An LRQA client providing services to the oil and gas industry had an ongoing problem with their HSEQ corrective action system. They identified an ongoing cycle of system decline, fail – fix – decline, fail. And they knew a permanent and sustainable solution was needed.

With their experience in LEAN techniques they were quite capable of re-engineering the process. But they recognised that some external support and management system expertise would make sure they developed an ISO compliant system. They arranged a three day LEAN event and invited LRQA to facilitate the first day.

Staying well within our policy of never providing consultancy, we joined the management team for the first day, facilitating discussion and using a range of problem solving techniques to help them get to the root causes of the problem. We also made sure that the new processes they developed conformed to ISO requirements.

After a successful first day the management team carried on alone and completed their event successfully and ahead of plan. The solution they implemented is now helping to drive their continual improvement programme.

Live audit coaching

Many LRQA clients have gained real benefit from adding live audit coaching to their in-company Internal Auditor training.

A leading independent railway technology advisor recently added a day of Tutored Audits to their in-house training course. From the group of twelve who attended the two-day course, six went on for a third day to plan and carryout audits of their own system under the direction and guidance a a professional assessor.

These were real audits and contributed to their planned schedule, so the cost of the day was offset by output from the audits.

The feedback to their Business Assurance Manager from everyone involved was that the real learning had come from this activity. Auditors, the auditees and their managers all commented on the professionalism and benefit of the day.

Many large organisations have dedicated teams of auditors. A number of organisations have used LRQA Training to coach and develop them.

In one such organisation the auditors successfully completed the Auditor/Lead Auditor course and have now progressed to carrying out business system audits on behalf of their senior management team – looking to identify risks and provide assurance to the business. Development for groups and individuals like these is about working with them, and sometimes alongside them, over a period of time.

For this client we attend the auditor development days they hold each quarter. Sometimes our involvement is to listen and facilitate them learning from their own experience.

We share experiences and when appropriate provide briefings and run workshops, for example on ISO standards being developed. This is an example of the long term coaching relationship we have with many of our clients.

Management Systems Manager development

Not every new management systems manager comes equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful. Newly appointed managers and those wanting to progress to this role can successfully develop their capability by attending training courses. But often the real challenge is in transferring learned knowledge and skill to the workplace and tasks in hand, which is where most development occurs.

In the UK investment in coaching and personal development is increasing as people recognised the value of workplace coaching. Working alongside a management system professional can be the difference that makes the difference. In-company training can give you the opportunity to do this.

We have helped a number of managers plan and deliver their own events and workshops on a range of topics, for example:

• Problem solving
• Risk assessment
• Corrective action and root cause analysis
• Process mapping
• Integrating management systems

The benefit of this approach is you have access to LRQA’s library of training materials and expertise. On the day, although it’s you who leads your event an LRQA trainer will be there to support as appropriate.