Evolving Landscape of Health and Safety Qualifications in UK & Ireland

The occupational health and safety landscape across the UK and Ireland is undergoing continuous evolution, driven by new legislation, emerging workplace risks, and a commitment to best practices. In response, leading awarding bodies – the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) – have announced significant updates to their qualifications for 2024 and 2025. These revisions aim to ensure that professionals are equipped with the most current knowledge and skills to effectively safeguard workplaces.

These ongoing developments highlight a commitment to maintaining the relevance and robustness of health and safety training. Practitioners will be better prepared to address modern challenges such as mental health, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements. Employers and professionals alike are urged to stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance and foster a proactive safety culture.

IOSH: Enhanced Focus on Mental Health and Sustainability

IOSH continues to be a prominent force in practical health and safety training. While its flagship 'Managing Safely' course remains a cornerstone for managers and supervisors, recent updates signify an increased emphasis on specialist areas and digital delivery.

  • Managing Safely Refreshes: The core content of 'Managing Safely' is regularly reviewed to incorporate current best practices and minor legislative changes. IOSH has heavily invested in the digital delivery and interactive elements of the course to boost engagement and retention. The updated syllabus places a greater emphasis on contemporary issues such as mental health and wellbeing, exploring topics like work-related stress, promoting positive mental health, and understanding employer responsibilities under regulations like the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (UK) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (Ireland). Furthermore, the course will delve into environmental sustainability and the safety implications of emerging technologies like automation and artificial intelligence. The updated IOSH Managing Safely is expected to be fully implemented by late 2024.
  • Specialist Pathways and CPD: IOSH is developing and promoting specialist qualifications, such as 'IOSH Working Safely for Construction' and 'IOSH Managing Safely in Construction,' which are tailored to sector-specific hazards and regulatory requirements like the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) in Great Britain.
  • IOSH New Rules 2025: IOSH has introduced key updates for 2025, affecting training standards, competency requirements, and workplace safety best practices. These include new modules on mental health and psychosocial risks, an enhanced focus on hybrid work risks, and updated case studies on AI and automation workplace hazards. IOSH Working Safely now includes climate change and sustainability risks.

NEBOSH: General Certificate Revisions and Digital Assessments

NEBOSH, a globally recognised awarding body, has also made significant revisions to its qualifications to ensure they remain current and relevant.

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see confined space trainer courses or explore fire safety instructor training for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

  • General Certificate Updates for 2026: Both the NEBOSH National and International General Certificates in Occupational Health and Safety have undergone a review and update for 2026. Teaching of the revised syllabi will begin on 2 February 2026, with the first assessments taking place from 4 March 2026. The final assessment date for the current (2018 specification) syllabus for NG1/IG1 is 5 August 2026, and for NG2/IG2 is 6 August 2026.
  • Assessment Structure Changes: The qualification will continue to be assessed through two units, but these will be renamed. The updated assessment includes a practical assessment where learners will complete a risk assessment and develop an action plan for their workplace.
  • Specialist Qualifications: NEBOSH has revised its Health and Safety Management for Construction qualification for 2025, addressing key industry risks and aligning the UK variant with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. In 2023/24, 51 fatalities occurred in Great Britain's construction industry, accounting for 37% of all work-related deaths in the country. The revised syllabus includes topics like fatigue and inspectors' powers, aiming to reduce such risks through targeted training.

QQI: Quality Assurance and First Aid Standards in Ireland

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and integrity of education and training in Ireland, including health and safety qualifications.

  • Quality Assurance and Standards: QQI's updates primarily focus on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and the standards required for programmes to be validated and recognised. This ensures that health and safety courses delivered by Irish training providers meet rigorous national standards and align with the requirements set out by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).
  • Occupational First Aid Transition: A significant change in Irish first aid provision saw the QQI Occupational First Aid (OFA) 5N1207 award deactivated after the June 2019 certification period. This reflects a broader shift in first aid training, with new guidelines from the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) influencing standards across both the UK and Ireland. Employers in the UK are now expected to ensure AEDs are available in most workplaces with around five or more people.
  • Safety and Health at Work (QQI Level 5): The QQI Level 5 Safety and Health at Work (5N1794) course remains a foundational qualification for those seeking to promote and maintain health and safety in the workplace. It covers the duties of employers and employees as specified in current Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation and explores the role of the Health and Safety Authority.

Staying abreast of these changes is not merely about certification; it's about fostering safer workplaces and reducing incidents across all sectors. For comprehensive training solutions that reflect these latest updates, consider Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.