You First Glasgow Winter 2015

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Winter 2015

The magazine for First people in Glasgow

Even s afer

S I L E V A R T S U B

S D R A C E ON TH PAGE FIVE

A copy of youFirst has been printed for

EVERY EMPLOYEE Please take your copy to keep.

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Excellent response to survey is boost for charity

By First Glasgow Managing Director

Work is underway on eye-catching purple livery designs for the new Glasgow Airport Express service.

Fiona Kerr AS 2015 draws to a close I would firstly like to thank everyone who responded to the Your Voice employee survey – the substantial feedback ensured that a magnificent donation of £3,300 was made to our Charity of Choice Prostate Cancer UK. Big-hearted First Glasgow people do terrific work all year round in supporting charities across the board, and it’s great to see two outstanding contributions highlighted in this issue.

A team from Caledonia raised more than £800 by taking part in the 5k MoRun to raise money for PCUK, while two drivers from Scotstoun took part in the Great Scottish Run half marathon to raise more than £1,700 for the cause.

And we’ve completed our 2015 award winning streak by picking up another two accolades at the routeONE awards, adding to our growing collection that includes being named as Transport Operator of the Year at the Scottish Transport Awards.

We are also closing the year on a strong note having secured a new five-year contract for the soon to be newly named Glasgow Airport Express.

It’s really exciting to see the ambitious plans we outlined in the tender bid start to take shape, come together and become a reality.

I fully expect that when the enhanced operation is up and running it will be the highest quality and best run airport bus service in the UK, and something for us all to be really proud of.

So finally, I would like to send my very best wishes to you and your families for a restful and relaxing festive period, and I look forward to celebrating more of your successes in the new year.

YOUFIRST I WINTER 2015

New Airport Express gets set for take off NOTHER five-year contract to run the award winning high-frequency airport service has been secured by First Glasgow.

A newly-named Glasgow Airport Express service will be unveiled next year using E200 MMC 11.8 buses.

Already highly-acclaimed for its efficiency, the service currently known as the Glasgow Shuttle will have new branding – and the staff will have smart new uniforms.

Designers are working on new stylish uniforms which will complement the state-of-the-art vehicles.

The Glasgow Shuttle, which transports passengers from the city centre to the Airport Terminal every 10 minutes at peak times, is staffed by a team of 22 dedicated drivers, two supervisors and a new route manager.

It operates 24 hours a day, 364 days a year between the

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One of the existing Glasgow Shuttle buses which has leather seats and free WiFi.

city centre and Glasgow Airport.

The service was the proud recipient of a recent Best Bus Service prize at the Scottish Transport Awards.

The judges praised its 99.5 per cent reliability as one of the

main reasons for its success.

Attractive offers and the fact that it takes only 15 minutes to get to Glasgow Airport have also boosted its popularity.

Smart ticketing machines to be deployed STATE-OF-THE-ART smart ticketing machines are to be deployed in First Glasgow early next year. VIX Electronic Ticket Machines, which provide real time information, will put the company at the forefront of technological innovation.

The benefits of the brand new TP5800 model include providing an effective

revenue collection method suitable for current and future tickets and increasing the speed of transactions.

Dumbarton depot will be the first to receive the new machines, followed by all other depots.

The ETMs are already being used by other First Bus OpCos in Eastern Counties, Essex and York.

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Team aim to clampdown on fare evasion DRIVE to clampdown on fare evasion has been launched in the Lanarkshire area.

Inspectors who previously addressed the problem on an ad hoc basis have now become members of a seven-strong Inspectorate and Revenue Protection Team.

They are working with drivers to identify and then focus on fare evasion issues in conjunction with a leaflet and poster campaign Fare’s Fair. Early successes include travelling on board buses to address non-payment by students from schools and colleges.

“The team was built to support four local inspectors who have an in-depth knowledge of our operating area,” said Staff Manager Scot Seivwright. “We have since supplemented the team to include three drivers who have been promoted to an inspectorate and revenue role. One of its key functions is to liaise with drivers

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who play a vital part in helping it to identify offenders.”

While travelling on board, the Inspectors also carry out safety tours, observing and advising drivers. Before finishing the journey they praise the driver on three positive aspects of their driving such as mirror use, allowing people to sit down prior to moving off and slowing down for junctions, and will also offer advice on current safety hot topics.

