Building Talent, Not Buying It: A Smarter Workforce Strategy

BLOGBy Rullion on 22 May 2025

Traditional hiring models are increasingly struggling to meet the needs of modern organisations. Many critical infrastructure organisations across sectors like energy, transport, and utilities are hitting the same wall: rising recruitment costs, critical skills shortages, and new hires who struggle to adapt quickly enough to complex working environments.

While external recruitment will always have its place, it’s no longer enough on its own. It’s time to consider more balanced, sustainable approaches, like Train to Deploy (TTD), a workforce transformation model that enables organisations to look at retraining and growing the talent they need, reduce risk, and create more resilient teams.

What’s broken with the "Buy Talent" Model?

For years, the default hiring strategy has been reactive: hire fast, fill the gap, and hope it sticks. But for many organisations, that model is now showing cracks:

Niche skills are increasingly hard to find

The cost of contingent labour is rising

New hires often struggle with cultural fit or lack the hands-on readiness needed

Scarcity of Niche Skills

Whether it’s engineers in nuclear, software talent in tech, or skilled operatives in mechanical and electrical sectors, niche capabilities are becoming harder to source. As infrastructure projects grow in complexity and the transition to renewables accelerates, demand is far outpacing supply. This skills gap creates a bottleneck for delivery, drives up competition, and increases your exposure to project delays and rising costs.

High Recruitment Costs

Traditional hiring methods come with a hefty price tag – recruitment agency fees, advertising, vetting all the candidates, and onboarding – they all add up. And when hires don’t work out, the cost of starting over is even higher. In sectors managing large-scale infrastructure or utilities programmes, this cycle of churn can undermine everything from workforce morale to project timelines and long-term planning.

Cultural Misalignment

Technical expertise doesn’t guarantee success, especially in complex environments like energy sites, control rooms, or high-stake multi-contractor projects. If new hires struggle to adapt culturally or operationally, productivity dips, safety risks rise, and team dynamics suffer.

What "Building Talent" Really Looks Like

Behaviour-First Hiring

Traditional recruitment filters for qualifications and past experience. But this method often misses high-potential individuals who could thrive with the right development. Unlike other Hire Train Deploy models, Rullion’s Train to Deploy solution rethinks what makes someone the right fit and hiring for potential. Using behaviour-first hiring, or a train-to-match approach, Rullion focuses on mindset, adaptability, capability, and learning agility. In sectors like utilities, transport, and rail where on-the-ground collaboration is key, this approach helps to de-risk the process by bringing in talent that aligns with your organisational values, then upskilling or reskilling them in the technical areas your teams actually need.

Tailored Technical Development

Instead of waiting for the perfect candidate to emerge from the market, organisations can look to invest in upskilling and reskilling their existing teams to meet their specific business needs. Tailored development ensures training mirrors your actual operational requirements, right down to systems, tools, and standards. It’s a core step in delivering effective workforce transformation, ensuring your teams are equipped with the exact capabilities needed to perform and progress.

Long-Term Workforce Resilience

Organisations that build from within and invest in their people are far more resilient. When employees grow alongside the organisation, they develop deeper institutional knowledge and the ability to flex as priorities shift. This approach promotes long-term retention and creates a stable, adaptable workforce ready to meet future challenges head-on.

Why Train to Deploy is Different

Custom Workforce Pathways

Every business, site, and sector is different. What works in a retail logistics site won’t work in a nuclear-grade facility. Rullion’s TTD model adapts to your reality. They co-design specific training and workforce development pathways which you have full visibility over; this gives you full control in aligning training modules with your unique business objectives and challenges. Rullion does the heavy lifting, and you get work-ready people who have developed the exact skills and knowledge your company needs.

