Whilst ‘warm welcomes’ are part of the job for Terri Graham, Envirocare’s new receptionist, Terri herself received a very warm welcome from the staff at Envirocare’s Head Office in Leyland.

“I joined the company during March and already feel very settled.  Everyone has been really helpful, the reception is very busy but I’m starting to recognise some of the regular callers.  There’s a good atmosphere, a real team spirit.”

Terri’s previous experience in customer service and her flair for IT are just two of the skills she brings to the Envirocare team.  Her positive approach will be the standard reception for visitors to New Inn Farm.

“At Envirocare we pride ourselves on our customer service” adds Janine “all our staff are trained and mentored and work hard to achieve and maintain our high standards.  Terri is obviously very natural, easy going, capable and hardworking, she fits in really well”

It is true to say all companies are obligated to take Health and Safety seriously but at Envirocare it is more than just a legal obligation.  MD, Dave Yates promotes a very positive Health and Safety culture taking the lead in planning, reviewing and implementing Health and Safety policies and procedures.  “A positive Health and Safety culture is vital” confirms Dave.  “Keeping the workforce well informed, well equipped, safe, providing opportunities for consultation and arranging up to date training is all part of good Health and Safety practice.  We have recently reviewed our staff training programme and as a result increased opportunities for training, refreshers and continuous professional development.  We have taken advantage of government funding streams to access training relevant to our industry and the staff teams have responded well to forth coming internal and external courses.  Only yesterday three members of staff were successfully assessed at NVQ level 2 to operate large plant and machinery.”

Testimony to Envirocare’s positive approach to Health and Safety was evident when the company was successfully assessed against the OHSAS 18001 standard in November 2010.

During the coming weeks all operatives will take the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) test.  The scheme aims to improve quality, reduce accidents and demonstrate industry competence.  The company has purchased revision material in both English and Polish and will arrange for the online test to be taken in either language. 

 Dave is very positive about the scheme “It is important to recognise the needs of all our employees and to help and support where possible, particularly when it comes to communication.  Good communication is a vital part of the smooth running of the company and contributes to staff morale.  We are constantly seeking new ways to consult, interact with and inform our staff.  With regards to CSCS, the card is often requested as a prerequisite, the lads need the registration to be allowed on some of our sites.  We have a number of staff already CSCS registered, it makes sense to set the standard high and register everybody”

Everyone is busy at Envirocare but there’s one person in particular who has seen her work load as Business Development Manager mushroom since she started in September – Lindsay.  “The repsonse to the franchise opportunity has been tremendous and the roles and responsibilities I have to support the franchisees is extremely varied and very demanding but without doubt rewarding.” 

In response to the volume of work and in order to provide the best possible support to the franchisees, Envirocare has recruited a new member of staff to work closely with Lindsay as part of the Business Development team.  Jamie Shipley is no stranger to the world of sales and marketing, he’s experienced and energetic and has made a real hit with the Envirocare staff.  “I can’t wait to get started” enthused Jamie “I’ve received a warm welcome at New Inn Farm which will be my base although most of my work will be out on the road, spending time supporting our franchisees and growing the business.”

Lindsay added “Jamie will be a real asset and I am already feeling the benefits of sharing the work load.  His flexibility, experience and willingness to travel compliments my role, we’ll make a great team!”

For more information on the Envirocare franchise opportunity contact Head Office on 0800 028 2239

In line with Envirocare’s commitment to continuous overall improvement, training is taken very seriously and Dave, Envirocare MD feels office staff are no exception.  ”We already have three members of staff trained to IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) standard and this knowledge and skill supports our Health and Safety Management system.  Now Angela has completed the IOSH course she has continued straight onto the NEBOSH certificate  (National Examination Board of Occupational Safety and Health), this will provide us with a higher level of in-house Health and Safety expertise.”  Angela commented “my job role is evolving into the  Health and Safety side, supporting our Health and Safety Manager and keeping a careful eye on the processes and procedures of the Health and Safety Management system.  The opportunity to complete the training has been great for me, going back to the classroom and learning something new is a very positive experience.”

Angela’s not the only one who has experienced success in the classroom.  The Finance team last week celebrated Luke’s achievement when he passed his AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) level 4 qualification.  Jan, Head of Finance praised Luke “fulltime work and study are not always easy  to balance when you’re young, Luke has done really well and we’ll support him to continue his professional/personal development”

The coming months will see a real drive in terms of training at Envirocare.  CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) revision material is on order as all frontline staff will undertake the test which aims to improve quality and reduce accidents.  Two days of Emergency First Aid at Work training will take place next week with 24 delegate places available.  Mandatory Manual Lifting and Handling will follow with the aim to have all staff certificated and ready to go for the start of the season.