Posted By Davey Young
I have completed my NEBOSH general certificate and have been managing my ex companies H&S for the last 2 years although this wasn't my main occupation. Unfortunately the company has closed down at the end of April and I have been left high and dry. I have a friend who manages a small community/charitable organisation with 6 employees mainly office based who has asked me to come and do an H&S audit and make some recommendations. I carried out regular H&S audits on-site in my last job and had written reports etc. But I would be worried that I may not legally be allowed to carry out this type of work. Obviously this would be done on a self employed basis but would it make sense to get some insurance cover etc. if indeed I would be able to carry out this work. I have already enrolled on a few other courses this year such as manual handling training assessor, the NEBOSH Fire certificate and DSE assessor. These I had paid for before my redundancy luckily. Until i find full time employment again I know of several other organisations that may use my services so I know I could get a few days work. Sorry for being long winded but simply put A:would it be OK to do it B: should I get insurance C: What rates would apply would it be simply time taken i.e if it takes a one day charge accordingly.

Posted By Pete48
Davey, a couple of links that will help you understand more about self employment and/or setting up a business.
http://www.adviceguide.o...employment_checklist.htm

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/startingup/

If you give advice to anyone you must be clear about exactly what advice you are giving or what work you have undertaken. You should also clearly identify your qualifications and experience. So, "come and do me a safety check" is not good news for even the most experienced and competent person. "Can you do my DSE assessments" is much easier. Do you see my point.
Do you think you are able to do an H&S audit of his undertaking? Are you confident about recognising the hazards, can you recommend appropriate controls? Have you ever done this sort of audit before?
I would counsel caution and seek further help before agreeing to do any work as s self employed person.
However to answer one of your questions. There is nothing to stop you from accepting a fee for H&S work and you can charge what you can get your client to pay. I know self employed persons who would charge £150 a day and others who charge £750 a day for the same sort of general H&S work. Many will not get out of bed for less than £400 a day.

Posted By Davey Young
Pete, Bob
Really appreciate the advice. Firstly I would never do anything that I feel I am not capable of doing and wouldn't be carrying out anything I haven't done before. The organisation concerned is worried as any H&S information/advice they have received has been from their accountant who also supplies them with IT back up and what I am told has no formal or basic H&S training who was a close friend of the previous manager. Again I feel it would really important to always be upfront with qualifications & experience that I have. Cheers