Why Companies Fail at Training

Lets look at the dangerous consequences of not carrying out your due diligence.

In today’s fast-paced business world, the right training is critical to an organisation’s success.

I recently posted on LinkedIn about how employers have a statutory duty of care to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees.

The article within the post was titled – The Buck Stops Here.

The link to the article, which is available below, featured the sad deaths of two very brave servicemen.

Whether it’s conflict resolution, physical intervention, health and safety, leadership development, or technical skills, selecting the right training provider can have a significant impact on your employees’ performance, compliance and overall business growth.

However, with the ever-growing number of training providers in the market, it’s more important than ever to conduct thorough due diligence before making a decision.

This blog will explore the need for due diligence when choosing the right training provider and cover key factors that every organisation should consider.

Why Due Diligence is Critical

Choosing the wrong training provider can lead to several negative outcomes, including:

Ineffective training
Wasted time and resources
Compliance issues
Reputational damage

Carrying out a thorough due diligence process helps ensure that your organisation partners with a training provider that is credible, experienced, and capable of delivering training that aligns with your goals and standards.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Training Provider

1. Relevance to Your Industry

One of the first things you should look for in a training provider is their specific industry experience.

Every sector has its unique needs, challenges, and regulations and the right provider should have a deep understanding of the intricacies involved.

For example:

Training providers supporting industries such as healthcare or education must have a solid grasp of the legal and ethical standards surrounding their work.
If conflict resolution or physical intervention is required, then the provider should have the relevant knowledge and experience in these areas.

A review of the training provider’s portfolio of past clients and case studies to assess whether they have delivered training in your industry before is a must do action.

2. Accreditation and Certification

A credible training provider should be accredited by relevant industry bodies and hold certifications that validate their legitimacy and the quality of their programmes.

Certification and accreditation not only indicate that a provider meets recognised industry standards but also provide reassurance that their training has been tested and validated.

Some key certifications and accreditations to look for include:

Processes like ISO 9001 ensures that a provider follows strong quality management principles, while Ofqual or SQA approval confirms that UK qualifications are recognised by official regulatory bodies.

You should request evidence of certifications and ensure that the training providers provision of services are up to date.

Be wary of providers that make false claims of accreditation or don’t provide verification when asked.

3. Contextualisation and Flexibility

A one-size-fits-all approach to training very rarely works.

Every organisation has unique needs, and the training provider should be able to customise their programmes to address specific challenges and goals within your company.

Whether it’s the level of expertise of the participants, the operational environment or the desired outcomes, contextualisation ensures the training will be relevant and impactful.

Consider the following:

Does the provider offer tailored learning paths?
Are they flexible enough to adjust the content based on your business’s needs?
Do they provide options for on-site, online, or blended training?

Contextualised training allows you to address specific issues, such as sector-specific challenges, regional compliance requirements and culture considerations.

You should request examples of customised training that the training provider has used for other clients which provided evidence towards how they can meet your needs.

4. Trainer Experience and Expertise

The quality of any training programme depends significantly on the experience and expertise of those delivering the training.

Skilled trainers can tailor content to the audience, engage participants and create a learning experience that goes beyond theory aspects of the course.

When assessing a training provider’s trainers, consider:

Do the trainers have the relevant professional and operational experience in the subjects they are teaching?
What is the trainer-to-participant ratio per group?
Are the trainers able to adapt their delivery to cater for various learning styles?

The trainer’s qualifications, certifications, and ability to bring real-world experience into the classroom are crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of the training.

Make sure you review trainer profiles, ask for their biographies or CV’s and ensure they possess relevant qualifications.

It may be prudent to request to observe a sample training session to assess their, the training providers, teaching style and expertise.

5. Content and Curriculum Quality

The training content and curriculum must be up-to-date, relevant and aligned with industry standards.

Outdated content or generic material that doesn’t apply to your business is a red flag.

Look for a training provider who:

Incorporates the latest industry trends, research, and best practices into their content.
Provides a well-structured curriculum which balances theory with practical application.
Uses learning methods, such as case studies, role-playing and hands-on activities to reinforce the lesson.

For regulated industries, it is important that the training provider’s content adheres to legal and compliance requirements.

For example, in areas like physical intervention training, the content must align with the law and the latest guidance from regulatory bodies like the HSE.

You should request a detailed course lesson plan outline and sample materials to assess the relevance and depth of the content.

Ensure that the content complies with the specific legal and/or regulatory standards.

6. Assessment and Evaluation

Effective training isn’t just about delivering good information, it’s about ensuring that participants retain and apply what they’ve learned.

