. The course was created following a request from National Express to develop a programme for senior managers, supervisors, inspectors and shift safety officers, addressing key issues such as safety, security and employee health and wellbeing.
The relationship between the two companies was further bolstered when both received the Ministry of Defence’s highest accolade for supporting the Armed Forces community, the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, which recognises organisations that are exemplary supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
To achieve the Gold award, organisations must demonstrate their commitment through supportive HR policies, being an advocate for the benefits of supporting those within the armed forces community and encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and to engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme. IED Training Managing Director Ian Clark said: “We have provided a variety of important services to National Express since 2018, delivering training courses in a number of areas from IOSH Managing Safely and First Aid for Mental Health, to consultancy in security and trauma support. Our relationship has continued to develop over the years and the fact that both of us were awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is further evidence of the common values and goals we share.
“The past year has been challenging for obvious reasons, but things are really starting to look up and our training calendar is looking healthy for 2021. We are very much looking forward to working again with National Express Bus.” National Express UK Engineering Director, Bernie Cassidy, added: Our partnership with IED has been very much built on our shared values and on both organisation’s ability to deliver the very highest of standards, while remaining agile to changing situations. Safety is our top priority so we are extremely pleased that we were able to work together and deliver these important courses to our employees virtually, ensuring continued understanding and translation of their learning to work situations.”
IED Training Solutions has been working with National Express since it was commissioned to provide a comprehensive independent security review of National Express Bus, National Express Coach, West Midlands Tram, Victoria Coach Station London, and all its human resource processes. IED’s findings and subsequent report were key to informing National Express’ risk management and emergency planning contingency.
