Sussex garden centres reinforce "safety first"
A group of family-run Sussex garden centres has worked hard to ensure that health and safety management is at the top level, underpinning virtually everything it does across its retail and commercial nursery sites in Hassocks, Newhaven, Portslade and Dial Post near Horsham.
As part of this ethos, Mark Gilbert, commercial director at Tate of Sussex, has increased his professional qualifications. He’s been awarded a ProQual Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice.
“Mark has worked hard to achieve this advanced qualification which reinforces our commitment to operational excellence across all of our garden centres”, says executive director Benjamin Tate. “Strong health and safety management underpins every part of our customer experience and our team culture.”
The Ofqual-regulated, degree-level qualification demonstrates competence in managing health and safety across complex work environments.
“It was a mix of written assessments and work-based evidence, using videos taken in the workplace”, explains Mark. “The course covered developing and implementing H&S policies, risk management, compliance and promoting a positive safety culture; all areas vital to modern business environments.”
Business owners have a legal duty of care to their workers and customers so an effective health and safety strategy is essential. This will embrace areas such as manual handling, machinery, safe evacuation and other hazards.
“Mark’s latest accomplishment raises the bar for the whole group and ensures we continue to operate at the highest professional standards,” adds Benjamin Tate.