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smokey
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« on: March 21, 2010, 12:09:40 » |
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Just a small throught, I would think most front line FGW▸ staff have now attended the "Putting Customers First" course, from what I've heard some think it educational, others a waste of time.
Well I don't know what's in this course, but I've always been led to lead by example, so why on earth is this course Always held in London? It would have made more sense if it was held in Bristol or Westbury for Central Staff and Plymouth or Exeter for West Staff, and saved FGW a massive Bundle of Money!
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grahame
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« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2010, 13:46:00 » |
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Courses for Plymouth and far west staff in Ealing, for London staff in Melksham, and for Bristol area staff at Kidwelly. Staff to travel by FGW▸ in "civvies" to attend the courses, so that they see the practical side too  In a slightly serious vein, I did a "sandwich course" many years ago, and can't talk highly enough of the practical experience sections which helped so much put what I was learning about into a real life context. |
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Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
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devon_metro
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« Reply #2 on: March 21, 2010, 14:09:26 » |
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and saved FGW▸ a massive Bundle of Money!
Not really? Relocating the course continually would probably cost more than the travel costs. Its not like FGW buys tickets for its staff, they just get a travel warrant, and paper is fairly cheap. |
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vacman
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« Reply #3 on: March 21, 2010, 14:43:58 » |
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I have attended the course and it changed my ways! it was very good, the reason it's in Paddington is because it's in a purpouse built venue.
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slippy
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« Reply #4 on: March 21, 2010, 15:13:36 » |
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and you get two nights in a rather nice hotel, isnt the whole thing costing them ^4(?) million??
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dog box
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« Reply #5 on: March 21, 2010, 17:31:07 » |
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As Vacman said ..its in a purpose built suite of 6 rooms high up in Macmillian House at Paddington, to relocate it would cost a fortune...participants are told your on the course be there for 8.30 am.....it wasnt a bad course and the hotel was good !!
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All postings reflect my own personal views and opinions and are not intended to be, nor should be taken as official statements of first great western or first group policy
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smithy
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« Reply #6 on: March 21, 2010, 19:21:26 » |
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hotel was ok although FGW▸ get different menu to normal guests there is also a decent boozer just round corner to have a few jars in.
personally i think course was a waste of money and very HST▸ orientated when i attended.
i have heard a whisper when all front line staff are done then the drivers are getting a diluted 1 day version with the far south west staff attending somewhere in plymouth to save travel/hotel rooms for 1 day.
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #7 on: March 21, 2010, 19:34:10 » |
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Hmm. This topic seems to be prompting some quite personal comments and responses: would anyone prefer it if I were to move it to our 'frequent posters' board, where we can be forthright without being 'overheard'? While we have nothing to hide, it may be that our staff members here would be happier discussing their views 'in private'. Chris.  |
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William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
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vacman
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« Reply #8 on: March 21, 2010, 20:03:23 » |
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Most people who I know who have been on it have enjoyed it, I didn't think it was HST▸ orientated, but I spose each person who has attended will have their own opinion, and some will get more out of it than others.
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moonrakerz
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« Reply #9 on: March 21, 2010, 20:52:35 » |
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and you get two nights in a rather nice hotel, isnt the whole thing costing them ^4(?) million??
Costing who  ? |
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Ollie
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« Reply #10 on: March 22, 2010, 01:23:44 » |
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and you get two nights in a rather nice hotel, isnt the whole thing costing them ^4(?) million??
Costing who ? I have been on the course, I thought it was okay  |
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moonrakerz
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« Reply #11 on: March 22, 2010, 10:09:39 » |
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and you get two nights in a rather nice hotel, isnt the whole thing costing them ^4(?) million??
Costing who ? The latest figures I can find (2007) show total rail subsidies to be ^6.3 BILLION ! I say again:- "Costing who " |
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John R
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« Reply #12 on: March 22, 2010, 10:15:17 » |
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But the subsidy/premium payable to/from FGW▸ is set out in the franchise agreement, and any variation under cap and collar is related to revenue not costs.
So whether FGW put their staff in the local Travelodge or the Savoy won't impact on the subsidy profile, and thus the cost is borne by First Group.
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Tim
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« Reply #13 on: March 22, 2010, 11:10:13 » |
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the reason it's in Paddington is because it's in a purpouse built venue.
What is purpose build about it? Is it just a conference suite or is there a mock-up train (or prehaps animatronic fare-dodgers?) hidden in the building? If FGW▸ are thinking of building a mock-up station, they could save a packet and use Melksham instead. Arrive in the Morning and leave early evening and have the whole station to themselves for the rest of the day with no pesky trains to disturb them. |
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Super Guard
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« Reply #14 on: March 22, 2010, 11:19:46 » |
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Its not like FGW▸ buys tickets for its staff, they just get a travel warrant, and paper is fairly cheap.
Why would FGW staff require warrants to travel on FGW trains when we all have FGW passes?  The ^4m was forced spending by FGW as part of the ^29m remedial package agreed with the DfT» . A final thought, guaranteed hotel reservations month after month will mean a good corporate rate (and for the record the hotel is not by Paddington, so they've obviously done their homework on cost). Although i'm good at customer service (imo ), it was still a very good course. |
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Any opinions made on this forum are purely personal and my own. I am in no way speaking for, or offering the views of First Great Western or First Group.
If my employer feels I have broken any aspect of the Social Media Policy, please PM me immediately, so I can rectify without delay.
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