Posted By Mark Gough It is always preferable to have an in house person named in the H&S policy which in theory would be part of their wider role so cost nothing. Having a consultant is a lot like buying a second hand car buyer beware the cost quality and reliability can be variable. It is also worth noting from an enrorcement point of view having a consultant does not take away the companies responsibilities or mitigate those responsibiliyies in any proceedings. If your been ask to be the competant person and feel you have the skills knowledge experiance than it will be good for your cv and worth raising when discussing pay !!