Their additional remit is to talk to customers asking for their feedback and stressing the importance of remaining seated until the bus is stationary.

The team covers services from Blantyre and Overtown as well as boarding Glasgow City services that operate in the area. It is assisted when required by members of the Glasgow Revenue Protection team.

Inspector Kevin Singleton – one of the seven-strong Inspectorate and Revenue Protection Team – makes checks on a city service.

First Glasgow scoops two top national accolades

Managing Director Fiona Kerr after being presented with the Manager of the Year award by Transaid CEO Gary Forster, second left. Also pictured are routeONE Awards hosts, BBC presenter Steph McGovern and comedian Jon Culshaw.

MANAGING Director Fiona Kerr was awarded the accolade of Manager of the Year at the prestigious routeONE Awards 2015.

The category, for large operators with more than 150 vehicles, recognises the person whose proven managerial abilities place them above their peers within large coach and/or bus operations.

Fiona was recognised for her outstanding track record in achieving best practice, her management skills, her ability to articulate a clear vision and her capability of implementing industry-leading innovations.

First Glasgow’s industry leading Caledonia depot also won the Environment Award at the routeONE awards.

The accolade recognises the depot’s eco-friendly status with its 961 solar panels, rainwater harvesting and intelligent lighting.

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Girlguiding at Indian city EAN Fraser has criss-crossed the world in her role as a member of Girlguiding UK. The First Glasgow Lead Administrator’s most recent trip has been to Pune in India, leading a group of 14 adults on a visit to Sangam, one of the movement’s world centres.

Jean, a Girlguiding volunteer for 38 years, is a Guide Leader, Outdoor Adviser and Assistant County Commissioner.

She first travelled abroad as a young guide when she visited a world centre in Switzerland, and she has also travelled to Mexico.

But her recent trip to India

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was a special highlight which included working at the Green Tara Foundation which helps girls from slums who struggle with team work.

“While in India I took rickshaws into Pune, taught children to swim and had a special Maharashtrian meal,” said Jean. “To celebrate Sangam’s birthday we invited 200 young people from the local slums and the centre’s community partners to join us.

“We worked with small groups of youngsters teaching them new games, crafts, face painting and Scottish country dancing.”

Jean Fraser wears a sari she bought during her trip to India.

Chris Carberry who has visited New York 33 times.

Emma Latimer who has done voluntary work teaching art to under-privileged children in Bolivia.

Caledonia globetrotters cover six continents GLOBETROTTERS at Caledonia have covered six continents of the world pursuing a wide variety of interests.

Chris “Thomas Cook” Carberry is a keen student of transport systems round the world – and he has been to New York a staggering 33 times.

The Network Planning Manager, who takes M Trains to places like Coney Island, first visited the Big Apple in 1986 and made an instant connection with steam in the streets, the continuous car horns, the yellow taxis and skyscrapers.

YOUFIRST I WINTER 2015

Emma Latimer, from the Marketing Department, has a history of global travel including spending time in Bolivia doing voluntary work and teaching art to under-privileged children.

On returning Emma organised an exhibition in Glasgow of her documentary photographs from her time spent in Sucre, Bolivia’s capital.

Inspector Michael Coll was astounded by the lifelike qualities of the Terracotta Army when he visited China.

Controller Gordon Smith began a series of African visits with a trip to Nairobi, forging a

love for Cape Town after enjoying a beer on the top of Table Mountain. This year he has persuaded colleagues Controller Robert Gibson and Driver Emily O’Dowd to join him in a trip to the South African capital.

Jackie Sweeney, Business Finance Manager for Scotland East, lived in Canada for five years, took up skiing and now pursues the sport regularly in the French Alps.

Frankie Fleming, Financial Planning Assistant, has family in Australia and visited recently, spending two and a half weeks in Perth.

Travel photo competition READERS are invited to send in their travel photos for a chance to win a £20 shopping voucher.

They must be digital hi-res photos of somewhere they’ve travelled to. The judges are looking for striking imagery of remarkable destinations.

Email Jpegs, with full contact details, to emma.latimer@firstgroup.com by 31 January 2016.

Put Travel photography competition in the subject box and remember to state the title of the image(s). One winner will be chosen by the judges.

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NEWS 5 Driver Willie Williamson helps customer Pauline Slavin board his bus. Willie is featured in the front cover image. Below, he checks the internal mirror to make sure all passengers are seated before pulling away.

