Chambers of Commerce join SSE for powerful new immersive safety training at Faskally Safety Leadership Centre

Representatives from Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, alongside member businesses from across the region, joined SSE staff yesterday for an exclusive insight into the energy company’s Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Immersive Training Programme – a ground breaking approach designed to transform how safety is understood and practised across the organisation and its partners.

Hosted at the company’s Faskally Safety Leadership Centre in Perth, the one-day immersive experience offered Chamber members a first-hand look at how SSE is reshaping safety culture through realistic, emotive and highly engaging scenario-based learning. The programme – which has been rolled out to thousands of employees and contract partners – sets a new benchmark for the sector, combining large-scale simulation, technology, and behavioural insight.

SSE describes the training as a significant step forward in helping people understand the real consequences when safety goes wrong, with the intent of shifting mindsets, strengthening decision-making, and reinforcing a culture where safety is prioritised instinctively. The experience includes a series of immersive environments and scenarios designed to provoke thought, encourage discussion and challenge complacency, using sound, light, emotion, and role-play to bring to life the impact that serious safety incidents can have on individuals, families and communities.

Fiona Morrissey, Local Authority Engagement Manager at SSE, said:

“Our innovative SHE Immersive Training programme is aimed at helping people to understand the serious impact and consequences of when safety goes wrong. The scale and impact of this immersive safety training is unlike anything we’ve done before at SSE and we are delighted to share this with our Chambers of Commerce.

“The one-day training course has been rolled out to thousands of employees and partners already, with more to come. It’s a truly unique and powerful experience which communicates the importance of having a safety mindset at all times.”

Perthshire Chamber praised SSE’s leadership and investment in raising safety standards across the energy sector and wider supply chain, noting that many local businesses work closely with the company on major infrastructure projects. Yesterday’s event provided a valuable opportunity for members to experience the programme directly, understand the expectations placed on contractors, and explore how immersive learning could benefit their own organisations.

Given the intense and emotional nature of the training, SSE emphasises its commitment to accessibility and psychological safety. The company recognises that loud sounds, bright lights and the immersive scenarios may be unsettling for some individuals, particularly those with sensory sensitivities or who have been personally affected by bereavement or traumatic events. Participants are encouraged not to attend if they feel the experience may be unsuitable for them.

The visit also showcased the important partnership work taking place between local Chambers of Commerce and major employers, reinforcing a shared commitment to safety, well-being, and high standards across all sectors.

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce expressed their thanks to SSE for the invitation and to SSEN Transmission for its ongoing collaboration with the business community and invaluable support as a valued Platinum Partner.