Rope and Sling Specialists (RSS) has appointed Leanne Whitehurst-Maiden as National Digitalisation Manager.
Based in Rotherham, Whitehurst-Maiden will lead the development of RSS’s live365 online inspection software across its expanding network of depots, set to grow to 14 locations nationwide.
This marks a return to RSS for Whitehurst-Maiden, who previously worked with the company for nearly a decade, beginning in 2015. In her new role, she will report to Paul Glover, director of Operations.
Whitehurst-Maiden brings a wealth of experience in compliance software and digitalisation, having spent time focusing on safety-critical documentation for lifting equipment. Her leadership is expected to drive the adoption of live365, which integrates digital inspections and an anytime-access certification portal to enhance compliance and traceability within the lifting and rigging sector.
“Live365 is a multifaceted concept that seeks to improve digitalisation and compliance through standardisation,” Whitehurst-Maiden said. “By streamlining inspections and making certification more accessible, it creates a safer, more traceable environment for the industry.”
Steve Hutin, MD, RSS, said Whitehurst-Maiden will take live365 to its next stage of development. “Leanne is the perfect person to lead this initiative,” he said. “Her expertise will help push our company-wide training programme and drive further digital transformation. We’ve seen great success with live365 so far, but now it needs a specialist to take it forward, and Leanne is just that.”
Live365 is designed to offer greater data analysis, allowing customers to better track safety trends and improve preventative measures. It will play a key role in standardising operations within RSS’s growing hire fleet and improving internal compliance processes. As part of the initiative, live365 will support regional teams with marketing materials, sales presentations, and training.
Whitehurst-Maiden sees the project as an exciting challenge. “This is a massive undertaking that connects multiple elements of the business,” she said. “But the potential is enormous. It’s clear that digitalisation is the future, not just for RSS but for the lifting industry as a whole.”
With this new appointment, RSS is committed to advancing digitalisation as a key driver of safety, compliance, and efficiency in the lifting sector.
