Posted By 247hero Mods feel free to move this post. Hi all. I have recently begun a new job as a safety manager. It's multi site, with no safety procedures implemented only the basic rules and instructions. Dream job for me as I am going to be able to develop my skills as I develop the business. Here's the sticking point. I was not aware of the size of the task I was accepting, and I currently only have the gen cert. Although I have the drive ambition and a few nice ideas to make this job a total success, I lack some technical knowledge to go it totally alone. I'm proud of what I do for a living and want to do the best job I possibly can. So here's my question. Should I(possibly self fund) the NVQ level 4, so that I can implement the work I produce for the course, or would I be better off sitting the Nebosh diploma? Any advice would be greatfully received. (from those with experience of both qualifications even more so) Thanks in advance

Posted By CFT 247hero First I would ask what areas of technical experience you feel are missing to undertake this post? I can only speculate on the size of the business and the level of responsibility you have been tasked with, but by your own admission the company probably has little knowledge of OHS due to A. You finding that virtually nothing is in place and B. they were prepared to employ you with a certificate., (and I mean no disrespect to you with that latter comment). So, to your question; absolutely impossible to answer without spending some time with you, as far as a best guess scenario goes, I don't see how you will have the time to take the diploma and the time to study. The NVQ may not in this circumstance be the right avenue unless you can support it with a plethora of courses as you proceed along. One imminent concern that I have is with only the level 3 cert to hand what is the previous history of the company like in terms of accidents, Riddor, sec 21/22, etc etc, what is the exact size of the workforce, what geographical area are you going to be responsible for, who will support you, what happens when you are sick, on holiday, who will run the OHS ship? Sorry to be a pain and not answer your question precisely. Good luck CFT

Posted By CFT Of course, more than welcome, just click the live CFT link above and send me some contact details. CFT

Posted By jmc Hi Hero I was thinking about both these courses and done some research on here and other forums I found that most employers would prefer the person with the diploma over the nvq-4. But I thought it would be more suitable to go with the NVQ-4 as your not having to go on day release and I certainly would not like to do the diploma course after a days work. As long as you get good support from your nvq course provider I BELIVE THIS WOULD BE YOUR BEST WAY FOWARD. Good luck JMC