Case Studies

In addition, we were fascinated by the positions held by all three at, Bells, which is Scotland’s leading manufacturer of pies, cakes and pastry. After all, these were not people in full-time health and safety roles as you might expect, but a Depot Manager, an Operations Director and a Managing Director. So of course, we wanted to know a little more about how their Diploma hat-trick came about.

The story begins a few years ago, when Managing Director Ronnie Miles was the company’s Finance Director. Ronnie explained: “It was around then I realised that to improve financially we needed to do more to retain our staff, train them well, and that in turn would lead to increased efficiencies. By investing more in health and safety we believed we could send a positive message to everyone. So I basically took on responsibility for that and straight away thought, hang on a minute, it’s all very well to maybe make the odd mistake on a balance sheet or a cashflow, but if I make a mistake with health and safety… well.”

As such, Ronnie decided to take a course leading the NEBOSH National General Certificate. He was aware his was not a shop-floor role and in truth he also wanted a bit of moral support, so he asked Operations Director Paul Griffiths, who oversees production at Bells, if he would join him.

After they had both passed, Paul enjoyed studying the Certificate so much he suggested they both take the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. Ronnie was uncertain having recently taken on the Managing Director role. However, when John Watson, the company’s Depot Manager (who had also subsequently taken the National General Certificate) agreed he too would take the qualification if all three committed to it, the pact was sealed. They supported each other throughout their three years of distance learning studies and in the 2015/16 examination year, Ronnie, Paul and John successfully completed the NEBOSH Diploma.

Ronnie believes their studies have helped immensely with health and safety at Bells. As well as reducing accidents and near misses, other staff members have also been inspired to take the NEBOSH Certificate. It even recently led to a considerable reduction in the company’s insurance costs. “We provided details of our qualifications and the other training we were doing and they were so impressed we saved £20,000. It was a kind of golden hello, because they were so keen to take us on. Overall, I have no doubt that improving the health and safety culture here has significantly added to the bottom line of this company.”

Ronnie went on to say: “Recently we had nine people volunteering desperately to be on the health and safety committee. I don’t imagine it’s every company that has staff fighting for such places. Health and safety is valued here by everyone and that includes the Bell family. Our Chairman, John Bell was so chuffed when we passed our Diplomas that he even postponed his holiday for a couple of days to attend the graduation with his Wife Linda”

Ronnie added: “I’m immensely proud to have not only achieved the Diploma alongside my colleagues, but to also be part of a decent company that looks after and is willing to invest in its people.”

Well done Ronnie, Paul and John, and also well done to Bells Foods for supporting them.