A Faster Route to Workforce Readiness

One of the key benefits of TTD services is its ability to rapidly prepare employees for new roles. While it may not be about “faster deployment” in the traditional sense, train and deploy solutions offer a quicker route to workforce readiness by focusing on specific, targeted skills development. This leads to a more efficient onboarding process and a workforce that is ready to contribute from day one, without the typical lag time that comes with traditional recruitment.

As part of a wider workforce transformation effort, this accelerated readiness helps organisations meet evolving demands without compromising on quality, safety, or team cohesion. It’s a smarter ramp-up for complex environments where getting it right the first-time matters.

Social Value and Diversity Built-In

A key value of TTD is its ability to break down traditional barriers and broaden access to talent. Rullion believes in inclusion without limits. If someone can demonstrate they’ve got the right mindset and behaviours, then Rullion will build the skillset, regardless of what role or industry that person previously worked in. This means that their Train to Deploy approach is capable of building truly inclusive talent pools, holding the doors open to those with the potential to thrive, regardless of their situation. This is the power of a real workforce transformation strategy, giving organisations the opportunity to do things differently while strategically expanding their talent pool to better reflect the communities and industries they serve. It creates scalable, inclusive, and resilient workforces ready to meet the demands of tomorrow.

Building the For the Future, Not Just Today

Organisations need more than just quick fixes to their talent challenges. The future of workforce development lies in building talent from within, investing in the potential of existing employees and creating an environment where growth and adaptability thrive. Train to Deploy (TTD) provides a clear, sustainable path to achieving this. It’s a workforce transformation model designed to reduce reliance on external recruitment while building resilient, high-performing teams that keep your organisation ahead of the curve.

Want to explore how train to deploy could work for your sector?

Visit Rullion’s Train to Deploy solution page or book a discovery call with one of their consultants to see how Rullion can help you get work done.

Looking for a strategic workforce partner?

We’re proud to help critical infrastructure organisations through strategic MSP and contingent workforce solutions. If you’re looking for a workforce solutions provider that solves problems today and builds stronger, more inclusive talent strategies for tomorrow, explore our MSP solution or book a discovery call today. Let’s help you get work done.

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“What exactly is BPSS clearance, and why is it such a big deal for places like Hinkley Point C or Sizewell C?” Sibel asked at the start of our latest Confessions of a Screening Expert conversation. It’s a good question. For many businesses stepping into regulated environments for the first time, Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks can feel like a maze of acronyms and requirements. But for Jayne Lee, Candidate Services at Rullion, BPSS is the baseline that keeps projects moving, and people safe. What BPSS Clearance Involves BPSS is the government framework for initial background screening. Jayne describes it as “the baseline of where people need to be cleared to.” It includes: Right to Work check Identity verification Criminal record check (DBS checks) Three years of employment referencing “People sometimes call it the ‘RICE’ model,” Jayne adds. “Right to Work, Identity, Criminal record, and Employment history. It’s a clear structure, and it’s widely recognised as the entry-level clearance for high-security roles.” From there, some roles may require higher levels of clearance (like SC or DV), but BPSS is always the starting point. And while it’s critical at nuclear sites like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, BPSS clearance is increasingly required across other regulated sectors too, including rail, energy, and utilities. The Challenge: Speed Without Compromise At projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, every worker - from engineers to ground staff - must hold valid BPSS clearance before stepping on site. Delays here can stall entire workstreams. The industry norm for completing BPSS checks is often 30–40 days. For major infrastructure projects, that’s simply not sustainable. Rullion’s solution: Jayne’s team achieves an average of 7.5 days per clearance. In exceptional cases, they’ve turned around a check in just 24-hours. But it’s not just about speed for speed’s sake. “When you scale up, challenges appear,” Jayne explains. “Last summer we onboarded over 1,000 international workers in one intake. International criminal record checks can push timelines out, but even then, our average was around 15 days — still significantly faster than sector norms.” Read how we deliver screening success at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C › and see how our approach to BPSS clearance is keeping projects on track while reducing delays across complex supply chains. More Than a System: People First 'Where does this speed come from?' asks Sibel. According to Jayne, it’s the human-led approach that makes the real difference. Before any link or form is sent, every candidate receives a call from a named advisor. “That first call is golden,” says Jayne. “We introduce ourselves, explain the process step by step, and make sure candidates know what documents they’ll need. If they’ve got everything ready, the process sails through.” This proactive support avoids delays caused by missing documents or incomplete forms. And it doesn’t end there: Candidates have a direct phone number and email for their advisor. Clients get weekly catch-up calls to resolve issues quickly. No one is left waiting on a generic helpdesk or traffic-light status update. “It’s not just about compliance,” Jayne adds. “It’s about building trust and momentum.” Where Technology Fits In It’s not all down to people. Smart technology underpins the process, helping keep everything secure, visible, and moving at pace. For candidates, that means a smoother journey with less waiting around. 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By Rullion on 25 September 2025