“”

It’s always a good idea when vulnerable people are getting on and off at the bus stop to remind them to watch their step

MARGARET MAYER BUSINESS DIRECTOR

Take special care of

the vulnerable N initiative is underway across all First Glasgow depots to ensure vulnerable people travel safely.

With the approach of the festive season bringing an increased number of customers, drivers are being asked to remind vulnerable passengers to take care when boarding and alighting buses.

Communication is vital – a simple message that there is no need to rush will help to avert problems.

“It’s always a good idea when vulnerable people are getting on and off at the bus stop to remind them to watch their step,” said Business Director Margaret Mayer.

Downloadable safe/better journey cards are available via the accessibility tab on the First Glasgow website and street teams are distributing these to

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vulnerable customers as they meet them during the course of their duties.

Drivers are also being urged to remember the PAWS (Pull Away When Seated) campaign. This highlights the need to check interior mirrors to make sure that all elderly or infirm passengers are safely seated before they move off after loading.

Fifty-five per cent of all passenger injuries in the last 12 months happened while vehicles were stationary or moving away from a bus stop, with vulnerable passengers accounting for almost a third.

Drivers are asked to consider whether customers would be able to reach a seat safely if they pulled away, or whether they need more time.

Margaret added: “First Glasgow has seen an improving

trend in collisions and passenger injuries over the last four periods and that with continued focus we believe we will see this trend continue.”

Do not use mobiles while driving or walking A campaign is underway to ensure employees do not use mobile phones while driving or walking in a work environment.

It has been proved that using a mobile to talk or text does affect the user’s ability to walk and drive in a straight line – there is a 61 per cent increase in lateral deviation (drifting to right or left).

Actively engaging in a conversation on a mobile phone, texting, searching the web and emailing is extremely dangerous while driving and walking.

Safety conversations are being held at all depots to stress that when drivers are in their vehicles all phones should be switched off.

In a work environment employees need to stand still to take calls and messages while using mobile phones or hand-held devices.

Passive listening causes problems as well as actively engaging on a phone. Motion is 33 per cent slower during texting and 16 per cent slower during talking.

Safety talks in depots SAFETY conversations about slips, trips and falls are the centre of First Glasgow’s drive to ensure the health and safety of all staff.

The aim is for a continual improvement in injury prevention based around the message “If you cannot do it safely, don’t do it”.

Staff are being encouraged to perform all necessary safety checks and risk-assess their area and job before doing any work.

Injury Prevention conversations are highlighting the importance of following all safety procedures, signs and instructions and wearing protective clothing and equipment as required.

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Chris Mackin with his son Chris at Caledonia depot.

Bus fan Chris gets chance to follow in his dad’s footsteps LIKE father like son... when Driver Chris Mackin’s son was on the look-out for work experience his first thought was to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

The 15-year-old, also named Chris, was given the chance to get a taste of the world of work as part of an initiative at Smithycroft Secondary School where he studies.

So he went home and asked his father whether there was any chance of spending some time at Caledonia depot.

Young Chris had already developed a liking for the bus world by accompanying his dad on journeys as a youngster. By the age of five he

could rhyme off all of First Glasgow’s routes and recite the starting-points and terminations of services.

“It seemed a natural thing to arrange for Chris to get some experience of First Glasgow,” said his dad.

“The Human Resources department were kind enough to allow him to spend a week with them.”

Chris Junior said: “I really enjoyed going behind the scenes to learn about bus operations, as well as finding out about complaints and insurance procedures.

“I felt really welcome and it has given me a real insight into how the bus industry works.”

Greg takes pride in keeping ‘his’ buses clean and shiny GREG Borzecki sees himself as an ambassador for First Glasgow – even though he never leaves Caledonia depot.

Working through the night he cleans the buses for the Glasgow Shuttle service in a designated area alongside the Regional Repair Centre.

As far as the Polish-born night shift worker is concerned, maintaining the buses to a high standard is his way of promoting First Bus. “I am proud to be able to keep the buses smart and tidy because they are visiting cards for the company,” he said.

“A clean and shiny bus is the

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best advert for First Glasgow.

My name is on the shift and my work goes out to be viewed by the public.”

Greg joined First Glasgow six years ago, happy to find himself in a job “with a future.”

