Firstly, H&S Reps do not have a responsiby they have a function. I am not being picky here, the reason no responsibility is assigned is to make everyone clear that the Safety Rep cannot be held responsible for their representations and to encourage people to become involved without fear of any actions. In regard the question, it is dependent upon the size of the organisation and the amount of reps along with the willingness of the employer. I say willingness as there are two types of safety reps, the Union Safety Rep who is covered under stature law the 'Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations 1977' SRSC and has therefore more 'leverage' shall we say. Or there is the 'Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 (as amended)' The key word as in most Health and Safety talk is the employer is expected to give whatever time is reasonable to carry out their function, so quite rightly time must be assigned in accordance to the size of the function, to be prescriptive could hinder longer investigations, inspections etc. It is about building up a good working relationship with the management/ Human Resources and being reasonable, after all the role helps both employees and employer. A supportive employer should fully engage as he is getting help from the very people who he is under a duty to protect and they are helping him conform to his statutory duties. I was a H&S Rep SRSC and my employer was reluctant a first but quickly realised the benefits of working together and in the end it worked very well. If you are a SRSC rep 'access the Brown Book' this is 'the bible' so to say as to your rights. If your are a non union rep access the H&S website there is information there that clearly defines the function of the non union rep. I would also add that you are entitled to reasonable time for training to carry out your function without loss of pay and if you are new to the role the need to be trained in the basic H&S knowledge required is obviously more pressing. Hope this helps as always in life answers are not straight forward.