Hi all, I was talking to another safety officer from a different company and we got onto the subject of policy. Long story short he told me never to name anyone in a policy? Have i missed something?  

The simple act of saving time, effort and paper in not having to update documentation when the name of a position holder changes - the larger an organisation the more effort is required.

The only document bearing a name / signature is the overarching HSE policy as evidence of their "commitment"

Generally an organisations structure is well defined - Managing Director, Finance Director, Operations etc. - the duty holder can change through retirement, promotion etc. whereas the roles tend to remain fairly consistent.

The policies and procedures would refer to the MD being responsible for.. rather than Mr Joe Bloggs or Mr Joe Bloggs MD.

I am in the middle of nightmare currently. The organisation I work for is currently removing a complete tier of management. So not are individuals going but roles as well. In policy document I would never attach responsibility to a name.  Peoples jobs change and just because they are still in post does not mean that are able to continue in a particular role.  Fred Bloggs might as Head Of Operations be able to chair the H&S committee but when he moves to Customer Outreach you need someone else and everything has to be updated.