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Rullion receives 'Highly Commended' at the 2025 APSCo OutSource Awards for Excellence

This recognition reflects the strength of our Managed Service Programme (MSP) delivery and our long-standing partnerships with clients such as E.ON, Siemens and Northumbrian Water. These are complex, regulated environments where trust, compliance and responsiveness are critical – and where our recruitment outsourcing solutions are making a measurable difference. Why the APSCo Awards Matter APSCo’s OutSource Awards for Excellence are highly respected in the staffing industry, celebrating organisations that deliver innovative, compliant and scalable workforce solutions. Recognition from APSCo highlights the value of strategic MSP services in a market where organisations face skills shortages, tighter regulation and growing reliance on contingent workforces to keep operations running. Lindsay Harrison, Chief Customer Officer at Rullion, said: “Judges recognised Rullion for its ability to deliver recruitment outsourcing programmes that combine scale, compliance, and exceptional service. With a 90% client retention rate and partnerships spanning decades, Rullion has proven its ability to build long-term trust with organisations across critical infrastructure.” We’re grateful to APSCo and the judging panel for this recognition and extend our congratulations to the winners. We’re proud to be part of a community that celebrates excellence in recruitment outsourcing. What the Judges Said Lindsay Harrison, Chief Customer Officer at Rullion, said: In their announcement, APSCo shared: “Judges recognised Rullion for its ability to deliver recruitment outsourcing programmes that combine scale, compliance, and exceptional service. With a 90% client retention rate and partnerships spanning decades, Rullion has proven its ability to build long-term trust with organisations across critical infrastructure.” They also praised our NPS of 93, innovative direct sourcing strategies, and ability to manage complex transitions without disruption. Clients consistently describe Rullion as a true extension of their teams. A Proven MSP Model Our Managed Service Programme is built to handle the challenges of contingent workforce management at scale. Whether it’s sourcing highly skilled engineers for the energy sector, managing compliance for regulated utility environments, or ensuring rapid deployment of contractors across infrastructure projects, our MSP model gives clients the confidence that every aspect of workforce delivery is covered. We’ve invested in direct sourcing to improve quality, reduce time-to-hire and deliver cost savings. At E.ON, for example, we achieved 100% direct hires, cut time-to-hire by 15%, and improved interview-to-offer conversion rates by 25%. People-First, Insight-Led Delivery Our success isn’t only about processes and metrics. It comes from a people-first approach that prioritises partnership, communication and cultural alignment. We know that managing a contingent workforce is not just about filling vacancies, it’s about creating a seamless experience for hiring managers, contractors and stakeholders. We support this with an insight-led model that measures five key areas: compliance, cost savings, operational excellence, innovation, and social value. This allows us to track impact and continuously improve our MSP delivery. Alongside business results, we embed ESG principles into our programmes, from inclusive recruitment practices to supporting local supply chains and delivering social value in the communities we serve. Looking Ahead The demand for agile and resilient workforce models is only increasing. Organisations across energy, utilities, and infrastructure face rising pressure to balance compliance with innovation while securing scarce skills. As an MSP service provider, we’re committed to helping clients adapt, scale effectively, and unlock long-term value from their contingent workforce. Winning this recognition at the APSCo OutSource Awards highlights the ongoing commitment of our teams to deliver MSP solutions that make a measurable difference for clients. For us, this commendation is about more than a single programme. It reflects the day-to-day commitment of our people to deliver people-first, insight-led MSP solutions that evolve with our clients' needs.

