We act as a champion, adviser, advocate and trainer for health and safety professionals working in organisations of all shapes and sizes, in around 130 countries. Our focus is to support our members in creating workplaces that are safer, healthier and more sustainable. And we do this in many different ways, including a professional development programme, events, helplines, and up-to-date technical advice. Our Training and Skills products and other IOSH approved courses provide valuable knowledge, skills and qualifications for members and their colleagues.
I’m Anthony Atencio my role as a Regional Manager for Scotland is to develop, lead and manage a portfolio of volunteer led networks, directing their outputs in line with the IOSH strategy, to support the member value proposition and to deliver the charitable objects of the institution. I work within communities to promote good OSH practice, linking with educators and other stakeholders to develop the reach of IOSH within Scotland. I work with my Network committees to develop and deliver relevant events which enhance and contribute to continued professional development for those within health and safety roles.
Having hosted a joint Webinar with the Inverness Chamber of commerce in May, I thought this member of the week opportunity was a great way to remind members to stay tuned in to other IOSH virtual events and resources. As the globally leading health and safety organisation, we have produced several free guidance documents, training, and other resources on helping companies return to work safely through the Covid-19 pandemic.
You can find our free returning safely resources here: https://iosh.com/coronavirus/returning-safely/. We also have an upcoming (October 28th) Webinar: Behavioural Safety Isn’t Magic, But it Can Be! This presentation features Scottish magician duo called Fifth Dimension who approach learning and implementing health and safety in an entirely unique way. Register for this free event now: https://iosh.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I1luJjvfS9WA1ZuVDMTBUA
The pandemic is teaching us that, along with safe systems and equipment, workplaces prosper when they invest in their people. IOSH’s human capital campaign, launched in September, will highlight that sustainable and resilient organisations require workforces that are trained, managed and supported. As a priority area in our WORK 2022 strategy, this is an important strand of work for IOSH.
Over the next 12 months, we’re reviewing our membership grades to enhance and future-proof the global occupational safety and health profession. The world of work has changed significantly since our grades were last set (in 2006) and OSH professionals are faced with more complex challenges, which require a broader set of skills, knowledge and behaviours. As the Chartered Institution for OSH, IOSH sets the standard for the profession, guided by our competency framework, which we have strengthened following extensive research, to reflect the need for technical as well as business and behavioural competencies. This membership grades review is the logical next step to ensure that our grades reflect the broader nature of OSH roles today and the needs of employers. Outside of that, we plan to continue our business as usual whilst adapting to and helping other organisations adapt to the continuously changing environment caused by the pandemic.
We’re delighted our Returning Safely campaign was launched to give state-of-the-art and relevant advice to support members in ensuring the return to work post-lockdown is a safe one. The campaign focuses on four areas – safe people, safe workplace, safe systems and safe equipment, with advice on legal obligations and risk assessments. It has generated widespread engagement across social media and coverage in Mail Online, Government and Business, Huffington Post, The Mirror, Sky News and The Times – Ireland.
Inverness Chamber asked us what we value most about our membership: “Becoming a member has helped us establish that our “glocal” (global, yet local) reach can be easier to realise than we thought. We can spread our vision of a safe and healthy world of work by connecting with those closer to us.”
Our top-tip for other chamber members to maximise their membership would be to reach out to Stewart and his team. They are very friendly and willing to collaborate and work with you to achieve your goals.
We are constantly producing events (virtually at the moment) and encourage you to browse through our upcoming events here: https://iosh.com/events/all-events/ however if you would like a more local offering, please follow your nearest Branch (Highlands and Islands) LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iosh-highlands-islands-branch or our IOSH Scotland LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iosh-scotland
Web: iosh.com/
Facebook: @IOSHofficial
Twitter: @IOSH_tweets
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/iosh/