For a complete guide to safety reps, Google SRSC Regs, or otherwise known as the "Brown Book" all the answers are there.

The answer is under reg 5 (1) Safety reps are entitled to inspect the workplace or part of it if they have given the employer or his representative reasonable notice in writing to do so and have not inspected it, or that part of it, as the case may be in the previous three months; and may carry out more frequent inspections by agreement with the employer. It might be prudent to read all of reg 5 though, my typing skills are not quick enough for this forum!!

They don't have responsibilities, but 'functions'. It would seem a simple courtesy to inform management and work with them towards a common goal!

I have recently been appointed as H&S Advisor, new to the company. Previous employer the norm was that the management team was advised of surveys etc as a matter of courtesy (as per post by Phil) but the rep at the new employer (with whom I have a good working relationship) didn't mention plans to canvass. It's something I would like to have discussed as it might have been better to canvass the whole workforce as opposed to a few (possibly cherry picked) individuals. I ensure that the rep is kept up to date with management plans and projects / progress as is required. Maybe it's just me but feel the common goal has been knocked off track a bit. Thank you for your responses, just wanted to see what other peoples' understanding of the requirements was.