Therefore, the training provider should offer clear methods of assessing and evaluating participant progress. For example:

What kind of assessments are included in the program?
Are there refreshers required or offered to reinforce the initial learning course?
Does the training provider offer ongoing post training support for their employees?

Lastly, it’s imperative that the training provider seeks feedback from participants to continuously improve the quality of their training.

You should ask about the methods of assessment and whether the training provider offers certification, particularly in areas where formal qualifications are necessary.

7. Cost Transparency

Cost is always an important and sometimes emotive factor when selecting a training provider but it’s essential to ensure that you are getting value for money.

The cheapest option isn’t always the best, as low costs can often indicate a compromise in the quality of the content or the service provided.

When evaluating cost:

Ensure the training provider is offering transparent pricing without hidden fees.
Does the fee cover training materials, assessment costs, post-training support, etc?
Compare the costs with other providers – is there is a notable difference in quality?

It’s important to weigh the cost against the value of the training.

Does it meet your industry standards regarding legal compliance and risk mitigation.

Prior to agreeing and signing T&Cs draw up a cost comparator with other quotes to determine whether the price reflects the quality and level of service you need.

8. Track Record and Client Testimonials

A good training provider should have a proven track record of success with previous clients.

Client testimonials, case studies, and reviews are valuable indicators of the training provider’s ability to deliver results.

When assessing a training provider’s track record:

Look for verified reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or industry-specific review sites.
Request client testimonials and speak to previous clients to gain insight into their experiences.
Look for case studies that demonstrate the training provider’s ability to meet your specific training needs and objectives.

A training provider with a strong (evidenced) track record and satisfied clients is more likely to deliver quality training that aligns with your goals.

Speak to organisations in your industry that have used the training provider’s services to gain an honest opinion about their experience.This is the link to the article which features the sad deaths of two servicemen during an operation – https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/navy-seals-iran-drowning-investigation-b2627863.html

Employers have a statutory duty of care to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees.

In conclusion

Selecting the right training provider should be an investment in your organisation’s future.

Whether the goal is to improve employee competence, maintain compliance with legal requirements, or foster a positive and safe workplace culture, your due diligence is crucial towards making an informed decision.

In an increasingly competitive and regulated business environment, choosing the right training partner can be the difference between achieving your organisational goals or falling short.

Through careful due diligence, you’ll ensure that your chosen training provider delivers impactful, relevant, and effective training solutions.

View testimonials and reviews received by NFPS Ltd – https://nfps.info/testimonials/

Trevel has a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in the field of the prevention and management of violence and aggression, including risk management reviews, and the resolution of challenging behaviours.

Trevel’s extensive background as an Expert Witness and Training Consultant highlights his commitment to reducing the need for restraint and physical intervention, with a focus on promoting positive and proactive customer service, care and support.

Who is Trevel Henry?

Trevel is dedicated towards empowering people which in turn will improve workplace safety across the strategic, operational and task functional levels of businesses and organisations.

NFPS Ltd – primarily delivering BTEC Level 3 Trainer training and services

Our core mission is to positively impact people’s lives by supporting personal and professional growth, fostering integrity, and ensuring our training and services are delivered with a legal, ethical and a utilitarian approach.

Worldly Wise – is a charity I am involved with which equips young students with the skills, knowledge and experiences they need to thrive in their future careers.

By fostering strong partnerships between schools, businesses and the community, we strive to create opportunities that inspire and prepare the next generation for success.

Expert Witness and Training Consultant – Trevel has been actively involved as an expert witness since 2001 and has served as a Training Consultant since 1994, specialising in the prevention, management, and resolution of challenging, aggressive, and violent behaviour.

High-Profile Cases – Trevel has worked on high-profile cases as an Expert Witness, including restraint-related deaths involving Police Officers, Prison Officers, Door Supervisors, Security Guards, and injuries involving Care Staff, Educators and the general public.

Training Needs Analysis and Programme Implementation – In 2020, Trevel conducted a training needs analysis review for a major housing and property service, leading to the introduction of a nationwide programme of Lone Working and De-escalation training for staff in customer-facing roles.

International Experience – Trevel has delivered training, presentations and workshops across the UK, Europe, South Africa, Canada, USA and the Caribbean.

Publication and Media Appearances – Trevel co-authored a report published in the Police Journal and has made media appearances on TV and radio, discussing the law and legislation related to the use of force and the effects of fear and stress on the human body.

Trevel’s extensive background and involvement in various aspects of conflict management and violence prevention demonstrate his dedication to promoting safety, professionalism, and positive practices across diverse sectors.