He has been a night shift cleaner from the start, currently working from 9pm to 5am.“On a typical shift I clean 10 or 11 buses,” he said. “I work alone, making sure I keep them in mint condition and giving each of them a total wash once a week.”

In his spare time Greg is a hill walker, enjoying the stunning scenery in Scotland and occasionally returning to Poland to climb during his holidays.

The info screen at Scotstoun shows the amount that has been raised for Prostate Cancer UK as a result of the 82 per cent response rate for the Your Voice survey. Looking on are, left to right, Staff Manager Stewart McIntyre, Controller Margaret Bradley, Leading Driver Walter Duncan and Operations Manager Tony O’Connor.

Controller Tom Hair’s T-shirt shows the survey finding which led to the introduction of the info screen.

Action on survey findings

Driver Alan MacFadyen shows one of the new chairs in the Scotstoun canteen which have been bought as a result of the survey.

makes a difference IRST Glasgow employees have made their views known in the Your Voice 2015 staff survey – and their contribution is being highly valued.

Senior managers are pledging that action plans will be drawn up once the feedback from the confidential questionnaire has been evaluated.

Your Voice, a comprehensive annual survey of how the business is run and how it could be improved, was rolled out at all depots.

Take-up was impressive, if variable, across the different locations with Caledonia recording a 94 per cent response rate, Scotstoun 82 per cent, Dumbarton 76 per cent, Blantyre 56 per cent, Overtown 52 per cent and Parkhead 35 per cent.

At Scotstoun a special publicity drive was launched to raise awareness in the run-up to Your Voice.

Ten T-shirts were printed with “You said, We did” slogans indicating the various initiatives carried out in response to suggestions in the last survey.

Employees wore the shirts to let colleagues know about the forthcoming questionnaire, and encourage them to take part.

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“The aim of the project was to let people know that their views are important to us,” said Operations Manager Tony O’Connor.

“We wanted to remind people that we are listening. This was an effective way of informing people who may have missed out on reading the notices.”

The T-shirts advertised that following the last survey Scotstoun has benefited from information screens, new seats in the canteen, a new smoking area, a Memorial Garden and a relocated relief point.

First Glasgow is committed to placing people at the heart of everything it does.

The Your Voice survey is a crucial opportunity to establish two-way communication, boosting employee engagement.

“Once we receive the full breakdown of the results, senior management will have an initial look

at the findings and this will be followed up with various management and depot meetings to discuss critical areas and ideas for improvements,” said First Glasgow Head of Human Resources Debbie Rodgers.

“We will expect our managers to share the results with their people and take

ownership for the action plans. We will ensure there is a mechanism for following up, reviewing and evaluating on a regular basis throughout the year.”

The previous 2014 survey recorded a steady upward trend in improvements, with some of the most positive feedback around safety.

Driver John Ross shelters from the rain in the new smokers’ area which has been provided at Scotstoun depot in response to survey comments.

A new memorial garden has been created at Scotstoun depot as a result of comments in the survey.

Pictured is Engineer Ian Leask who helped to fettle and move the memorial.

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Chris Mackin with his son Chris at Caledonia depot.

Bus fan Chris gets chance to follow in his dad’s footsteps LIKE father like son... when Driver Chris Mackin’s son was on the look-out for work experience his first thought was to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

The 15-year-old, also named Chris, was given the chance to get a taste of the world of work as part of an initiative at Smithycroft Secondary School where he studies.

So he went home and asked his father whether there was any chance of spending some time at Caledonia depot.

Young Chris had already developed a liking for the bus world by accompanying his dad on journeys as a youngster. By the age of five he

could rhyme off all of First Glasgow’s routes and recite the starting-points and terminations of services.

“It seemed a natural thing to arrange for Chris to get some experience of First Glasgow,” said his dad.

“The Human Resources department were kind enough to allow him to spend a week with them.”

Chris Junior said: “I really enjoyed going behind the scenes to learn about bus operations, as well as finding out about complaints and insurance procedures.

“I felt really welcome and it has given me a real insight into how the bus industry works.”

Greg takes pride in keeping ‘his’ buses clean and shiny GREG Borzecki sees himself as an ambassador for First Glasgow – even though he never leaves Caledonia depot.

Working through the night he cleans the buses for the Glasgow Shuttle service in a designated area alongside the Regional Repair Centre.

