New accreditation scheme for consultants

17 August 2010

A new UK scheme to accredit safety consultants is likely to be announced in the next few weeks.

Work to develop the scheme, called for by IOSH for a number of years, has been accelerated as a result of Lord Young’s government review into health and safety. Lord Young has been critical of people operating as unqualified consultants, and blames them for some of the worst examples of over-the-top actions carried out in the name of health and safety.

The scheme, which will be voluntary, is likely to be introduced early next year, but announced soon. It will be set up and initially chaired by the Health and Safety Executive, and has been developed by a group of professional bodies led by IOSH and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. A consortium of professional bodies will eventually run the register.

IOSH members working as consultants will have to be Chartered to join the scheme, so that clients can be confident that they will get advice from someone with a degree level qualification in safety, practical experience, and a formal commitment to Continuing Professional Development.

IOSH Chief Executive Rob Strange said:

“IOSH has been lobbying for safety consultants to be licensed or accredited since 2003. We’re pleased that our work in this area is now paying off. We agree with Lord Young’s view that ‘cowboy consultants’ have given health and safety a bad name with ridiculously OTT advice. And, worse, we believe that unqualified advice can lead to lives being put at risk.

“It’s vital that businesses looking for help – often small firms – get sound, proportionate advice on health and safety, and that they have confidence in those advising them.

“Research shows that there is support from both bona fide consultants and small businesses for this sort of scheme.

“We see the scheme as setting the standard for competent, qualified and experienced health and safety consultants, and helping to restore confidence in health and safety.”

Consultants on the scheme will have to pay an annual fee, but it’s been made clear that this will be to cover administrative costs only.

Have a look at our frequently asked questions [PDF 24 KB] for more on the planned scheme. Keep an eye on the FAQ list, as details are still being thrashed out and we’ll add updates whenever we can.