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Collaboration Through NSAN
Learn about the collaboration between NSAN, The Oakridge Centre, and Urenco.
Introduction
Adam Robertson is a senior consultant at The Oakridge Centre, with over 20 years’ experience in Human Performance. He has a background in civil engineering, managing large scale infrastructure projects such as dams, roads, and transport systems, and has worked extensively in the nuclear industry both in the UK and overseas. From the early 2000s, Oakridge has been leaders in human performance safety training.
“A fundamental concept underpinning Human Performance is, if an error occurs, how was a person able to make that error? In other words, what went wrong with the system to allow that to happen? It’s less about the individual being blamed, and more about the organisation learning.”
How did the collaboration begin?
The collaboration between Oakridge and NSAN began with Mark Burbridge, who developed a relationship between NSAN, Urenco and Oakridge. Mark sadly passed away in 2020.
“One of the last programmes he ran in around June 2019 was with nuclear graduates for NSAN across the nuclear industry, on a residential leadership programme.”
How was the Human Performance Fundamentals course carried out?
When it first started, this training was delivered as a 1-day classroom-based programme. Since the pandemic, it is now delivered online over two half-days, covering the same content.
“It is a broad introduction to the concepts, principles, and practices of Human Performance. We deliver the programme to all levels in Urenco – apprentices, operatives, managers, office-based staff – all in the same session.”
Staff at all levels are trained as Human Performance can affect every area. New starters are also invited to attend the course. The usual cohort size is 10 participants, with a maximum of 12 and a minimum of 8. Over the last 18 months, Oakridge has trained around 200 Urenco participants in total.
The programme material could be applied to any sector, but the content is ‘nuclearised’.
“We look at major incidents that have taken place in the industry, and how to be build robust organisational defences to prevent similar incidences happening again, for example we look at the ‘Anatomy of an Event’, in this case a radioactive liquor leakage at the THORP Reprocessing Plant at Sellafield in 2005.”
What worked well?
The training courses are delivered to a high quality, which means that a subject matter and the content is interesting and thought provoking for participants.
“The training that Oakridge supplied was well received. We dealt via NSAN but had no issues or concerns any time. We value the proactive approach that was displayed.”
Justin Grattan MBE, L&D Business Partner, Urenco.
The programme gives a range of practical ways that people can monitor Human Performance.
“We’ve tried to keep the theory to a minimum, make it engaging, and help participants to come away with some practical applications they can immediately apply in their job roles”
The programme examines the benefits and application of 10 Human Performance tools using a series of group discussions, with the focus on which ones would be most useful to participants in their work areas. Another benefit of the programme is that due to the large number of staff having received training, it helps communication between departments within the business.
“A large number of Urenco staff have been through the programme, so there’s continuity of practice across the different teams. It gives a common language and common means of communication.”
Oakridge also considers that the programme brings benefits for the wider Urenco business as it helps the company work more safely as well as increasing quality, efficiency and internal and external customer service. The programme is assessed through an examination, which means that for compliance reasons, Urenco is now able to record that a percentage of staff are certified to this level.
Other business benefits are cost savings made through avoiding incidents.
“Human Performance is different to behavioural safety as it’s about any output, so it could be quality, customer service, efficiency. You can use Human Performance tools on any output and gain efficiency savings. This will also lead to more effective communication, and you should be able to deal more effectively with external providers as well.”
The programme is also useful for staff who are new to the nuclear sector.
“Urenco get lots of staff who have worked for different companies or have worked in other industries such as construction or oil and gas, so they often have some familiarity with the content.”
Where next?
Post-course feedback gathered by Oakridge has been positive, but a more in-depth analysis of how the programme remains embedded and impacts on staff (using a model such as Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Evaluation), is something that the business is working towards. With a view to taking this programme to a wider audience, Oakridge is keen to find out from NSAN what other organisations similar to Urenco might be interested in developing or implementing this training for their business.
What was the contribution of NSAN?
Oakridge considers that their relationship with NSAN is very good, and they value the collaboration they have. Adam appreciates the ease at which the two organisations can work together.
“Oakridge really believe in partnership. We have a really close partnership with NSAN. We have worked together for years and years, it’s always a joy. They are such an easy organisation to partner with. Long may it continue! Without NSAN, I doubt there would be a Urenco specific Human Performance programme because you need months and years of time to develop a deep understanding of both client companies and the nuclear industry – NSAN and Oakridge in partnership are great at this.”
Tools available to members
Capability Model for the UK Nuclear Industry
This document has been developed to clearly articulate to Senior Representatives within the nuclear sector (Operators and Supply Chain) the various skills development tools and techniques (Capability Model) available for implementation by member organisations of NSAN and Cogent Skills.
Maturity Assessment Guide
To assist NSAN members with the implementation of the products within the Capability Model, a self –assessment ‘Maturity Assessment Tool’ has been developed for members to use to assess their progress against the Capability Model.
Systematic Approach to Training (SAT) Guide
To help organisations and individuals identify the appropriate products and services that meet their business needs, NSAN developed the ‘Capability Model for the UK Nuclear Industry – Good practice approach to training, accreditation and nuclear professionalism’.
Our members
Benefits of Membership
Relationship
Dedicated support from a Relationship Manager – you will benefit from face-to-face meetings and have a direct contact for any queries in between meetings. If you need support on anything skills-related, your Relationship Manager will be ready to help.
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Join leading industry groups and attend our events for opportunities to network with other key figures in the industry.
Have your Say
Get involved in developing solutions to specific skills issues. NSAN also provides an operational voice into government on how the changes to the skills landscape are affecting companies.
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