As far as the Polish-born night shift worker is concerned, maintaining the buses to a high standard is his way of promoting First Bus. “I am proud to be able to keep the buses smart and tidy because they are visiting cards for the company,” he said.

“A clean and shiny bus is the

YOUFIRST

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WINTER 2015

best advert for First Glasgow.

My name is on the shift and my work goes out to be viewed by the public.”

Greg joined First Glasgow six years ago, happy to find himself in a job “with a future.”

He has been a night shift cleaner from the start, currently working from 9pm to 5am.“On a typical shift I clean 10 or 11 buses,” he said. “I work alone, making sure I keep them in mint condition and giving each of them a total wash once a week.”

In his spare time Greg is a hill walker, enjoying the stunning scenery in Scotland and occasionally returning to Poland to climb during his holidays.

The info screen at Scotstoun shows the amount that has been raised for Prostate Cancer UK as a result of the 82 per cent response rate for the Your Voice survey. Looking on are, left to right, Staff Manager Stewart McIntyre, Controller Margaret Bradley, Leading Driver Walter Duncan and Operations Manager Tony O’Connor.

Controller Tom Hair’s T-shirt shows the survey finding which led to the introduction of the info screen.

Action on survey findings

Driver Alan MacFadyen shows one of the new chairs in the Scotstoun canteen which have been bought as a result of the survey.

makes a difference IRST Glasgow employees have made their views known in the Your Voice 2015 staff survey – and their contribution is being highly valued.

Senior managers are pledging that action plans will be drawn up once the feedback from the confidential questionnaire has been evaluated.

Your Voice, a comprehensive annual survey of how the business is run and how it could be improved, was rolled out at all depots.

Take-up was impressive, if variable, across the different locations with Caledonia recording a 94 per cent response rate, Scotstoun 82 per cent, Dumbarton 76 per cent, Blantyre 56 per cent, Overtown 52 per cent and Parkhead 35 per cent.

At Scotstoun a special publicity drive was launched to raise awareness in the run-up to Your Voice.

Ten T-shirts were printed with “You said, We did” slogans indicating the various initiatives carried out in response to suggestions in the last survey.

Employees wore the shirts to let colleagues know about the forthcoming questionnaire, and encourage them to take part.

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“The aim of the project was to let people know that their views are important to us,” said Operations Manager Tony O’Connor.

“We wanted to remind people that we are listening. This was an effective way of informing people who may have missed out on reading the notices.”

The T-shirts advertised that following the last survey Scotstoun has benefited from information screens, new seats in the canteen, a new smoking area, a Memorial Garden and a relocated relief point.

First Glasgow is committed to placing people at the heart of everything it does.

The Your Voice survey is a crucial opportunity to establish two-way communication, boosting employee engagement.

“Once we receive the full breakdown of the results, senior management will have an initial look

at the findings and this will be followed up with various management and depot meetings to discuss critical areas and ideas for improvements,” said First Glasgow Head of Human Resources Debbie Rodgers.

“We will expect our managers to share the results with their people and take

ownership for the action plans. We will ensure there is a mechanism for following up, reviewing and evaluating on a regular basis throughout the year.”

The previous 2014 survey recorded a steady upward trend in improvements, with some of the most positive feedback around safety.

Driver John Ross shelters from the rain in the new smokers’ area which has been provided at Scotstoun depot in response to survey comments.

A new memorial garden has been created at Scotstoun depot as a result of comments in the survey.

Pictured is Engineer Ian Leask who helped to fettle and move the memorial.

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Driving Instructor Linda McNeish with plates she had specially made to help drivers to prepare for the national Driver of the Year competition.

Apprentices given insight at factory TWO apprentice vehicle builders from the Regional Repair Centre were given a privileged view of the bus manufacturing process on a visit to Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL).

Ryan Cassidy and Lyall Seivwright, both aged 19 and in their third year as apprentices, were given a tour of the factory in Falkirk.

They viewed first-hand the revised manufacturing processes implemented as part of the introduction of Major Model Change (MMC) vehicles.

After a comprehensive presentation on the ADL business worldwide they toured all areas of the production facility with particular emphasis on vehicles destined for the Glasgow operation.

Ryan said: “The visit was a brilliant experience and it was amazing to see how the bus structure changes as it goes through the different processes.”

Lyall said: “It was a really good day and we learned a lot. Seeing the basic structure before the panels was an invaluable experience.”

