Do you really think that 'giving proportionate advice' is a standard?!

Most of us would agree about examples of grossly disproportionate advice being given, but there's a massive grey area in the middle which is open to interpretation and where H&S professionals would disagree - you only need to scan through the archives to see that.

Yes it is early days, but has any consultant received a call from a potential client who has found them on the register?

Chris

Yes I have.

Jon

I am aware of a number - none of whom post or use this facility.

Jon

So, are the IOSH top-brass going to walking around wearing Fedoras ?
Nice suits with BIG lapels ?
Maybe the odd tommy-gun or two ?

Chris, not quite what you asked for but perhaps an indication of the way things are going.

I recently went for an interview with a substantial consulting entity. They were only looking to recruit CMIOSH bods because it was intended to register every consultant (new or existing) on OSHCR. The fact that I was already registered was of great interest!

Jon,

There is no question about the aspiration.

However, the more I learn, the more I realise I have to learn. For that reason - and because the consultant's opinion is only as good as the information gleaned and provided, I would qualify "best" with "with the information available at the time" as opposed to the implication that the use of "best" is in its superlative, unqualified form.

I cannot hope to know everything so I am happy with a baseline of very good while aspiring to the best (as qualified above).

Regards

But, nobody seems to want to tells us how good it is and what benefits have or are being derived from it.
Futhermore, can anyone advise how it (The Register) is being monitored for efficiency i.e value for money?

I will be attending another consultants' association meeting early next month; perhaps a more meaningful synopsis will be obtained then.

Jon

Have to admit when I look to part with my hard earned money I research first as to what's available, cost involved etc. Even look for testimonial information and of course 'word of mouth' that has the odd time swayed my personal view as not to just look for letters etc to indicate the level of service to expect or would be otherwise disappointed.
This is in regards to any industry or service provision!

Sdkfz181

Sounds like a "boss" job with a wise employer. I guess he was aware of your safety enginerring qualities and abilities. With very best wishes for your success.

I was with an American based VP HSE last week whilst he was on a tour of European manufacturing units. He never asked of OHSCR registration or other designatory letters to follow my name. Like you, my role and fee has increased as I now have 17 PUs to manage on safety and compliance issues- both here and in in the EU.

They are not shops, schools or offices so I guess endorsement on the Register would be an irrelevance in any event. The same would/should apply to your new position.

Jon

John M. I don't understand your references to "shops schools and offices" with respect to the OSHCR.

You are mixing up two different aspects of the Young report.

In the section on "low hazard" (sic) workplaces he talks about such premises being able to manage their own safety and about simple risk assessments, checklists, exemptions from certain requirements, etc.

In the section on "raising standards" (in which consultants get the blame for all the evils of the world) he talks about setting up the register (among other things).

There is no mention either in the report or on the OSHCR website about the register only being for "low hazard" workplaces.

Having said that I totally agree that anyone who is already an acknowledged specialist in a particular field has no need whatsoever to be on a register such as this. Similarly as we all know, the best way to get repeat business is by doing a good job for existing clients in the first place. Most of them won't care if you're on the Register or not if they like the work you do.

It remains to be seen whether being on the Register (for those of us who have shelled out the £30) will be of any benefit at all. Ask me again in 6 months. Right now the jury is out and I think we need to give it time before we write it off.

Sdkfz - I'm delighted to hear things are working out so well for you. Obviously you are well qualified and working in a specialist field. OSHCR is clearly irrelevant to you and maybe IOSH is too. However not everyone in the profession is in your position, as you can see all too clearly if you read some of the postings on the careers forum here, and for many people, IOSH certainly remains relevant. As I say it remains to be seen whether OSHCR is or not!

I am referring to what Lord Young said in response to questions at the two seminars I attended. It does help if his words are analysed and quoted in context. Everyone who attended the seminar in London knows what was said and in what context. If words mean anything they must mean what they say. Please dont reply by saying that is not what he meant. It just won't cut!

What he wrote and what he actually said are oceans apart.

Jon