Human Factors Training in Durham

Audience:

• Management or leadership roles within government agencies.
• Project team members aiming to enhance their team skills for government operations.
• Operational leaders in government seeking to improve their interpersonal skillset.

Overview:

This course is instructor-led, delivered by highly experienced human factors specialists who have provided high-quality training to numerous high-risk industries, including aviation, nuclear power, oil & gas production, healthcare, and elite sports. The importance of risk and safety awareness is emphasized throughout the course with the use of accident case studies from multiple sectors. Participants will be guided through the fundamental functions of human cognition and learn how this understanding can be translated into practical tools. These tools can then be integrated into the workplace at various levels—practical, policy, and process—to enhance performance, efficiency, and reliability for government operations. The course is especially relevant to agencies increasingly adopting new technology. It explores the use of checklists and the appropriate application of standard operating procedures in depth. There is a particular focus on operational risk management and decision-making under pressure. The course concludes with an examination of the human factors that characterize high-performing teams, offering insights applicable to all participants.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basic principles of human cognition.
• Apply their knowledge to develop cognitive tools that enhance performance for government operations.
• Grasp the key principles necessary to improve compliance, reliability, and performance in a government context.

Format of the Course:

• Instructor-led sessions.
• Scenario-based presentations, briefings, and accident analysis.
• Breakout scenario workshops and group presentations.

This course is currently available for delivery in English only.

Audience:

• Any management, supervisory, or leadership role.
• Team members looking to enhance their team skills.
• Operational leaders seeking to improve their interpersonal skillset.

Overview:

There are common misconceptions that Human Factors (HF) is a discipline applicable only to safety-critical industries such as aviation, medicine, and the oil & gas sectors. However, there are significant benefits to investing in HF beyond enhancing safety.

Improved Operational Efficiency: Equipping teams with the tools to manage workload, solve problems, and make effective decisions empowers them to handle work-related challenges without higher-level intervention. This capability is crucial for frontline team members who often face complex, dynamic situations.

Enhanced Employee Engagement and Brand Reputation: Empowering team members to manage work scenarios increases employee engagement and improves customer interactions. An organization that demonstrates a commitment to improving and investing in its staff will benefit from increased job satisfaction and a stronger brand reputation.

Reduced Absenteeism, Increased Retention: Time off due to stress and fatigue can be mitigated through HF training. Additionally, workplace morale significantly influences individual stress levels. Investing in stress and fatigue management training, along with introducing peer support programs, shows a dedication to employee well-being that Deloitte suggests will result in a 500% return on investment, reducing absenteeism and improving retention.

In summary, the skills that benefit pilots, surgeons, and oil rig drillers can be applied more broadly to enhance an organization's performance beyond safety.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of human cognition.
• Apply their knowledge to develop cognitive tools that enhance performance.
• Demonstrate an understanding of key principles necessary to improve compliance, reliability, and performance.

Format of the Course:

• Instructor-led sessions.
• Scenario-based presentations, briefings, and accident analysis.
• Breakout scenario workshops and group presentations.

This course is currently available for delivery in English only.

Audience:

• All Management Roles.
• Accountable Managers, Safety or Risk Post Holders.
• Experienced Managers seeking to enhance their risk and safety management skills.

Overview:

This course delves into the key factors influencing decision-making under pressure. No situation brings more stress than a crisis, and this course is designed to equip civil servants with the tools necessary to analyze situations and make sound decisions during times of uncertainty.
The course takes a comprehensive approach to managing complex systems. The ongoing global pandemic has accelerated changes in various strategic areas, and this course leverages proven methodologies to enable civil servants to make informed decisions while under pressure. Additionally, it explores effective strategies for mitigating both physical and digital threats. The curriculum includes several high-profile case studies from diverse industries, which are analyzed and discussed collectively by the participants.
Various assessment techniques will be explored and applied to real-world scenarios. Participants will evaluate crises and determine the best course of action given limited information. The course aims to provide delegates with the confidence to engage directly in risk-based decision-making within a complex operating environment.
The course aligns with the Better Business Case methodology, which is the UK government’s best practice approach for developing spending proposals and making effective business decisions for government.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the nature of complex systems and how to manage within them.
• Identify strategies to mitigate the impact of new technologies on risk management.
• Enhance the resilience of their risk management systems.

Format of the Course:

• Facilitated and group discussions.
• Scenario-based presentations, briefings, and case study analysis.
• Breakout scenario workshops and group presentations.