Background

Sibbald Training is a family-run provider of recognised qualifications and accreditations, primarily in construction and plant machinery. The engagement with Gravitate began when Sibbald recognised the need for more structured and formal HR practices to support their growth plans. We together identified that the business needed to ensure compliance in essential areas, and provide a robust infrastructure to address potential issues promptly and according to best practices.

Gravitate’s Approach

  • Initial Steps: The partnership began with an HR Health Check, to audit existing HR infrastructure, processes, documentation, and people-related practices. Gravitate undertook this through questionnaires, reviews, and interviews to understand the culture and processes. This meant that the recommendations being made came from an informed place, were tailored to Sibbald’s requirements and would make a real difference to the business.
  • Issues Management: Since 2012, Gravitate have always been at the end of the phone or on site to support the business with any and all HR requirements. We have supported the business with everything from handling disciplinary issues, to assisting through challenging periods like COVID-19 and business restructuring. Always ensuring the company is kept right on communication, procedure and reaching the best outcome.
  • Ongoing Improvement: Gravitate has also supported the business through it’s improvement journey, including managing HR requirements, implementing HR software and updating HR documentation.

Benefits Delivered

  • Business Growth: Sibbald has seen growth in headcount and revenue turnover, with efficient people management systems supporting excellent customer service and reputational growth & enhancement.
  • Risk Mitigation and Human Element: Gravitate ensured proper process adherence, risk mitigation, and consideration of the human element during challenging times.
  • Strategic Focus: Gravitate’s support has enabled owner John Sibbald to focus on strategic business aspects, with high team engagement and reduced staff turnover, laying the foundation for continued growth.

Testimonial

“We have been working with Gravitate HR for over 12 years and cannot recommend them highly enough. They keep our documentation up to date, inform us of legislative changes, and provide quality advice and support from planning to implementation.

Gravitate are always there for me and the business, and it such a comfort to know that I always have access to the advice and guidance I need to navigate one of the more difficult aspects of being a business owner.”

John Sibbald, Owner/Managing Director.

What Next

In 2023, a new ESG Audit was conducted to delve into the people side of the business.  This included employee engagement surveys, interviews, and management discussions. This process led to management structure changes, role function clarifications, and inter-team process mapping, with ongoing support from Gravitate.