A force for good in the workplace

Teamwork and leadership were improved as employees at a Newark consultancy firm took part in an Army event.

More than 40 staff from RPS Group, Newark, visited Chetwynd Barracks, Nottingham, for a series of challenges designed to help them develop skills.

The event was run jointly by 170 (Infrastructure Support) Engineer Group Royal Engineers and 158 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps (RLC).

RPS workers were taught about the work of the Army Reserve before taking part in a planning exercise, command task and first aid scenario.

The challenges were aimed at improving the group’s ability to work together to tackle any situation.

RPS Group is a multi-national consultancy in energy resources and the built and natural environments, working across areas including engineering, architecture and project management.

Captain Terry Gillard, engagement and retention officer for 170 Engineer Group, said: “Events like this benefit the building of relationships between organisations and the Army Reserve.

“They have a better understanding of what we do and are more supportive of their employees who are also reservists.

“It allows a company to learn a few techniques that will boost leadership skills and team building.

“We run similar events for other employers in the engineering sector and positive feedback is always received from those who take part.”

Mr David Dunbar, RPS operations director, said the event offered benefits they could take with them into the workplace.

“It is useful for us to integrate as a company and reinforce the idea that we are all part of something bigger,” he said.

“It is an engaging environment that is totally new for a lot of our staff. It is a positive experience, which will benefit the company in many ways.”

Staff Sergeant Phillip Mabbitt, of 158 Regiment RLC, also a senior engineering co-ordinator at RPS, said: “To do this kind of event is massive for team building, leadership and morale.

“A lot of the challenges make people take in a lot of information, process it and then share the work among the team based on their individual strengths, which is useful in our company.

“It has shown a lot of the staff what they can achieve. Hopefully it will have a positive effect in the workplace.”

RPS Group, which signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2015, won an Employer Recognition Scheme silver award for its efforts and employs several reservists.