BECTU Safety Reps part 1

This course is designed to introduce you to the rights, duties and responsibilities of Union Safety Representatives so that you can act effectively on behalf of BECTU members. You must attend parts 1 and 2 or a TUC part 1 course to receive your official accreditation as a BECTU Safety Rep.

The course is organised in two blocks of 3 days, typically a month apart, to facilitate time off work to attend. Attendance on both courses earns accreditation from the Open College Network and a BECTU Certificate, and the two parts combine to be the equivalent of the TUC Stage 1 course.

Who should attend this course?

This course is designed specifically for union safety reps who have been nominated by their branch or shop.

Your right to train

As a nominated union safety representative you have legal rights to undergo training for your role - these are contained in the Safety Reps & Safety Committee Regulations (SRSC Regs) 1977. For a quick reference go to 'Rights to Attend Trade Union training'.

Learning Outcomes

'Learning outcomes' are a way to describe what a course or a workshop will contain. Instead of listing what is included we spell out what you will be expected to know by the end of the course. By the end of this course you will:

• Have greater knowledge of UK health and safety legislation

• Understand the role of the Safety Rep

• Be aware of your legal rights and responsibilities

• Learn about the role of safety committees 

• Be confident in carrying out safety inspections

• Understand the risk assessment process better

• Develop your communication and problem solving skills

In broad terms, part 1 deals with the rights and responsibilities of safety reps and part 2 deals with substantive legislation (e.g. risk assessment, workplace regulations etc.). Although designed for safety reps where BECTU has recognition for collective bargaining purposes, it is still useful for reps where the union is not recognised and also for freelance reps.

What next?

After completing this course you should apply to attend  BECTU Safety Reps part 2 so that you can be accredited as a BECTU safety representative.

Once you have completed both parts of the course, you are strongly recommended to apply for the TUC course 'Next Steps for Safety Reps: Stage 2'  once you have had some experience in your role.

In time you can continue your progression to the TUC Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety or other specialist safety programmes such as those run by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety & Health (NEBOSH) .

If you prefer to learn online then you can study for both the Stage 2 and TUC Diploma as online options.

Not the course you are looking for?

This course is being held at BECTU head office in London