Case Study: Developing Confident In-House DSE Assessors for Howdens

Howdens partnered with DSE Assessments Ltd to deliver advanced training for its internal DSE assessment team. Building on an established working relationship, the training was designed to strengthen assessor confidence, deepen ergonomic knowledge and equip delegates with the practical skills needed to manage more complex DSE-related concerns across a large and geographically dispersed workforce.

The Challenge

Howdens has a large workforce operating across the UK and uses an online platform to manage standard Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments. Where employees report discomfort or require additional support, DSE Assessments Ltd provides specialist follow-up assessments and tailored ergonomic recommendations.

Alongside this process, Howdens has an internal team responsible for overseeing day-to-day DSE assessment activity. While the team had previously completed DSE assessor training, they were increasingly encountering more complex musculoskeletal concerns and workplace health issues that required a deeper level of understanding.

To further strengthen internal capability, Howdens wanted to provide additional training that would build confidence, expand knowledge and help assessors support employees more effectively.

The Solution

DSE Assessments Ltd recommended an Advanced DSE Training programme tailored to the needs of experienced assessors.

The objective was to move beyond the fundamentals of workstation assessment and provide delegates with a deeper understanding of common musculoskeletal conditions, ergonomic risk factors and practical workplace solutions. By enhancing the team’s knowledge and confidence, Howdens could further strengthen its in-house capability while reducing reliance on external support for day-to-day concerns.

The training was designed to give assessors the skills and confidence needed to identify potential issues earlier, ask the right questions and recommend appropriate interventions to support employee wellbeing.

Implementation

An in-person training course was delivered for several members of the Howdens team.

The session combined practical learning with real-world workplace examples, covering topics such as repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), back pain, upper limb disorders and visual fatigue. Delegates explored the underlying causes of discomfort, how symptoms can present differently between individuals and the practical steps that can be taken to reduce risk and improve comfort.

Interactive discussion and workplace scenarios formed a key part of the training, helping participants apply their learning to situations they regularly encounter within their roles. Particular emphasis was placed on realistic, solution-focused approaches and cost-effective interventions that could be implemented quickly and effectively.

The Outcome

Following the training, the Howdens team reported a noticeable increase in confidence when dealing with more complex DSE-related concerns.

Delegates left with a stronger understanding of musculoskeletal issues, greater awareness of ergonomic risk factors and improved confidence in recommending practical solutions. The training enabled the team to provide more informed support to employees and manage day-to-day DSE concerns more effectively.

By investing in advanced assessor development, Howdens strengthened its internal capability to manage DSE risks, improved responsiveness to employee concerns and enhanced the overall effectiveness of its DSE assessment programme.

The result is a more knowledgeable and confident team, better equipped to support employee wellbeing while helping the organisation maintain compliance with DSE Regulations.