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Key facts and statistics
- According to a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) study, workplace injuries and illnesses cost the UK economy £16.2 billion in 2019/20.
- In the healthcare sector alone, the National Health Service (NHS) estimates that staff sickness absence costs the organisation approximately £2.4 billion annually.
- Properly trained staff are less likely to cause accidents, leading to reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and enhanced workplace morale.
Key definitions
- Mandatory training - Refers to the essential courses and certifications required by law or regulation to ensure employees possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their roles safely and effectively.
- Employer responsibility - The legal duty of employers to provide a safe working environment, including adequate training and supervision, to protect the health and safety of employees.
Relevant legislation, regulations, and best practice
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - This legislation imposes a general duty on employers to ensure their employees' health, safety, and welfare.
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations - The CQC mandates specific training requirements in healthcare and social care settings to guarantee high-quality care provision.
- Regulatory bodies - Professional regulatory bodies such as the General Medical Council (GMC) and Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) outline mandatory training standards for healthcare professionals.
Identifying training needs
Employers must conduct thorough risk assessments to identify the training needs of their workforce. This involves assessing job roles, potential hazards, and regulatory requirements to determine the essential training courses for employees.
Providing comprehensive training
Once training needs are identified, employers should ensure access to high-quality training programmes that cover relevant topics such as health and safety, safeguarding, infection control, and equality and diversity.
Monitoring and evaluation
Employers must regularly monitor and evaluate training effectiveness to ensure ongoing compliance and address gaps or deficiencies. This may involve assessing staff competence, gathering feedback, and updating training materials as necessary.
Recommendations
- Invest in quality training - Prioritise investing in accredited training providers and resources that meet regulatory standards and align with organisational needs.
- Promote a culture of learning - Encourage a culture of continuous learning and development among employees, fostering a proactive approach to training and professional growth.
- Stay updated - Stay abreast of changes in legislation, regulations, and best practices to ensure that training programmes remain current and effective.
Conclusion
Employers play a pivotal role in ensuring their workforce's safety, well-being, and competency through effective mandatory training. Organisations can create safer, more productive work environments by adhering to legal obligations, adopting best practices, and prioritising employee development. Let's commit to upholding these responsibilities and fostering a culture of excellence in training and development.
Click here to explore our comprehensive range of mandatory training courses to meet legal obligations and ensure staff safety. Upgrade to ComplyPlus LMS™ for accredited courses and seamless training management. Invest in your workforce's future today.
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
