Keeping hydrated while driving

Why we need to Stay Hydrated While driving

 We all  need to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months when outside temperatures can climb

above 70.  Yes, I know it's not exactly been a decent summer so far has it!  But in Essex it can easily reach 80

degrees fairly regularly.  Our bodies thrive on water, lack of it can pose health problems. Our cells, tissues and 
organs must have water to function properly, so it’s no wonder that water makes up more than half of our body
 weight. Keep in mind that the body regulates itself, and sweating and passing water reduces our water levels, we
 even lose it just by breathing. Therefore, we need to stay hydrated, taking in water to make sure our systems

are operating at optimal levels especially whilst driving a bus as peoples lives are in our hands.  A very valuable 
cargo

A study has been carried out at 'Loughborough University' where every 30 minutes a driver was monitored for his 

driving reactions as he was denied any liquids. The results were very revealing as his concentration and reaction 

time dramatically declined during the test.

So, here’s a question: 'How do you know when you’re dehydrated?' Well, it's very difficult to recognise, 
symptoms of dehydration include extreme thirst (obviously).  Here are some tips:

• Don't leave it too late, keep sipping water throughout the day
• Carry a water bottle with you during a shift so you have easy access to water
• Stop at turning points and in the bus stations refill if it is available
• fruits can be ideal for snacking and help with re-hydrating (melon)
•  In general, the goal is to drink up to 8 glasses (2 litres) of water per day in order to stay well hydrated.

Thank goodness for air conditioning and shady spots!

Excellence Awards Update

Essex had great results at the awards on Wednesday 15th June we came away with 4 winners and 5 highly commended. A great day was had by all and I  would encourage everybody to nominate when the opportunity next arises.
From now on, whenever you see colleagues consistently achieving any of our 5 values try to make a mental note so that when 2017 arrives you nominate quickly and thoughtfully and enjoy celebrating with colleagues.

The Hadleigh Engineering 'TEAM OF THE YEAR'

HADLEIGH DEPOT TEAM

These are our Essex Results

Apprentice of the Year

Winner – Bradley Jackson, Basildon

Customer Excellence Award

Winner – Alvin Parker, Chelmsford

Employee Engagement Award

Winner – Anthony Green, Hadleigh

Engineer of the Year

Highly Commended – Michael Bateman, Colchester

Innovation and Change of the Year

Highly Commended – Chris Phillips, Chelmsford

Leader of the Year

Highly Commended – Simon Lawrence, Hadleigh

Quantum Leap Award

Highly Commended – Debbie Knight, Basildon

Safety Award

Highly Commended – Anthony Green, Hadleigh

Team of the Year

Winner – Hadleigh Engineering

remember if you see or want to recognise any individuals throughout the year then you can use the "EXTRA MILE AWARDS" speak to me or your local HR admin support for further details

Next week, I will be in Clacton/Colchester on Wednesday 22nd June and in Chelmsford Bus station on Thursday 23rd.

Excellence Awards 2016

The ceremony for South England and Wales takes place on the afternoon of Wednesday 15th June .We have had an outstanding year in Essex and the number of colleagues who have made it through to the final reflect this.  Even to get a nomination is an achievement. Furthermore, others recognise the great work that goes on around our business and it definitely doesn't go unnoticed.  

Last year, there were 1110 nominations and we have vastly improved on that this year with1430 nominations.   Across the UK we raised over £7000  in money which goes straight to our chosen charity Prostate cancer UK as for each entry received a £5 donation was given.

I want to congratulate all our colleagues below (even myself !):

Apprentice of the Year Award
• Bradley Jackson - Basildon
• David Gould - Colchester
• Matthew Edes - Chelmsford
Community Award
• Colchester drivers for Christmas fancy dress
• Kate Allen - Basildon
Customer Excellence Award  
• Alan Hellard - Clacton
• Alvin Parker - Chelmsford
Depot of the Year Award
• Hadleigh
Employee Engagement Award 
• Mick Crowle - Chelmsford
Engineer of the Year Award
• Chris O'Flynn - Chelmsford
• Michael Bateman - Colchester
• Ryan Osbourne- Chelmsford
Hero Award 
• Gemma Thomson - Chelmsford
Innovation and Change of the Year Award
• Chris Phillips - Chelmsford
Leader of the Year Award
• Simon Lawrence - Hadleigh
Quantum Leap Award
• Anthony Green - Hadleigh
• Dave Murdoch - Colchester
• Debbie Knight - Basildon
Safety First Award
• Anthony Green - Hadleigh
Sustainability Award
• Chelmsford Engineering Team
• Chelmsford VQO Team
Team of the Year Award
• Colchester Depot
• Hadleigh Engineering
Young Manager of the Year Award 
• Matthew Elsey - Chelmsford

Also, attending local boy Mark Foster who is the former Olympic swimming champion, Strictly Come Dancing finalist and BBC sports presenter will be the guest  this year and will be giving a special talk at the end of the event.

I will update you with the results in my next blog.

On Friday 17th June, In the morning, I shall be joining the local leadership team in Basildon Depot question time this starts at 10.00 in the Canteen. After which I shall then move to Hadleigh Depot after Lunch and will be available for any questions or concerns you may have.

Ant

Learning at Work Week/Extra Mile Awards

On Friday, I spent time in Chelmsford Bus station promoting ‘Learning at Work Week’. My time was spent engaging with drivers and supervisors, as well as encouraging colleagues to sign up with our learning Rep Barry. There are numerous interesting courses which are available via the learning Reps which are free. ‘Learning week’ was a valuable exercise and many staff were positive about the opportunities that are available to them. There was lots of interest relating to First Aid which was great to hear as this skill is good to have in any setting.

