Focus

Better business, safer staff - Go chartered!

November 2005

Chartered Status for health and safety practitioners will lead to better business decisions and safer workplaces, according to IOSH (the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health).

To receive the new designation, practitioners will have to undertake Initial Professional Development (IPD) as well as enrol on mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD). An open book assessment and professional interview ensure that their skills and knowledge are fresh and kept up to date.

A recent IOSH/Macmilllian Davies Hodes Survey found that 40 per cent of health and safety professionals believed CPD would help them do their jobs better. By requiring mandatory CPD, IOSH is ensuring that standards within the profession are raised to new heights. The survey also highlighted the growing number of safety and health professionals currently reporting directly to their board or governing body, now at 49 per cent.

IOSH President, Lawrence Waterman, said: "You wouldn't employ someone who wasn't Corgi-registered to deal with a faulty boiler, and you wouldn't want an accountant dealing with your finances who wasn't chartered. The same rule should apply to health and safety.

"We're raising our game so that business and industry can reap the benefits. The days when a health and safety practitioner could go around a workplace with just a checklist and pen have long gone. Chartered safety and health practitioners will be a different breed, providing practical solutions to everyday problems in the workplace and communicating in the language of business."

Established in 1945 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 2003, IOSH is Europe's leading body for health and safety professionals, representing over 28,000 members. Principally a UK-based body, it also has an increasing international profile, with members in more than 50 countries. An independent, not-for-profit organisation, the Institution regulates and steers the profession, maintaining standards and providing impartial, authoritative guidance on health and safety issues. IOSH provides a centre of excellence for professional standards; promotes awareness of the importance of health, safety and sustainability; advances research and disseminates knowledge; encourages, facilitates and leads communication of information, good practice and expertise; and supports and develops the competence of members.

For more information on chartered status and the IOSH CPD scheme visit www.iosh.co.uk/corecompetent

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appropriate European Commission Directives, Regulations and Decisions, UK Acts of Parliament and appropriate Statutory Instruments from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
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Planning Policy Guidance Series (PPGs)
Process Guidance Notes Series (PGs)
Technical Guidance Notes (TGs)
Chief Inspector Guidance Series 1 (IPRs)
Chief Inspector Guidance Series 2 (S 2)
Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG)
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