Martin Brand, Major Repair Business Manager at the RRC, who organised the visit, said: “Hopefully this opportunity to see the new Glasgow E200 MMC and E400 MMC vehicles in build will help with the apprentices’ future development.”

Colin McKay, Operations Manager at Blantyre, visited the ADL factory on a separate occasion. He and colleagues from the depot viewed the production of new buses destined for Overtown and Blantyre.

Facelift for rest rooms TWO outlying rest rooms used by Scotstoun drivers are to be refurbished.

The facilities at Anniesland and Clydebank are used during break-times and offer toilet facilities.

They are being repainted and furnished with energy efficient LED lighting.

YOUFIRST I WINTER 2015

Look-alike plates give Tam a boost AMES “Tam” Beattie’s success in a key section of the Driver of the Year competition was down to meticulous preparation.

The Blantyre Fleet Elite Gold Badge Driver attended sessions at the First Glasgow Training Centre designed to familiarise the entrants with the kinds of tests they would face at Blackpool.

One of the challenges involved driving between rectangular plates with red, yellow and green segments.

Drivers would only be successful if they came to rest with the extreme rear of bus level with the green bands – and Tam was one of only 13 out of 117 who made the grade.

He was well briefed because Driving Instructor Linda McNeish had specially requested two look-alike plates to be made by an engineer at the Regional Repair Centre so that the exercise could be simulated in advance.

“I asked one of the bodybuilders to make up two sample plates so that the drivers could practice in advance,” said Linda.

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James “Tam” Beattie at the wheel of his bus.

“At Blackpool, we carried out planning and preparation on the promenade the night before to get a feel of the course.

“Tam did really well on the plate challenge and he was one of our highest achievers in the competition.”

Tam, who came 39th out of 117 competitors from all over the UK, said: “It was my first time of entering Driver of the Year and it was a bit nerve wracking at the start. But the preparation paid off and next year I’ll be trying even harder.”

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Voluntary work leads Marc to driving ARC McCallum is grateful to the Prince’s Trust for giving him the confidence to deal with customers.

Before he joined First Glasgow the Scotstoun Driver found his social skills were going rusty because he was staying at home to look after his mother who suffers from physical and mental problems. So he decided to join the charity that helps young people get into jobs, education and training.

Marc, who is from Maryhill,

Marc McCallum with his Prince’s Trust trophy.

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soon became involved in community projects in the area and he relished the opportunity to make a difference.

His efforts were so appreciated that he has received a Celebrating Success, Breakthrough award from the Prince’s Trust organisers.

“I found that the course very quickly gave me the courage to interact with people because you meet many young people from different backgrounds,” said Marc. “I got involved with projects such as painting a canal bridge in Clydebank, bag packing in Coatbridge Asda, gardening in

Think Tank aims to find solutions to problems

Staff Manager Stewart McIntyre addresses a meeting of the Scotstoun Think Tank.

Staff set to transfer to Caledonia PARKHEAD depot is to shut after 93 years of operations, with all staff transferring to the new Caledonia depot in January.

First Glasgow plans to open a new driver rest facility in the East End, to allow driver changeovers and breaks

Cumbernauld and work experience. My confidence improved to such an extent that I felt able to apply for the job at First Glasgow and make a new start in life.

“I now really enjoy meeting the customers throughout Glasgow on many routes.”

that currently take place at Parkhead to continue.

The depot, which was originally a base for trams, is well known to local historians since it was officially opened in 1924 by the Duke of York, later to become George Vl.

A communications initiative based on face-to-face consultation is boosting employee engagement at Scotstoun depot.

The Think Tank set up by Staff Manager Stewart McIntyre is designed to get different departments talking together about topical issues.

Members of Engineering, Traffic and Driving meet together over tea and coffee to debate problems and find a way forward. Stewart generates an agenda for the meeting and sends it out in advance for consideration.

As the discussions progress he takes minutes and subsequently forwards suggestions to a responsible person who can take them forward.

“We open up the meetings to anyone and everyone,” said Stewart.

“We have been doing this for two years and find it a real eye-opener for us. The Think Tank gets people who would normally be separated by a desk sitting face to face.

“Talking issues through in a constructive way really builds understanding and a willingness to do something to assist.”

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Moving safety performance to the next level A major campaign to engage colleagues around the country in moving safety performance to the next level will be rolled out early in 2016.

