Employers are required to appoint one or more competent persons to assist them in complying with health and safety law. For many small and medium-sized businesses, employing a full-time in-house health and safety professional is not practical.

Our Competent Person service provides retained health and safety support for businesses that need access to competent advice, ongoing guidance, and a clear point of contact for day-to-day health and safety matters.

What is a "Competent Person"? 

Under Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must appoint one or more competent persons to assist them in undertaking the measures needed to comply with health and safety law. A competent person must have the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience, and other qualities to provide that support.

Why Many Businesses Use an External Competent Person

For many small and medium-sized businesses, employing a full-time in-house health and safety professional is not proportionate or financially practical.

However, the legal duty to appoint competent assistance still applies. Businesses need access to suitable health and safety knowledge, experience, and advice to help manage risk and support compliance in a practical way.

Our External Competent Person Service

North East Health and Safety can act as your external competent health and safety adviser, providing retained support that is proportionate to your business and risk profile. This service is suitable for businesses that need ongoing advice without employing an in-house health and safety manager.

What Our Competent Person Service Includes

• Access to competent health and safety advice by telephone and email
• Support with day-to-day compliance questions
• Review of existing health and safety policy documentation
• Site inspections, depending on package level
• Updates on significant health and safety changes relevant to your business
• Practical support with routine health and safety matters

Why Businesses Use Our Competent Person Service

• Retained access to competent health and safety support
• A practical alternative to employing a full-time in-house adviser
• North East based support from an experienced local consultant
• Advice tailored to your business activities and level of risk
• Flexible support that can grow with your business

Need Retained Health and Safety Support?

If your business needs access to competent health and safety advice, contact North East Health and Safety to discuss the most suitable level of support for your operations and risk profile.