Ensuring Operational Capability Through the Quality Assurance and Delivery of Training

Who we are

HZL is an established private training provider founded in 2000 and based in the Derby area. We supply both recognised and bespoke courses and training to all areas of industry through our team of highly qualified and operationally experienced teachers, trainers and practitioners.

HZL was formed to fill a gap in the market for quality assured training to ensure compliance with national training and occupational standards within the areas of education and training, assessment of vocational and occupational competencies, quality assurance, risk mitigation and risk management through the public service sector and security industry. These courses include personal safety, close protection, CCTV, working in hostile environments, medical emergencies and lone working.

HZL are also:

An Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award holder since 2014 and Gold award since 2021
ISO 9001 registered
An ELCAS registered training provider.

Highfield Qualifications
Qualsafe Awards
TQUK
Qualifications Network UK

HZL is a Qualsafe, QNUK, and TQUK approved centre and offers a wide spectrum of both nationally and internationally recognised qualifications.

Our team

Alan

Owner and MD of HZL Specialist Solutions Limited. Al has been teaching, assessing and quality assuring in the Further Education sector since the mid 90’s. This has also been combined with an operation role in the MOD, government and private sector and has been deployed across many continents.
Al has been Instrumental in the development of various courses incorporating job and training needs analysis, career progression and career pathways, he has experience in the training of military, ex-military, Foreign Office and civilian personnel in preparation for operational deployment.

Stephanie

Steph is an HCPC registered paramedic specialising in pre-hospital emergency medicine and brings a wealth of experience of pre-hospital care to the team. During this time she has fulfilled a wide range of ambulance world roles from PTS to front line operational care, including working with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) teams and also working alongside Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART).
After an extensive career in providing and establishing courses in emergency care Steph joined HZL in 2010 delivering a range of our courses. Steph is also working as a lecturer in paramedic science within the Higher Education setting.

Stephen

Steve has been with HZL since 2014 and brings with him a vast experience of teaching and operational capability. Having worked within the MOD, government and private sector, rowed the Atlantic Ocean twice, skippered private yachts for high end clients, whilst also implementing their personal security measures, and given numerous motivation and leadership talks, makes Steve the ideal individual for delivering and developing both our personal and group safety programme.

Samantha

Sam joined HZL in 2007 and has a background with both the MOD and the private sector. Her experience of operational deployments has made her an ideal trainer in the delivery of fitness, well-being, and personal and group safety courses within HZL. Sam is empathetic and patient with all those she has contact with, whether it is in the training, problem solving, or operational environment and she always strives to bring out the best in those around her.

Penelope

Penny has been working with HZL since 2008 and is the Awarding Organisations and client liaison representative for HZL along with stepping in as part of the training delivery team when required. Penny comes from a law enforcement background where she has had both a training and operation role which has brought an additional perspective to the training, quality assurance and capability of HZL.

Susan

Sue holds a Master’s in Education along with other higher education related qualifications and has been with HZL since 2003. Sue has been influential in the development and delivery of the Certificate and Diploma in Education and Training qualifications as well ensuring the integrity and the quality assurance of the centres we support as part of our consultancy capability. Sue is a people person, who displays commitment and reliability, with an enthusiasm towards work and continuous personal and professional development and is a recipient of the ‘National Training Award’ for individual development and achievement.

Debra

Deb joined the HZL team in 2013 in the capacity of trainer and assessor delivering medical and security courses. She brings with her a wealth of experience from working in both senior management and lead trainer roles within local government and the private sector. Deb is an accomplished and hands-on trainer with highly effective communication and motivational skills which encourages individuals to recognise and achieve their goals. Deb also has a proven track record of working both at home and abroad on emergency planning and disaster management situations which has called for her to demonstrate her leadership and problem solving capabilities.

James

James has been a part of HZL since September 2021 and brings with him a wide range of skills and experience. Currently a serving Senior Non-Commissioned Officer within the Armed Forces (On sabbatical), James has a background in Service Policing and is currently employed as a Combat Human Resources Specialist. During his time within the military James has extensive experience in providing close protection security, operating for both the Armed Forces, NATO, and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Operationally experienced James has deployed in a variety of locations including, North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. James is also a qualified teacher and has extensive experience instructing within the military, private sector, and post 16 further education.

HZL have a training capability to deliver Quality Assurance of Training and Assessment, Assessment of Vocational and Occupational Competency and the Delivery of Education and Training

Find out more about our training

Find out more about our consultancy

Who we've worked with

HZL clients include the Ministry of Defence, BBC and numerous other corporate companies as well as individuals who want to develop their skills at all levels. HZL operates across the UK and in other regions including Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

HZL take pride in their commitment to each and every learner and by achieving a professional qualification with us you will have the ability to stand out from the competition, giving you the edge and the potential to open more doors to opportunities in todays’ super competitive employment arena.

Get in contact

Contact us today to find out how we can help you learn from our highly qualified and operationally experienced teachers, trainers and practitioners.