Posted By Roger Question which I suppose is mainly aimed at freelance OS&H consultants. Has anyone else noticed that some businesses, usually involved at some stage in Management Services, that have probably had not too good a previous year or who want to 'diversify' suddenly decide to become 'experts' in providing OS&H services? I have stumbled on two this year who have directors without what I would consider the necessary qualifications, expereinece and expertise. And boy oh boy do they talk up a good job. You know, we're going to do this and we've got these plans and we're going to set on so many.....etc etc. Not exactly doing the industry much good I believe. Is licensing the answer? Thoughts anyone? Roger

Posted By Nick Higginson Fats Sorry about that, I just got your company name from yellow pages. Regards Nick

Posted By Merv Newman We have had a couple of these "newbies" come to us as they had contracted for work, found they couldn't do it and wanted to sub-contract. They were both offering day-rates around £300. We quoted our full commercial rate which, had they accepted, would certainly have meant that they were paying us more than they could possibly have got from their clients. I'm going to lead this one back to an earlier thread where I maintained that no-one outside of the profession, and many on the inside, do not know about iosh or the value of RSP. And who's fault is that ? We all know, for example, what CORGI stands for. Why not RSP ?

Posted By Heather Aston Merv You said "We all know, for example, what CORGI stands for. Why not RSP ?" I'm afraid it's because it's a legal requirement to use CORGI registered fitters but it's not a legal requirement to use RSP-qualified safety people. Anyway, everyone knows safety's only a matter of common sense - quick 1 week course and anyone can be an expert - right? Cynical? Moi? Heather

Posted By Roger Jez I don't think they ask for qualifications etc as I don't think the majority of SMEs know what to ask for and if they did ask they wouldn't know a NEBOSH from a KYBOSH. 'We' must somehow get ourselves known more, for example I know of a practicing consultant with NO qualifications not even a NEBOSH cert or BSC Dip, of 20 years, who last year blanket leafleted an industrial estate built in 2002 telling the occupiers that they MUST have an asbestos type 2 survey completed or they face certain 'death' - I then received calls from my clients who occupied these premises who where obviouusly worried. I telephoned the so called 'consultant' and asked him what his 'game' was and he said well its a nice earner when new legislation comes along....... What an unscrupulous to**er I find the best way to get my 'qualifiactions and expertise across is the reduction in their, SME's, insurance if they employ/utilise the services of a professional to 'manage' their H&S. One of my clients has just received a 26% reduction in his annual premium since employing me - time for a rate increase - unscrupulous to**er!!! Roger

Posted By Roger Yes Jez I guess that's the holy grail - how to hook into SMEs and really make a difference. Personally I guess when 'we' eventually become indivudally chartered as members that that will be a sign to the outside world. I'm not an accountant but I know that when I wanted one I chose a chartered accountant as he/she is considered at the top of his/her profession, same goes for surveyor so why not in the H&S industry. RSP, TechSP, MIOSH etc etc is really only known and recognised by our industry. So should IOSH bang the big base drum come July and get 'it' out in the public domain? Roger