Hi Andy, I went the NVQ5 route and after I achieved CMIOSH started a MSc in Safety & Risk Management at Strathclyde University via distance learning. With the diploma its a two year course (Post Grad Dip then MSc) that is hard work but well worth it. Good luck.

Hi Andy, I think when reviewing what next in terms of qualifications you have to ask yourself a whole host of queestions i.e. what will add value to my long term aspirations? Do I need anything to further my career? Do I plan on staying with my current employer long term? How much am I willing to spend on a course? What type of learning am I best suited to? Can I access any funding? Are you an auditor? does your job require any auditing? They are always worthwhile if you don't have any of those qualifications. What about enhancing fire or environmental qualifications? I hold an MSc and like Johnmc it was very worthwhile, you will not only learn deeper professional knowledge but you could also learn more about yourself - I certainly did. As you may know from research there are so many qualifications out there at present, perhaps writing down a few pro's and cons of the top 3 quals you would like to do may help steer you in a direction. Best of luck with whatever you choose.

Not sure if there are any distance learning courses now but Ergonomics? I did my Masters then moved into H&S by doing the PG Cert from Strathclyde distance learning.

Agree about the vocational quals as well. If the Masters is too big a commitment then specific quals can be valuable, but but consider either what you are interested in or what your current or future employer will find valuable. We are a growing H&S consultancy in the east Midlands and some of our consultants have taken further qualifications in manual handling, face fit testing, adult training and we are considering asbestos or noise as other possibilities. We have found competency in machinery H&S hard to resource.