Quality Training Material

Document type: Micro-report
Author: Biagio Amata, Caroline Walker
Publication Date: 26/02/2016

  • Abstract

    Crossrail worked with the British Quality Foundation to develop a’ Spot-On’ training course to improve the effectiveness of the Non-Conformance Reports (NCR) process across the programme and create a culture where issues are reported allowing them to be dealt with in a controlled, transparent and efficient manner. This has resulted in an increase in NCRs being reported and the Spot-On tools being exercised on site.  This learning legacy page explains the format of the training and associated material which may be of use to future projects and programmes.

  • Read the full document

    What was the Purpose of Spot-On and How was it Used?

    Reviews of Crossrail Project performance identified that whilst Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) were being raised, root cause analysis of problems was not necessarily being completed effectively.  In an attempt to improve the effectiveness of the NCR process a bespoke training programme was developed in partnership with the British Quality Foundation (BQF) to provide the skills and tools necessary to help identify Root Cause Analysis for Permanent Problem Solving.  It was rolled out internally and to Tier 1 Contractors and their supply chain in a series of one day training courses.

    Specific Problem Obstacle Tool – On Non-conformances (SPOT-On) is a tool that has been used to resolve non-conformances (NCRs) through intensive discussion and brain storming.   In an attempt to continually improve the effectiveness of the NCR processes and achieve world class performance, Crossrail developed  this SPOT-On training module to provide the skills and tools necessary to support and identify the root causes of NCRs and prevent recurrence.

     

    1L 009_Poster.jpg          1L 009_Flyer.jpg

     

    The course teaches the delegate to do the following by using tools such as the 5 Whys, Fishbone Technique, Failure Mode(s) and other tools:

    • Define the problem
    • Understand the cause(s)
    • Determine the solution(s) to address the cause(s)
    • Implement the solution(s)
    • Review Close-out.

    Following a one day training course, the delegates are provided with an opportunity to gain a ‘Root Cause Analysis Practitioner Certification’ by submitting a live non-conformance example by completing the Spot-On template below which is assessed by The British Quality Foundation.

    Download the full Spot-On template here.

     

    1L 009 01_SPOTON Template.jpg

     

    The Spot-On techniques are not limited to the Quality Teams and the selection process of delegates on the training days was aimed to be as diverse as possible.

    Delegates that have successfully attended the training course were expected to follow the Spot-On exercise when the following non-conformances are raised:

    1L009_Table 1 Spot On.png

     

    Since the original pilot in October 2014, 332 delegates have been trained over 30 courses. 5 people went on to become certified as root cause analysis practitioners with The British Quality Foundation. Crossrail has witnessed an increase in NCRs being reported and an increase in the Spot-On tools being exercised on site; the majority of feedback is from our contractors.

     

    What is the Benefit to Future Projects?

    Since October 2010, Crossrail has increased the motivation and willingness of Contractors to raise NCRs and to utilise the eB Project Technical Request system in order to create a culture where issues are reported allowing them to be dealt with in a controlled, transparent and efficient manner.

    Raising NCRs is and has been a positive exercise on the Crossrail project. Therefore, the benefit to future projects is to continue to promote the teams to work together in order to find permanent solutions to prevent the recurrence of non-conformances by using the combination of theory and hands-on, practical exercises for immediate use in their working environment.

     

    Feedback From the Course

    ….”Interaction, promoted engagement & understanding”

    ….”Learned effective RCA tools”

    …”Fantastic and Excellent”

    ….”Useful, practical skills to take back to site”

    …”Relevant to wide spectrum of jobs at CRL”

    ….”Quick simple steps”

    ….”Promoting analytical thinking”

    ….”Easy to understand, good mix of material”

    ….”It helps with resolving everyday challenges”

    ….”Interactive, engaging, energetic and fun”

     …”Trainer was very knowledgeable and passionate”

  • Authors

    Photo of Biagio Amata

    Biagio Amata - Crossrail Ltd

    Biagio was the Quality Compliance and Systems Manager at Crossrail. He was on the programme for 10 years from December 2012 to March 2023. He was responsible for the management of the Crossrail Management System (CMS), the weekly reporting on the status of Requests for Information (RFIs), Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) and Field Change Documents (FCDs), as well as various ad-hoc analysis and reports for the business. He also ensured that the team had the support they need on a day-to-day basis, championing and coordinating events such as Contractor Performance Assurance Assessments, World Quality Week and the management of Spot-On Training maintaining a strong focus on continual improvement.

    Biagio’s career covers over 20 years of experience, before joining Crossrail he worked within retail, e-commerce, recruitment and construction. Initially providing support to executives and the internal and external teams for companies such as lastminute.com, Arcadia, ASB NZ and Vodafone

    Photo of Caroline Walker

    Caroline Walker - Crossrail Ltd

    Caroline Walker is the Right First Time and Reporting Manager at Crossrail. She is responsible for the development and timely production of quality reporting at programme level and generates metrics and reports which measure project performance. These include KPIs for Quality, Rework and Right First Time. Caroline is also involved in the Contractor Performance Assurance Assessments and initiatives such as World Quality Week, Spot-On and People Based Quality. Caroline started her career in the Telecoms industry and moved over to Infrastructure which has given her 12 years of project and functional experience. Caroline has been with Crossrail since June of 2015.

    https://uk.linkedin.com/in/caroline-walker-420039116