IOSH & NEBOSH for DWP

Why we were required

The client identified a requirement for the Provision of IOSH (Institute of Safety and Health) and NEBOSH (National Examination Board of Safety and Health), certificated/accredited training for Civil Servants EO to Grade 7.
We were able to bring a unique blend of skills and expertise that matched the requirement for the provision and delivery of the accredited Training Programme on a national basis. This was further supported by our clear understanding of the client’s organisational set up and individual job roles. This means we were able to provide consistency across a large organisation.
This project requires qualified and accredited Safety practitioner/Trainers, to deliver the training and the registration of the delivery organisation (Premier) with IOSH and NEBOSH to deliver these events and invigilate the examinations.

When we did it

This contract has been running since January 2007

Were there any sustainability benefits

Our Environmental Policy and ISO 14001 accreditation commits us to assess and regularly re-assess the environmental impacts of our activities. One of the ways we have reduced paper use and materials sent out for this project was to
create a dedicated members area on the Premier Partnership website, this allows us to upload pre-course material.

How customers objectives were met

Our initial meeting with each of the key stakeholder groups, identified ways in which we could tailor the events to meet the needs of any particular group of delegates from within the DWP organisation.
The Institute of Safety and Health allow each Managing Safely course to contain one module specific to the needs of the participants or of their employing organisation. Therefore as a result of our initial set up meeting, a module was created that addressed key topics and challenges the delegates faced within their work environment.

In addition to the design of the module specific phase of the project, Premier Health and Safety subject matter experts, identified Job Specific Case Studies, Examples and references within each of the 6 core modules of the NEBOSH accredited training course, and the Risk Assessment module of the IOSH accredited training course.
Practical examinations were undertaken within the organisations premises, with Premier facilitators undertaking practical preparation of examination areas. This ensured that this Nationally recognised training programme was as Organisational and Job Specific as possible, without removing the fundamentals of Safety Training within the programme.
The contract required 10 days face to face training from qualified Safety Practitioner/Trainers. 4 weeks self study, self study guides, and access to subject matter experts and course leader throughout the self study period. 2 written and 1 practical
examination, preceded by 1 day refresher and mock examination day.

Our key stakeholder start up meeting identified with the client:

• Current needs of the participants with regard to safety management
• Challenges faced by the participants and organisation I terms of health and safety
• Current levels of knowledge and responsibilities with regard to workplace safety
• Identification of suitable topics for the organisation specific module of the IOSH
  event
• Discussion topics relevant to the participants
• Relevant examples and anecdotes
• Participant specific case studies appropriate to the participants
• Use of internal policies and procedures where appropriate
• Undertaking exercises within DWP sites.

Working closely with the Key Stakeholders we identified clear performance indicators. A pass rate of above the national average of 65%. Practical processes and procedures that could be taken back to the work place and implemented. An internal communication strategy for newly qualified IOSH members.
Premier Partnership provided a secure on line chat room for delegates undertaking the programme. This enabled them to contact subject matter experts, access case studies, be signposted to relevant Learning aids/websites, and have immediate responses to Q/A forum.

Outcome

Passing the practical and written examination papers in the NEBOSH examination, PT1& PT2, enables successful candidates to apply for membership of IOSH (Institute of Safety and Health). To date 14 cohorts of Civil Servants from within the DWP have been taken through the NEBOSH examination with a 100% pass rate. This has significantly increased the number of qualified Health and Safety practitioners within the DWP organisation.
The IOSH Managing Safety certificate, is the first qualification professional Safety Practitioners undertake. To date 10 cohorts of 12 Civil Servants from within the DWP have undertaken this examination with a near 100% pass rate with initiatives in place to support retakes where necessary.
The outcomes of these events will significantly improve Safety Practices and Work Life Balance initiatives within the DWP.