24.03.20 COVID-19 Pandemic Statement 1100hrs

In light of the rapidly evolving Coronavirus situation and the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on the evening of the 23^rd March 2020, we have taken the very difficult but what we believe to be the only socially responsible option to suspend all face to face training for the next three weeks until the 20^th April 2020. As a charity established thirty-three years ago by many of the key critical national infrastructure companies we serve and who’s business is protecting the health safety and welfare of all, we feel this is the only responsible course of action at this difficult time.

We are currently informing all delegates and companies of this situation.

We will follow the advice from the UK Government and until we receive further communication or updates, we will be planning on reopening on Monday 4^th April 2020.

Please bear with us during these difficult times and please be reassured that this situation is temporary. As soon as we are able all courses bookings will be rescheduled.

HOTA’s Key Staff Karen Shepherd, Chief Executive and Paul Tee, Company Accountant will be working through the situation to keep the business running on a daily basis to ensure a smooth return to work for staff and delegates.

Even though we have had to suspend all face to face training, we are here to discuss any innovative or alternative means of maintaining your key staff competencies that you may wish to explore.

We are also well placed to help and advise any of our customers with any emergency planning, emergency and crisis response or business continuity issues you may have. Ian Rook, our Operations & Emergency Response Manager, and members of his team will be contactable throughout this crisis.

Therefore, I am asking you to keep in touch with HOTA via the company’s website www.hota.org or via social media

https://www.facebook.com/HOTALtd/

https://twitter.com/HOTAltd

Please find attached a fact sheet regarding external awarding bodies which contains useful links referring to dispensations and certification extensions. These links can also be found on our website and Facebook page

All emails will be monitored but please be mindful that there will only be a small number of employees working and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

On behalf of the company I hope that you and your family stay safe and we look forward to seeing you in the near future.

Karen Shepherd Neil McCracken

Chief Executive Chairman of the Trustees