HARDWARE & SECURITY
‘ Stronger than ever ’
» DHF REFLECTS ON ITS MOST challenging 18 months ever ( emerging stronger than ever following a period of unprecedented change ), and it ’ s more than ready to face – and succeed in – not just a new world , but one with endless possibility .
The world might have changed forever , but DHF is still doing what it does best : representing its growing membership across the sectors it serves and making recommendations to the industry . In fact , although the country experienced 30 weeks of ‘ lockdown ’ over the past year , DHF remained firmly ‘ open for business ’ to serve its members and deliver training . Indeed , the federation received widespread admiration for adapting its processes as quickly as it did in March 2020 , transitioning immediately to online learning , a tremendous facility for those at home , yet keen to continue their professional learning and development .
“ Throughout the first and subsequent lockdowns , DHF continued to engage with its now more than 500 members and became an indispensable source of information for the construction industry in terms of safety and social distancing ,” explains Head of Commercial Operations , Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens . “ We have continued to update the industry with recommendations on Covid-19 and a ‘ touch free ’ environment . Additionally , we provided an almost uninterrupted level of training , online via our ‘ Distance Learning Programme ’ ( DLP ) which was delivered in a blended format of using pre-recorded teaching videos with exams being taken using Zoom , and gradually , by reinstating face-to-face courses at our training academy in Tamworth . This year , these returned in April . Communication throughout this time has been key ; this is one of the things we do best .”
Not only has DHF remained accessible to the industry and its members , but it has also continued to innovate . In July , it added an Emergency First Aid at Work Training Course to its training portfolio and has just announced the launch of its five-year training strategy . “ Despite the continuing maelstrom , we have refused to ‘ stand still ’.” says Patricia .
As well as continuing to offer the very best level and quality of training , DHF has also been on hand to advise its members on UKCA marking replacing CE marking following Brexit . It kickstarted the process in November 2020 by hosting a four-part webinar series highlighting the details of the changes , such as moving goods from the EU 27 to GB , and a series of briefing papers were created to guide its members . These were followed by a further series of bespoke webinars in February , created specifically for the Garage Door Group before being rolled out to other groups in the locks and building hardware , metal and timber doorsets , industrial doors and shutters , and automated gate sectors .
DHF will also be making its presence felt at this year ’ s Fencex , due to take place in October . This coincides with the event ’ s 10th anniversary , during which time , DHF has not only supported the automated gate and traffic barrier sector but
DHF ’ s training academy at Tamworth
DHF ’ s Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens
achieved a number of notable milestones along the way , for example , ’ setting the standard ’ by offering Ofqual-regulated training and becoming the UK ’ s very first organisation to offer an official theorybased qualification for the automated gate sector that complements the industry National Vocational Qualification ( NVQ ). This is a formal qualification that is recognised by employers and is crucial in demonstrating a capable and proficient workforce . It has been referred to in the industry as ‘ ground-breaking ’. Through DHF ’ s collaboration with Automatic Door Suppliers Association ( ADSA ), in 2020 , a new joint venture was launched , Entrance Systems Alliance Limited ( ESA ). ESA functions as an assessment centre to offer NVQs to the industries served by both organisations .
“ A decade of support and lobbying from DHF has affected positive change ,” explains Patricia . “ The quality of gate installations and installer knowledge across the UK has been improved as a result of our training and collaborative efforts . We are very proud of this .”
The past 18 months has more than demonstrated that whatever life might throw at it , DHF will always put its members first , and continue to recommend safe and compliant practices and products to the industry . It has clearly proven its ability to adapt at lightning speed whilst continuing to provide the highest quality service . Little wonder it remains one of the UK ’ s most well-regarded trade associations .
For information about DHF training visit www . dhfonline . org . uk For information about NVQs visit www . esa . uk . com
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SEP / OCT 2021
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