Developing Supervisor Competence on the UK’s Deep Shaft Project

Supporting Redpath Deilmann UK with targeted training and development

Brownlee Cale Mining has worked with Redpath Deilmann UK since their inception, as they and their partners deliver the world’s deepest mechanically excavated mine shafts. These shafts — the first to be sunk in the UK since the 1980s — represent one of the most ambitious mining projects in recent history.

From the outset, our engagement programme focused on supervisors in both mining and mechanical & electrical disciplines. This group was identified as key to creating a safe workplace and embedding a “can do” culture where health, safety and operational performance are inseparable.

We believe that a safety-first culture, aligned with acceptable risk tolerance and underpinned by compliant, safe working practices, is central to controlling major mining hazards. Effective supervisor competence is at the heart of achieving this.

Supervisor Training Programme

To support this aim, we developed and refined three generic Supervisor Training courses based on the HSE document Competence Benchmark Standards, referenced to the Mining National Occupational Standards.

“This document sets out the minimum benchmark standards required since April 2015 for candidates to be trained and deemed suitably competent in the mining major hazard environment in line with the requirements of The Mines Regulations 2014 guidance to regulation 11 and covers both Mining Supervisors’ Competencies and Engineering Supervisors’ Competencies (Mechanical and Electrical).”

We also introduced a third group, Surface Supervisors, drawing on additional units recommended in the regulated qualification framework.

Structured Skill Groups

For each of the three supervisor categories, we created structured Skill Groups covering:

• Recruitment:

  • CV

  • Signed Role Profile

• Company induction

• Continuous professional development (CPD)

• Health & safety

• Leadership development

• Learning & development

• Professional status

• Site inductions

• IT and technical skills

• Competence Benchmark Standards aligned to HSE requirements

Each skill is tracked through two stages — training and assessment.

• If neither is evidenced, achievement is zero (not competent).

• If training is delivered, achievement is recorded at 50% (competence in development).

• If assessed successfully in the workplace, achievement is 100% (competent).

This process ensures competence is outcome-based, not simply time-based. It may require several assessments or be achieved in one, depending on the individual.

Refresher training is set on a three-year cycle unless mandatory or local rules define alternative timescales.

Building Competent Supervisors for the Future

By focusing on supervisor competence, Brownlee Cale is helping Redpath Deilmann UK strengthen safety culture and operational performance on a project of national significance. This structured approach to training and assessment ensures that supervisors — whether underground, mechanical, electrical or surface — are fully equipped to lead teams, manage risks and embed safe working practices for years to come.