A multi-level training programme developed by the Ministry of Defence for staff responsible for equipment safety has received approval from IIRSM. For those attaining the higher levels and participating in continuous professional development, there will be an opportunity to join the Institute at an appropriate level. This membership will be sponsored by the Ministry.

The programme has been developed by the Ministry’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) arm in association with the Defence Academy, who provide the training, and Cranfield University which has been responsible for developing the exams. IIRSM was approached to map the levels to Affiliate, Associate and Member grades. IIRSM Director of Policy & Research, Barry Holt, will be acting as moderator for the exams.

The programme is structured to provide progression from a basic awareness level up to levels which equip specialists to manage the safety of complex military projects at all stages of the procurement cycle.  Ultimately, the training suite provides a routemap to professional status for those who wish to become safety specialists. The courses contain a blend of on-line training with practical application workshops, and are validated at each stage through tutor assessment and formal testing.

As part of the approval process Barry Holt attended one of the 4-day workshops for the System Safety Process Management stage. Barry states "The course required participants to apply the learning which they had acquired in earlier courses to a real life scenario which was an extremely good test of their competence. Students all demonstrated a thorough understanding of the relevant issues"

Rosalind Roberts, the Senior Civil Service 1* Head of the DE&S Quality, Safety and Environmental Protection (QSEP) Team states: “Achieving IIRSM accreditation of our system safety courses is a major achievement for DE&S.  For the first time, it provides us with a clear path to professional status in the highly specialist field of equipment safety.  Working with IIRSM has been a very positive experience and I look forward to cementing our relationship over the coming years.”

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS

IIRSM
The International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) is a professional body for health and safety practitioners and specialists in related fields who have a health and safety remit.  It was set up to advance standards in accident prevention and occupational health throughout the world. 

Established in 1975 this not-for-profit organisation offers membership to practitioners in over 70 countries. IIRSM welcomes third sector engagement at every level and actively seeks partnerships with equivalent bodies throughout the world.  It has strong links with leading universities and international bodies and works to establish and promote standards of professional competence.

In support of its mission statement:  “to provide recognition, information, support and enhancement to our growing membership” IIRSM places the interests of its membership at the centre of everything it does.

www.iirsm.org

Additional Information contact
Eleanor Doherty
IIRSM
Tel: 0208 600 2378
Email: Eleanor.doherty@iirsm.org

Press Release Reference No: 001-14