Posted By Tracey Thompson I am currently working through CPD with no problems but would like to ask a question regarding this. A colleague of mine has been employed for around two years and has the general certificate, which was obtained more than five years ago (not quite sure when). As I understand it he has a couple of years experience, previous to this employment, in a health and safety role. He never subscribed to IOSH following his qualification and subsequently does not follow CPD. As he is expected to carry out the same duties as my other colleagues and I who are equally qualified with MIOSH and one Chartered member, I would like to know what the IOSH view would be on this? He claims that he does not have to prove his competence and that he keeps himself updated by scouring the websites. I know what our thoughts are, but does or should CPD still apply to him?

Posted By Pete48 Tracey, I agree with anon. Without opening the pandora's box that is to mention competence on this forum, I would say that in the final analysis it is the employer who determines competence. They may rely upon membership of a professional institution in their judgement or they may not. Equally they may rely upon proof of original academic study plus "earnt" experience. Or even, in some cases, just proven achievement that they recognise as relevant to the tasks or duties. Being able to demonstrate that you have continued to develop yourself through life is increasingly important in the modern world. The IOSH CPD scheme is held by many, but not all, to be a good example of structured and recorded CPD. It is, of course, essential if you wish to remain in the IOSH "club". But, and this is the big but, it is not a legal requirement to be with IOSH in order to work in H&S. That is, not yet some might say. So, your colleague appears to have a point, is it a good one? Only he and his employer can tell that. Would you be happy if he were paid more than you I wonder?

Posted By Pete48 Tracey, Ouch, sorry. have you got back into your chair yet? Don't let it deter you from your route thru CPD will you. One day...... pete

Posted By Hazel Harvey Tracey, The IOSH Code of Conduct point 4 states: 'Members shall take all reasonable steps to obtain, maintain and develop their professional competence by attention to new developments in occupational safety and health and shall encourage others working under their supervision to do so. They must comply with the IOSH CPD scheme if required to do so'. Obviously your colleague isn't under this code and so doesn't need to formally comply with CPD as prescribed by IOSH. However, if he claims to be competent to offer H&S advice and he doesn't have some records of how he has maintained his current competence he may find himself in a tricky position if he was called on to do so! One of the main reasons for being part of a professional body is the common ethos of the profession as laid down by our code. This is what actually sets the members of the profession apart from those who 'practice'. Most employers recognise this aspect of a professional. Although someone who doesn't sign up to the professional body may well have sufficient knowledge and experience to 'practice',there is no redress for anyone affected by their work should there be cause for complaint, other than formal legal actions.We are all familiar of this aspect of being a professional from the established professions such as medicine and law. As long as you are confident that your current competence is suitable for the job you are doing and you know your own limitations,this kind of professional regulation is in fact a very good selling point for members of IOSH, which they don't use enough! Hazel Harvey Director of Professional Affairs