As one of the world’s leading firms in professional services, Ernst & Young recognises that its competitive edge comes primarily from the quality and motivation of its team.  In the UK, leadership and innovation are at the heart of Ernst & Young’s business strategy and are also the driving force behind its health and safety policy.

Working closely with System Concepts, the company operates a wide-ranging health and safety programme, identifying new solutions and promoting best practice to ensure optimum working conditions for its 7,000-strong workforce across the country.

System Concepts provides a full range of health and safety services delivered by a team of expert consultants based at Ernst & Young’s London premises..  Two health and safety professionals work full-time on-site in the London HQ offices, while two additional consultants provide part-time off-site support to the London Estate, which comprises 5 offices employing over 4,000 people, and to over 20 offices across the rest of the UK

This arrangement meets two key requirements: the need for prompt day-to-day operational support on-site through qualified consultants as well as off-site research, consultancy and training support and account/project management. 

System Concepts was appointed to carry out this extensive programme thanks to its experience of the key issues.  John McCorquodale, partner responsible for health and safety at Ernst & Young commented, “The team demonstrated extensive knowledge of the current issues facing the professional services sector in addition to an understanding of and compatibility with our culture and values.”

Since winning the contract with Ernst & Young in 2001, System Concepts has carried out a wide variety of projects ranging from managing the delivery of fire evacuation procedures and the implementation of Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments for staff and contractors, to the provision of health and safety training and regular legislation and guidance updates.

The consultancy also made a vital contribution to Ernst & Young’s recently successful move to its new headquarters in London.  Relocating 3,500 employees to a brand new prestigious building at More London Place, near Tower Bridge had major health and safety implications and System Concepts’ consultants were instrumental in ensuring as smooth a transfer as possible to the new site.

Calling in System Concepts to provide a high quality health and safety service has brought many benefits across the organisation.  Staff are helped to be more productive and efficient, job satisfaction and morale have improved and the risk of sickness, musculoskeletal and visual discomfort, fatigue, stress and injuries in the workplace has decreased.  Training and maintenance costs have also been reduced.

The on-site function is the key factor according to Tanya Heasman, director of System Concepts, “With dedicated professionals on-site we are able to work as an integral part of the Ernst & Young team and respond to key issues instantly as and when they arise.  Our consultants manage the roll out of Ernst & Young’s national health and safety framework and ensure that the effectiveness of all procedures is reviewed when necessary, and that any changes that need to be made are implemented.”

The team also organises three health and safety promotions each year focusing on key health campaigns such as No Smoking Day.  One of these, Well@Work, a wide-ranging initiative to combat stress in the workplace, won a prestigious Health and Safety Executive Regional Award in the European Week for Safety & Health 2002.   

Tanya Heasman commented, “This was only the second year that Ernst & Young took part in this annual scheme so we were extremely pleased that our contribution helped to win the award.”

The hands-on approach of the on-site team is complemented by the strategic overview and research service provided by System Concepts’ off-site consultants whose key task is to review and update all UK health and safety policies.

Training courses are also co-ordinated by the off-site team and senior management are briefed on any relevant changes in legislation.

John McCorquodale believes that this input at senior level has been particularly beneficial to the organisation.  “Prior to System Concepts’ appointment, there was a need to raise awareness of the key health and safety issues amongst senior managers.  The consultancy has carried out special projects with management groups followed by regular updates so that all our senior people are fully up to speed with the latest requirements.  This has proved to be an excellent way of communicating our commitment to health and safety across the organisation. 

“We operate in a fast-moving business and looking ahead a number of areas, from IT to homeworking, will continue to raise health and safety issues for our employees.  We are confident we will meet these challenges thanks to the comprehensive structure we now have in place in partnership with System Concepts.”