By Rullion on 19 September 2025

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Delivering Proven Screening Success at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C

Rullion has been a trusted candidate background screening provider since 2014, playing a vital role in supporting major UK nuclear infrastructure projects, including Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. Working across multiple delivery partners and project phases, we’ve helped embed consistent, compliant, and candidate-friendly screening at scale. With over 8,000 candidates screened annually and clearance times reduced to an average of just 7.5 days, our model continues to support project momentum and onboarding efficiency - while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and governance. The Challenge To keep momentum on projects of this scale, pre-employment screening must be robust, accurate, and fast. Every individual working on site requires BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) clearance before work can begin. With multiple stakeholders, evolving regulatory requirements, and high volumes of candidates, the background screening process can be complex to manage, even with established systems in place. Our clients needed a nuclear screening provider who could bring clarity, consistency, and pace to an already demanding environment. What project teams need: Timely and accurate delivery of BPSS clearance and related vetting checks A positive, well-supported candidate experience Screening support delivered direct to projects like Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, and across Tier 1 contractors and their supply chains Real-time visibility, control, and governance in screening processes Tier 1 contractors are the principal delivery partners on major projects such as Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. Supporting them means enabling their workforces and suppliers to clear vetting efficiently, reducing risk of onboarding delays. A Proven Screening Model for Nuclear Environments Our nuclear screening model has evolved over years of delivery, working across early careers, agency-supplied workers, and permanent hires. The service model is grounded in best practice, with compliance and candidate experience at its core. Our solution is built on five key pillars: 1. Speed with Precision We consistently reduce average BPSS clearance times from 30-40 days to fewer than 8 days, using: A dedicated screening portal with automated timelines Electronic document collection via DocuSign One-to-one support from trained candidate advisors “We’re consistently achieving clearances in 7–8 days - and in urgent cases, we’ve turned around checks in just 24 hours,” says Jayne Lee, Head of Screening. 2. BPSS and Beyond We manage all core BPSS clearance elements: Right to work (RTW) Identity and address verification Criminal record checks (DBS) Three to five years referencing We also support CTC and SC clearance preparation where needed, compiling candidate packs ready for formal review. 3. Human-Led Candidate Experience Every candidate is assigned a named advisor who supports them through the screening journey; they answer questions, collect documents, and maintain engagement from start to finish. “We know how to reach the right contact for a reference. Our proactive approach keeps things moving,” adds Jayne. 4. Real-Time Governance Our clients benefit from full transparency throughout: Live dashboards and candidate status tracking SLA-based monitoring and escalation Monthly reporting and governance in screening audits 5. Scalable Across Supply Chains Our solution is used not only by project leads but by Tier 1 contractors across both Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C. The model scales to support different business units and workforce types including; contractors, agency workers, and permanent staff Impact to Date Over 8,000 candidates screened annually 75% reduction in average screening times +69 Net Promoter Score (NPS) from screened candidates BPSS compliance embedded with live audit capability Fully digital, mobile-friendly experience Adopted by Tier 1s across the project supply chain A Benchmark for Nuclear Screening Rullion’s screening model is now a recognised example of best practice in regulated environments, supporting complex infrastructure programmes where delays and drop-offs can have significant impact. We continue to support project teams across Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, delivering the confidence and control they need to move quickly and compliantly. If you’d like to explore how our model could support your screening processes, get in touch with our team. Curious about common pitfalls? Read our guide on pre-employment screening mistakes.

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