Why Southern Water chose RoSPA to help develop its health and safety capability

With a reputation built on expertise, practical learning and real-world impact, RoSPA supports organisations with their complete health and safety training requirements. Southern Water shares how RoSPA's in-company Construction (Design and Management) course helped strengthen knowledge, accountability and confidence across its team.

Steven Reed is a Senior Storm Overflow Engineer within Southern Water's Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force. He attended the CDM training alongside colleagues at a Southern Water site in Hampshire.

Why did you and your colleagues attend the Construction (Design and Management) course?

Steven said: “A large proportion of our work takes place in public areas or operational environments, so it is essential that everyone understands what activities are being carried out, how they will be undertaken, and what controls are in place to protect both the workforce and the public.

“An important aspect is understanding where responsibilities sit within a project. Following the CDM Regulations, it is vital that all duty holders understand their roles and responsibilities and that these responsibilities are upheld throughout the project lifecycle. Having clarity on accountability helps ensure that health and safety remain at the forefront of every scheme we deliver.

“RoSPA was selected because of its strong reputation and expertise in delivering high-quality health and safety training.”

What did you think of the course?

“What stood out to me was how practical and relevant the training was. We've all attended courses that can sometimes feel like a box-ticking exercise, where you leave with a certificate but little else. This certainly wasn't one of those courses.

“I found the course very engaging and informative from start to finish. The trainer (Dawn Warren) created an environment where participants felt comfortable asking questions, and every query from the group was answered clearly and professionally. The course content was delivered in a way that kept everyone involved throughout the day.

“I think everyone walked away with a genuine wealth of knowledge, a much better understanding of our responsibilities under CDM, and greater confidence in how we'll apply these principles in our day-to-day roles. The discussions throughout the day were excellent, and there was a real focus on lessons that can be taken straight back into the workplace.

“Before the course, some attendees were concerned that it might be similar to other mandatory training sessions that can sometimes feel overly theoretical. However, that was not the case. The course was interactive, practical and well-paced, and the day passed much quicker than expected as a result. Overall, it was a very positive learning experience.”

What impact has the training had?

“The course provided me with a much better understanding of the regulations, project roles and associated responsibilities. I left the training with knowledge that I can apply immediately within my day-to-day work.

“The course reinforced the importance of communication, embedding health and safety considerations from the earliest stages of project planning and accountability within projects, while also providing practical guidance that will be valuable across all future schemes that I manage.

“As a result, I feel more confident in understanding where responsibilities sit, challenging decisions where necessary and ensuring appropriate health and safety considerations are incorporated throughout project delivery. This increased understanding will help me contribute to safer project outcomes and support better decision-making across the schemes I manage.

“Overall, the training has strengthened my understanding of CDM principles and has provided practical knowledge that I will continue to apply throughout my career.”