The new training resource has been developed to support Showsec’s continued growth and is launched to coincide with the company’s recruitment surge to attract over 2,500 staff who’ll be able to work on a range of major live events in London through the summer of 2012.
The company supplies professional security at hundreds of venues ranging from the MEN Arena to The Roundhouse and Twickenham, and at events including the Download Festival, the annual Royal Garden Party at Clarence House, The Royal Military Tattoo and concerts in Hyde Park.
A significant investment was required to create a unique blended learning programme for staff which combines e-learning with classroom-based sessions and on-site training, delivering increased flexibility, personal choice and, ultimately, improved services.
Designed and programmed in close collaboration with University of Derby Corporate, elements of the “groundbreaking” training and development platform initially supported Showsec’s unique (and much heralded) management development programme, which is now concentrating on its sixth intake.
With over 700 successful trialists from all across the business proving the platform’s viability, this new phase (including the e-learning platform) launches a huge range of stand-alone or blended learning modules.
In-house expertise is combined with selected external enhancements and incorporates a range of qualification criteria to ensure the training product is of the highest standard and that it reflects the current and future demands of the events industry.
Avenue for state-of-the-art training
Showsec’s managing director Mark Harding commented: “The new training and development e-learning platform provides personal opportunities and enables ambitious people to be part of Showsec’s future.”
He continued: “The system provides an avenue for immediate updates, state-of-the-art training and an auditable record of learning. The internal commitment, drive and effort expended to launch the system have been a major factor in its success. This next phase will extend its use to our internal departments and an extension of operational training with a commercial outlet to follow.”
Harding also enthused: “We have now been able to create a range of modules that reflect the specific training skills for new staff to be deployed at major events across London this summer. Our relationship with the University of Derby Corporate continues to flourish. They really do understand the industry and the requirement for continuous evolution of our training offering.”
University of Derby Corporate project director Connor Moss explained: “I have been hugely impressed with the commitment Showsec has made in terms of finances and resources to create an incredible educational programme. This training and development platform combines the most up-to-date techniques and technologies to deliver relevant content and qualifications leading to improved professional capability.”
Showsec awarded highest-ever ACS audit score
Showsec was recently awarded its highest-ever score by the Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) auditors, reinforcing its commitment to progressively raising customer service and staff training standards in the live events sector.
The ACS scheme is a voluntary annual inspection for providers of security services which aims to raise performance standards and assist security companies in developing new business opportunities.
Members of the Showsec team (including training and development manager Roy Wise, head of Human Resources Debbie Atherton, Midland’s regional manager Richard Church and training co-ordinator Charlie Hanna) organised the assessment which lasted three days and took place at Showsec’s Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield offices.
An independent examiner marked Showsec on 92 different criteria covering company processes including finance, training, recruitment, HR, operations and systems, in addition to attending two Showsec events. There were interviews with two Showsec clients, 30 members of staff and a selection of the public to determine the company’s areas of good practice.
Showsec exceeded last year’s score of 105 with a score of 118. This is a record for the company, reflecting Showsec’s ongoing development and continuous improvements made to company processes.
During the assessment two areas of good practice were identified in terms of communication and training operations, where Showsec was commended for its online portal and innovative online booking system.
Praise was also given to Showsec’s investment in a dedicated training team and the electronic e-learning platform for staff which, as stated above, is now live.
Richard Church commented: “Showsec has continued to develop its communication and training areas, giving us a strong platform to build on for the future. To be awarded our sixth ACS award and to also break our company record score proves that we are continually extending and upgrading our training programmes in order to improve the service we offer our clients.”
