Changes to the Regulation and Approval of First Aid at Work Training

A number of you will likely have been contacted regarding forthcoming changes to the way in which first aid training is approved. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed that the current HSE approval system for first aid training providers will end in April 2013.

It’s important to note that a period of consultation is underway and to date nothing has been stated categorically by the HSE on the requirement for first aid at work training providers in the future.

Also being looked at is First aid guidance provided to employers and we anticipate there being greater flexibility in choosing first aid training, suitable for their workplaces and the risks there-in moving forward

With specific regard to training we are aware that from the 1 January 2013 Awarding Organisations regulated by Ofqual, will be permitted to award a qualification in First Aid at Work (FAW). This will sit alongside current means of achieving First aid at Work Qualifications through HSE approved training providers, such as Acorn.

How Does This Affect You?

To date no decision has been made and our advice is therefore to wait until such time as the consultation has ended and the HSE have published their recommendations.  

Currently Acorn are aware of three options are being considered:

• De- regulation, where employers will make their own decisions
• A requirements for training to be delivered through and ‘OFQUAL’ approved provider
• Standards being set by an industry body

Whatever the outcome, Acorn has already taken the steps needed to ensure continuity of delivery and the continued provision of high quality first aid training to our customers. We are:

• ISO 9001:2008 accredited organisation employing a team of advisors and trainers who can give grounded, pragmatic advice
• A long standing members of the Association of First Aiders (AOFA), one of several industry bodies
• A registered centre for Qualsafe Awards, one of approximately fourteen OFQUAL regulated providers

In the coming weeks we’ll be keeping you updated on development so that you can make a better informed decision from April onwards.