Client Overview
Acumen is a leading waste management contractor delivering complex environmental and industrial service projects across the UK. In 2022, the company was awarded a large-scale waste management contract in Enfield that required certified MEWP/Access Platform operators to deliver the work safely and efficiently.
The Challenge
Acumen needed reliable, vetted IPAF 3a & 3b operators for both day and night shifts across a 7-month period.
Key challenges included:
- Ensuring operators held the correct IPAF 3a & 3b qualifications
- Balancing local labour with travelling operators to avoid shortages
- Maintaining continuous cover for the full project duration
- Managing compliance, payroll, PPE, and communication at scale
- Integrating multiple operatives into an existing operational team with minimal disruption
Acumen required a recruitment partner who could handle the operational demands, provide high reliability, and ensure seamless workforce integration.
Our Solution
Four Chambers Recruitment utilised its established trades & labour network to supply:
12 Fully Certified IPAF 3a & 3b Operators
A blend of local Enfield-based candidates and experienced travelling operatives to ensure full shift coverage.
Day & Night Shift Coverage
We allocated labour in advance, with contingency staffing to ensure zero downtime.
Vetted & Compliant Workforce
We managed end-to-end compliance and onboarding, including:
- Full vetting & referencing (up to 6 months)
- Qualification checks (IPAF 3a & 3b)
- PPE distribution
- Induction arrangements
- Ongoing operator communication & monitoring
Payroll & Workforce Management
All operatives were paid through our PAYE/CIS systems, with weekly communication to maintain reliability throughout the 7-month engagement.
The Outcome
Seamless Workforce Integration
Existing relationships with many of the operators—combined with new vetted candidates— created a balanced, high-performing team from day one.
Zero Shift Failures Over 7 Months
Our mix of local and travelling operatives ensured continuous coverage for both day and night shifts.
Improved Client Efficiency
Acumen completed the Enfield project on schedule without delays caused by labour shortages.
Clear Communication & Stability
Four Chambers Recruitment handled all communication, payroll, PPE, and onboarding, reducing administrative burden and allowing Acumen to focus on project delivery.
Conclusion
By supplying a dependable team of 12 IPAF 3a & 3b operators and managing all aspects of vetting, onboarding, compliance, and payroll, Four Chambers Recruitment enabled Acumen to complete a complex waste management project smoothly and efficiently. Our proactive approach and strong candidate relationships ensured consistent staffing, eliminating downtime and strengthening our long-term partnership with the client.