The aim is to focus on safety and involve all employees in eliminating serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace by reinforcing and developing positive behaviour. New Head of Safety Angus Glasby said: “I have spent time visiting different sites.

“It is clear there is an enthusiasm and commitment to safety at all levels.

“I am keen to build on this and over the coming months everyone will see a greater emphasis on changing workplace behaviours. The aim is for us all to take ownership of our own safety and others’ to enable everyone to ‘Be Safe’.” ● Look out for more news of ‘Be Safe’ in the months to come.

Celebrations of success mark a

busy year T’S been another fast-paced but thoroughly enjoyable year.

We’ve overcome many challenges, and have more to face, but it’s been a year which has seen lots achieved!

Firstly, I am delighted so many colleagues felt inspired and engaged to have their say in the Your Voice survey and on what we need to do to improve the business. We are currently

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12,057 respond to staff survey SEVEN out of every ten First Bus employees took part in this year’s Your Voice survey... the biggest response ever.

More than 12,000 colleagues took time to give the company their feedback, and a response of this size helps First Bus address areas where employees said improvements were needed.

As a result of the fantastic 70 per cent response £22,715 has been donated to Prostate Cancer UK. Now the results are being analysed – they will be reported back and action to address some key issues will begin soon.

First Bus Managing Director Giles Fearnley said: “Feedback really does matter and will help us create a better business for everyone.”

YOUFIRST I WINTER 2015

By First Bus Managing Director

Giles Fearnley Pat Bennett, Worcester Depot Garage Liaison Officer for Unite the Union, with one of the posters promoting the Your Voice survey. working through all the responses we have received.

Celebrating success at the inaugural First Bus Excellence Awards was undoubtedly one of the highlights of 2015. We received more than 1,100 nominations for outstanding individuals and teams. All of them deserve thanks and recognition.

It was an honour to attend the ceremonies and the winners all now go forward to represent First Bus in the Group’s Be First awards in January.

We’ve also celebrated a number of industry award wins in 2015, demonstrating our commitment to the business, our

people and our customers.

We are all proud that colleagues’ actions so strongly embody the company’s vision and values: being committed to our customers, accountable for performance, dedicated to safety, supportive of each other and setting the highest standards.

Within every one of our businesses, much has been achieved in 2015. We have seen very significant investment (not just in buses!), network changes designed to encourage more people to travel with us, greater use of mobile tickets and in some areas, smart ticketing – amongst

many other things.

We have continued to work hard to strengthen the all important relationships we have with our local authority partners.

It has been a good year. We do however have much more to do as we strive to our goal of delivering excellent customer service – always.

I promise therefore that 2016 will be another busy year! I want to thank everyone for their great contribution through the year and hope all colleagues have a relaxing, enjoyable Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Bring the page to life with our exciting mobile app

Download our free First Scotland AR app from the app store.

Scan the photo or logo where you see the ‘Scan Here’ marker.

When the video starts, double-tap your screen for full screen view.

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DEBBIE RODGERS,First Glasgow’s new Head of Human Resources, takes time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions. Debbie lives in Inverkip with her husband of 24 years and their two children, Megan and Michael.

Please tell us about your career.

My previous career in HR includes time with IBM in Greenock, T-Mobile and EE where I was in charge of seven call centres. After working for Australian Bank I became Head of HR for the UK at Iron Mountain. When my job moved to North America I had two months of free time before joining First Glasgow.

What are the challenges of your job and your ambitions in your new post?

HR should be an integral part of a business to help give sound strategic and legal advice to help with making key decisions. Our role in HR is to fundamentally support managers to support their people. There are a number of areas that I know we can improve on. However, I feel that by doing a few of these things at a time and very well, we can build up the trust and credibility of this department.

How do you relax?

I like to spend my weekends with family and my close friends, although my children are at an age now where they only want me to be their taxi service and cash machine. I read a lot and love to cook.

What is your favourite film?

My favourite film of all time is Top Gun – I know the dialogue so well I can speak along to it. Top Gun is the first film my husband and I went to see together when we were only 15.

That is when I fell in love with motor bikes too.

What about your favourite books/music?

My taste in music is very varied. I like anything from Paul Weller to some new pop tunes in the charts. I read lots of crime and thriller books. Favourite authors are Martina Cole and Jesse Keane.

