IOSH
Archwood Group – leading the way to sustainability
Embedding sustainability into leadership: their journey with IOSH training
Archwood Group, a leading UK timber manufacturer, is embedding sustainability into everyday leadership. By enrolling managers on the IOSH Managing sustainably course, the business is moving from policy to action, equipping leaders to make informed, responsible decisions. This initiative is already driving cultural change, influencing operations and shaping Archwood’s long-term sustainability plan.
Leading the way in sustainable leadership
Archwood Group is based in Chirk, North Wales. The family-run business operates two trading brands: Richard Burbidge, which produces stair parts, decorative mouldings and decking accessories; and Atkinson & Kirby, which supplies hardwood flooring.
The group’s strong commitment to sustainability led to the decision for managers to complete the IOSH Managing sustainably course at Coleg Cambria in Wrexham. This made Archwood the first organisation in Wales, and one of the first in the UK, to take part in this training.
“Sustainability has always been central to our strategy, environmentally, socially and economically. As we work towards net zero, we want every leader to understand sustainable decision-making in practice and embed it into daily actions across the business.”
Jenna Bellis-Parry
- Job role
- Group Head of Human Resources
- Company
- Archwood Group
A key objective was that managers gained a deeper understanding of social sustainability and how it links to health, safety, wellbeing and business performance.
The IOSH training complements Archwood’s existing leadership and wellbeing development programmes. Managers are already trained in areas such as communication, wellbeing and employee engagement, so introducing sustainability-focused leadership training was the natural next step.
Putting theory into practice
Participants have been particularly impressed by the course’s practical focus, with sessions encouraging open debate and real-life reflection. Managers came away with immediate tangible actions, from reducing waste in their teams to rethinking how they can engage staff in their sustainability goals.
Sessions have explored how managers can integrate sustainable thinking into operational and strategic decisions. They examined how leaders recognise the social value of their actions and leadership style. Participants also learned about the interconnectedness of environmental, economic and people‑based sustainability principles.
Training is already having a positive impact, with a shift in mindset and conversation across Archwood’s teams. Managers are proactively identifying opportunities to improve processes, reduce resource use and engage their teams in sustainability initiatives.
This learning is also shaping the organisation’s wider sustainability action plan, ensuring it reflects both business goals and employee insights.
Tangible results
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the course as “eye-opening” and “refreshingly practical.” One manager commented: “It really helped me see sustainability differently, not just as an environmental responsibility, but as part of how we care for our people and the future of the business.”
Participants also praised Coleg Cambria for its “excellent” course delivery, which created a collaborative and inclusive environment. Everyone felt comfortable sharing ideas and exploring what sustainability meant for their roles.
“Being the first company in Wales to complete the new IOSH Managing sustainably course is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s about giving our people the knowledge and confidence to make sustainable choices every day, for our business, our customers and our planet. This training helps turn our commitment to sustainability into real action across every level of Archwood.”
Jenna Bellis-Parry
- Job role
- Group Head of Human Resources
- Company
- Archwood Group
Jenna is delighted with the results: “The training provided exactly what we needed: a bridge between our sustainability goals and everyday leadership behaviours. It has given our managers the tools and confidence to make more responsible and informed decisions, helping us move from ambition to measurable action.
“The IOSH Managing sustainably course is an excellent investment for any organisation that wants to take sustainability from the boardroom to the shop floor. It challenges teams to think differently, empowers managers to lead change and creates a shared language around sustainable growth.”
“I’m really proud to have delivered the new IOSH Managing sustainably course, and even more so that Coleg Cambria is the first in Wales to do so. This course goes beyond the basics of compliance – it helps organisations understand how people, culture and sustainability come together to create safer, fairer and more resilient workplaces.”
Peter Laurence
Health and Safety lecturer • Coleg Cambria
Together, we can create safer, fairer and more resilient workplaces
Discover how the IOSH Managing sustainably course can help your organisation go beyond compliance. Equip your team with the knowledge and confidence to make sustainable choices that benefit your people, your business, and the planet.