Environmental +, Mitie’s cleaning and environmental business, is celebrating the first employees to graduate from its Lean Academy with a Green Belt qualification, introducing new technical expertise to the organisation.
The FTSE 250 strategic outsourcing company’s Lean Academy is the first of its kind within the facilities management sector and offers training in the principles of Lean Six Sigma, the process which helps create more efficient and productive working practices. Mitie uses its bespoke IT software, LeanIT, to calculate and design the most efficient cleaning route through a building, saving time, money and resources.
Four members of Mitie’s Environmental + team, Iain Lomas-Walker, James Small, John Schneidau and Duncan Shadbolt, have now all achieved the Green Belt qualification, which is the highest and most technical level available. All graduates start with Mitie’s Foundation level and then complete Yellow Belt before going on to the Green Belt level.
Training is accredited by the National College Open Network (NCON), with the majority of the learning carried out online at a pace to suit individual managers and supervisors.
Newly-qualified Green Belt graduate Duncan Shadbolt said:
“Achieving my Green Belt from our Lean Academy has been a challenge, but it’s great to see the project making a real difference to our cleaning team and the overall quality of service. The fact that most of the course took place online also made it really easy to fit in around my other work.”
Jon Lightowler, Mitie’s business improvement director, who leads the Lean Six Sigma programme, commented:
“Our newly-qualified Green Belts now have the knowledge to use, adapt and adopt proven Lean Six Sigma methodology in the FM sector which results in more savings for clients. We’re looking forward to extending the programme further within Mitie in the coming year.”
Over 185 people at Mitie have gained accredited qualifications in Foundation and Yellow Belt courses, with a further 43 currently in training.
-ENDS-
For further information, contact:
Mitie
Erica Lockhart, Head of Corporate Affairs, Mitie Group PLC
T: 0203 123 8179
E: erica.lockhart@mitie.com
Francesca Litchfield, Corporate Affairs Manager
T: +44(0)20 3123 8677
E: francesca.litchfield@mitie.com