Which famous people, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

I think I would need to have a very big dining table, but I would quite like a mix of diversities and people: Billy Connolly (in his heyday), Gerard Butler, Dame Judi Dench, Julie Walters...

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

From as far as I can remember I always thought I would go into the police, but I fell into HR 28 years ago and stayed.

What is your most valuable possession?

It is a very old china gravy dish that was my late grandmother’s and when I move house I always ensure it is wrapped in so much bubble pack we can hardly get it open again. As a child I remember it always being on my

Head of Human Resources Debbie Rodgers at her desk at the Caledonia grandmother’s table and I’ve HQ. managed to get it and keep it in one piece all these years. I only ever use it at Christmas as I am always worried it might get broken.

If you could travel back in time, to which era would you go?

I think it would need to be to the time of Elvis becoming famous and when music in Memphis and Nashville came alive. I think these would have been great times.

What is your favourite place in the world?

Home is my favourite place. I just wish our weather was a bit warmer.

What is the best bit of advice you have ever been given and by whom?

I was given advice from a previous CEO I worked with who told me: “You can make the perceived impossible, possible – just take your time and do it right by bringing the people along with you!”

German airport apprentices sample work at Caledonia TWO German students gained work experience at Caledonia depot.

As an add-on to their apprenticeship at Berlin Airport they were looking to gain wider transport industry experience.

Their visit was facilitated by Glasgow

development organisation Light on the Path which arranges internships for young people.

The female students, both on an Air Traffic Management course back in Germany, gained experience of various

departments at First Glasgow during their four-week stay.

They spent time in Engineering, Operations, Finance, Customer Service and Revenue Protection as well as going into the city with the on-street team.

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Team get fit and raise charity cash A team at Caledonia depot raised more than £800 by taking part in the 5k MoRun to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. The Movember initiative was inspired by Forward Allocator John Spence and Controller Mark Crossey who signed up for the jog around Glasgow Green after developing a fitness regime.

They started to build up a team of MoRunners, arranging tee shirts, donation buckets and sponsorship forms for Judith Balfour, Frank Holmes, Stevie Neilan, Pat McGrail, Paul Foday, Denise Crossey, Nicola Spence and Frank Gordon (joined by father and son John and Aidan Costello).

“It was all about getting fit, raising awareness and inspiring others,” said John Spence.

“We boosted our donations before the race by holding a Hi-Five Friday and an ‘insulting Mark and John’s taches for a £1 fine’ event. Many thanks to everyone who sponsored us.

“On the day our team captain Mark Crossey gave us a motivational talk to inspire us over the finishing line. We will be completing in the 10k next year for our charity of choice, Prostate Cancer UK.”

Sea Angler Mariusz Swizad whose huge skate catch won a club trophy.

Great run for good cause

170lb skate is angler’s dream come true T was an angler’s dream come true – but it involved an hour-long wrestling match with a fish rarely found in coastal waters.

Mariusz Swizad, a member of Caledonia Sea Angling Club, was heading for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter when he sailed out of Port Patrick on Scotland’s west coast.

Using a whole mackerel as a bait, the Caledonia Driver hooked into a massive 170lb skate – the biggest catch in the club’s 30-year history.

He fought for almost an hour to land it on deck, needing the help of three other First Glasgow colleagues to haul it on board.

It was the catch of a lifetime but Mariusz was

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not finished. Later in the day he netted a large tope, a member of the shark family, followed by a sun fish – usually found in tropical waters.

The angler’s feat was celebrated in two newspapers and he received the club’s trophy for the biggest catch.

“Bringing the skate in devastated me and it left me exhausted,” he said.

“But it was such a lucky catch – I screamed with delight when I realised I had caught such a massive fish.

“Salt water fishing is brilliant because you never know what you are going to catch. When I used to live in Poland I only fished in freshwater lakes.”

SCOTSTOUN Drivers John Ramage and Willie Mitchell took part in the Great Scottish Run half marathon in Glasgow to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK – and amassed the impressive total of £1,736.

“We were both determined to raise as much as we could for the cause,” said John, who battled through after pulling a muscle with three miles to go.

“It’s the company’s designated charity – and one of my friends has the disease.”

Have you got news for us?

IF you have any stories for the next issue of You First, or would like to send comments, please email Emma Latimer on emma.latimer@firstgroup.com and put “You First” in the subject box.