Client overview
A prominent operator within the UK’s energy sector, managing both offshore gas production and onshore gas terminal facilities. With a commitment to upholding the highest industry standards, the organisation sought to enhance its competency management system (CMS) to meet evolving operational and regulatory demands, including preparation for its forthcoming OPITO audit.
The Challenge
Although a CMS was already in place, it required a complete redevelopment to ensure alignment with OPITO standards, internal quality benchmarks, and operational efficiency. Challenges included outdated assessment standards, limited central oversight of CMS performance, gaps in verification and assessor consistency and the need for an integrated system to manage competency data across roles and departments.
The Solution
Our team partnered with the client to deliver a comprehensive redevelopment of their CMS. The engagement began with an in-depth audit and led to the design and implementation of a robust new system that would future-proof workforce competence and ensure full regulatory alignment.
Key project deliverables:
- Initial audit and strategic roadmap: We conducted a thorough review of the existing CMS, identifying key areas for improvement and delivering a detailed roadmap for system redevelopment.
- Assessment standards redevelopment: 161 assessment standards were re-written across technical, operational, and maintenance roles, with standardised templates and procedures introduced to ensure consistency across evaluations.
- OPITO audit success: We supported the client throughout the OPITO audit preparation. With an internal verifier and project manager embedded, the audit concluded with zero minor or major recommendations and the maximum 24-month reapproval period.
- Digital transformation with 3tx: the transition to the 3tx digital platform, enhanced competency tracking and reporting while streamlining administration. Training was delivered to relevant personnel, with further rollout phases planned.
- Training, workshops and change management: A structured management of change (MoC) programme was implemented, complemented by department-specific workshops to communicate updates and gather feedback.
- Ongoing support and assessor provision: We continue to deliver CMS administration, project management, and qualified assessor resources across offshore and onshore operations. This ensures consistent evaluation and long-term effectiveness.
The outcome
The new system has modernised the organisation’s approach to competence management. The successful OPITO endorsement, the standardisation of assessment processes, and the deployment of our 3tx platform have positioned the client for future growth and regulatory assurance.
Looking ahead
We are now supporting the completion of job role frameworks, introducing self-assessment capabilities, and further embedding the 3tx system across its workforce. The collaborative partnership continues to evolve, with a shared commitment to operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
Deborah Yeats, Training & Competence Director at 3t said: “This project is a perfect example of what true collaboration can achieve. We’ve not only delivered a system that works for today, but one that is agile and built for tomorrow. Seeing our assessor frameworks, digital platforms, and operational workshops come together in such a meaningful way was incredibly rewarding. It’s about more than compliance, it’s about capability.”