We recently launched a one-day introduction to bowtie risk modelling and barrier-based auditing specifically for rail sector clients. This a very practical workshop that uses railway case studies for delegates to work on to show the benefits of this way of risk assessment and risk communication.
We ran the first session earlier this month and got great feedback. Two more sessions are now planned with the same client.
​The main areas covered by this workshop are: 

• understanding the terminology of risk assessment and the bowtie methodology
• applying hazard identification techniques
• creating simple bowtie risk models
• using BowTieXP software to create more sophisticated bowtie risk models
• applying metadata to risk controls to classify ownership, barrier type, effectiveness and more
• applying risk estimation to the model
• attaching audit information (using AuditXP) and actions to risk control barriers.

As a Value Added Partner for CGE Risk we are able to provide trial licences for BowtieXP and AuditXP as part of the workshop. 

One of the things we look for when we choose people to work closely with (our Associates), is their commitment to 'give something back' as a volunteer to the community that they work in.
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This week is Volunteers Week, an annual celebration of the work that volunteers do, everywhere. Now in its 35th year, the annual campaign takes place 1-7 June every year and sees charities and voluntary groups get together to recognise the contribution volunteers make to our communities every day. You can find out what's happening at the Volunteers Week website. You can support the celebration by getting involved and by using the hashtag #volunteersweek on social media.

So, thank you to all our Associates who volunteer, and volunteers everywhere!

We are delighted to announce that we have been appointed as a Value Added Partner by CGE Risk, the leading provider of barrier-based risk management solutions.

We have been using the bowtie methodology for several years with railway, metro, tram, fire & rescue and social care clients, so this appointment marks an important stage in how we help clients apply the technique.

Being a Value Added Partner for CGE Risk allows us to provide a complete solution for the bowtie risk assessment methodology; helping you to understand and apply the methodology and also provide and implement CGE’s specialist software for producing excellent bowties.
CGE Risk has verified that we have been trained in risk and incident analysis methods as well as the application of these in their software solutions.

If you are looking for consultancy (applying the bow tie technique to your business risks), training in the methodology and/or the software or advice on how to scope or purchase software then please contact us.
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John Baker, our Managing Partner, has researched two railway accidents that happened at the same Somerset village 50 years apart. This research has been in support of Norton Fitzwarren's bid to receive a 'red wheel' heritage plaque from the Transport Trust in recognition of the villagers' efforts to rescue the victims in both crashes. The leader of the project, Mary Hayward, had seen our news article on the 1940 accident and asked if we could help with her research. Of course, we were delighted to help especially since both accidents had a significant 'human factor' element.
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We have previously written a short article on the 1940 accident, but the accident of the 11th November 1890 was also blamed on 'human error'. In this accident the signaller, George Rice, forgot that he had left a goods train standing on the main line and allowed an approaching fast passenger train into the same section. The passenger train collided with the stationary goods engine, killing 10 passengers and seriously injuring many more.

John's research revealed several new facts about both accidents and also documented more about the victims and those involved. This research has been published on posters that will be displayed in Norton Fitzwarren Village Hall. Copies of the posters for download are included at the end of this article.

As part of the Red Wheel project, John was asked to give a radio interview to the BBC - this is now available on the BBC website.

​On the 17th November, the Transport Trust awarded Norton Fitzwarren with a 'Transport Heritage Site' award. We were delighted to attend to see the culmination of Mary Hayward's work to get the actions of the villagers recognised following these two tragic accidents.

We're delighted to be working with Vintage Trains, a Community Benefit Society that is set to become the UK's newest steam locomotive charter train operating company. The vision of Vintage Trains is to preserve express steam trains, keep them operating on the main line, to teach and transfer skills. 
Our work will initially involved railway safety critical skills training and training for Vintage Trains' trainers and competence assessors.

We have been awarded a contract to provide Mindfulness training to Blaenau Gwent & Caerphilly County Borough Councils' Social Care teams.
Becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better. When we become more aware of the present moment, we begin to experience afresh things that we have been taking for granted. There is a growing body of research that indicates that techniques that allow us to be aware of the present moment can reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing.
​Our mindfulness training provides an insight into mindfulness principles, as well as practical techniques that can be applied every day.

We're delighted to announce that our Managing Partner, John Baker, has become a Fellow of the Institute of Training and Occupational Learning (ITOL).
The Institute is the UK’s elite professional body for trainers and learning and development professionals. Membership encompasses trainers, training consultants, training managers, professors & lecturers, training directors and training designers.
We will be able to provide ITOL accreditation for our range of training courses, and in the future may offer ITOL training programmes for training delivery, coaching, training management and training consultancy - please contact us if this is of interest.