Me and Steve who is intending to brush up on his IT skills!

 In Hadleigh Origami was the order of the day

 and a finished result

The Extra Mile Awards

The Extra Mile Awards concept is simple; nominate a colleague in one of the five categories that reflect our values, and tell us in a few words why they have gone ‘the extra mile’. Every nomination will be reviewed by the local management team and each month nominees will receive either a bronze or silver certificate. 

At the end of the first year every silver nomination will be reviewed by local teams and they will award a gold certificate in each category. The gold’s will be reviewed nationally and the best of the best will receive a diamond award, which will be presented at the Excellence Awards. 

Your HR Manager or myself can offer support locally so please get in touch with us if you have any questions. 

I hope everyone in our business feels compelled to nominate someone they work with who has gone ‘the extra mile’. 

Next week I will be in Colchester on Tuesday,Basildon Wed PM,Chelmsford Thursday and on Friday I will be in Basildon AM and Hadleigh PM

Ant

Learning at work week May 16th to 22nd

When is it:

Learning at Work Week takes place from the 16th to 22nd May 2016. I intend to be in Chelmsford central Bus station/canteen on Friday 20th May to help with this initiative. I would encourage everybody to rise to the challenge and choose one opportunity to learn something you have really wanted to do but haven't  had the chance yet.

Learning at Work Week is an annual awareness campaign organised by the 'Campaign for Learning'.   It aims to put the spotlight on the importance and benefits of learning and development. Also, it promotes an inclusive approach and supports the extension of opportunities, to learn, to all employees, especially those who may not currently participate for reasons that may range from personal barriers to just needing that helping hand.

'LAWW' offers an opportunity to learn something different. Organisations take part in the Week and run vibrant campaigns and activities which engage employees and support achieving personal goals.  Many companies use the Week as a catalyst for change providing an opportunity to 're-brand' or refresh learning and development, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to staff development and celebrating learning that takes place all year round. The activities that companies run range from non-work related and interest-led activities through to award ceremonies or business focused sessions. 'LAWW' offers an opportunity to promote and deliver these in a way that is fresh, exciting and engaging.

Why take part:

We have so many opportunities to learn at 'FIRST'. The union provide learning reps who offer great support and facilities and a multitude of courses. Chat to your rep, normally on a Tuesday they stand down to facilitate and aid colleagues; changing attitudes to learning and work.  It offers a more positive and improved perception towards  learning and development both at a business and individual level, offering an increased motivation and a real feel good factor about yourself.

YOU CAN TAKE PART:

You can take part in 'LAWW' as a learner, workplace learning provider, or learning champion.

It’s free to register and access the  on line resources. Just follow this link: 

www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk

Give It a try! If you need any more advice talk to me using the usual correspondence channels or speak to your line manager or union lifelong learning rep.  We will all be more than pleased to help or advise.

Ant

Disability awareness

Hi All, 

On Friday 22nd of April I spent a day with the Training School incorporating disability awareness training (discussed below). Also, this was an excellent opportunity to chat to new drivers about the company, development and expectations. The training was at Colchester where Dave Snell, Driver trainer, guided 2 trainees with a small amount of driver hours through the challenging 70s route. The route from Colchester to Chelmsford is quite a task, as many of you know, moving from duel carriage way to single lanes through the Essex countryside, but the trainees did superbly well and gained in confidence throughout our journey.

The time spent with Phil, who is partially sighted, and Annette who is partially sighted and has hearing impairment was a great exercise. Both of their dogs Sula and Nan assisted them through the experience and their relationship and skill working together was inspiring. They really had an insightful knowledge which they shared very well enabling us to comprehend what it is like to undertake a journey on public transport with a disability. Both Phil and Annette explained to us that communication is the key to making the journey safe and enjoyable. They often travel throughout the Essex area and rely on all of us, to enable them to access activities and essential tasks. There are many different types of disabilities which need different support and intervention.  The more educated we are as drivers the higher our service standard will be.  Sometimes it is only a simple task that can make a huge different to someone's journey. Acting professionally and courteously whilst striving for a high standard, when putting the customer first, should be  at the forefront of our service. I am sure all the attendees will show the correct attitude to vulnerable passengers and deliver a safe and skilful service.

I have learnt so much, for example, I now know the difference between guide dog harnesses.  For supporting the sight impairment luminous green is used and for supporting sight and hearing impairment red and white squares are used.  Finally, a hearing only dog has it stated on the jacket.

Below is a picture of the course trainees alongside Annette and Sula , Phil and Nan

if you want to chat about any of the above or any other subject then please contact me via the usual channels

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

Hi All,

          I am letting you know about the "Employee assistance program" 

At first glance it has a tremendous amount of help and information and may be a great help to employees who need advice and an independent ear to listen.

 It's free to use the service which is great and I believe it can be a extremely useful to us all at a time of need.

 If you have any questions please contact Myself or your local HR colleague in the first instance. 

The EAP is a free, confidential service available to everyone working at First. It is there to provide guidance and advice on a range of subjects; from bereavement and financial support through to general health and well being and counselling.

The EAP is provided by Aviva. The current website details are as below follow the link to access:

The website address is   www.eap-carefirst.com

The username is lifestyle1234 and the password is carefirst 

You can also find the contact details on the First My Rewards website (www.firstmyrewards.com) 

You can also access the EAP 24 hours a day via the dedicated phone-line. The number is 0800 015 5630 and is free to call from a landline or mobile phone. 

The EAP is one of the many free benefits available to colleagues across First Bus. If you have never accessed the service before, please spend a few minutes exploring the website; there is a wealth of information and support tools available that may be of interest.

If you are at all unsure about any issue just stop and talk to me in a depot and I can help you access the site.