NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) and IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management) have signed a new agreement that will see the two organisations work more closely together in the future.

Ian Taylor, NEBOSH Chief Executive, and Phillip Pearson, IIRSM Chief Executive, announced a Memorandum of Understanding on 28 March at the evening drinks reception of IIRSM’s 2019 Annual Conference.

The new agreement sees the two organisations formalise their ongoing partnership; together they have committed to developing new risk education opportunities for existing and aspiring health, safety and risk professionals.

Control of risk is an important part of the remit for any health and safety practitioner. By combining NEBOSH and IIRSM’s expertise, it is envisaged that these professionals can gain even greater education and competence in risk management.

Ian Taylor said “NEBOSH has worked with IIRSM for many years so I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to further cement our working relationship. Our two organisations have complementary purposes in that we are both here to protect people though education and training. This Memorandum of Understanding provides us with an even greater platform from which to make workplaces even safer for the people working in them.”

Phillip Pearson said, “We are delighted to be working more closely with NEBOSH on the development and dissemination of risk education. Good risk management practice protects profits and reputation, but more importantly people. It is a fundamental competence for any health and safety professional. This Memorandum of Understanding provides greater opportunities to support individuals and organisations in developing their risk capabilities.” 

For holders of NEBOSH qualifications, IIRSM has long recognised them as a route to membership. People who hold a NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety are eligible for Associate membership (AIIRSM) whilst those who have achieved the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety are eligible for full membership (MIIRSM).​

About NEBOSH

NEBOSH is a leading global brand in health, safety and environmental qualifications.  Our internationally recognised qualifications help to raise the competence of safety and environmental professionals as well as individuals at all levels in the workplace.

Since our inception in 1979 more than half a million people from around the world have studied for a NEBOSH qualification.  Tens of thousands join their number every year studying with our network of 600 course providers in over 132 countries.

Our qualifications are highly respected by governments, employers and our students.  They build the knowledge and skills which underpin competent performance as a health, safety and environmental professional. NEBOSH qualifications are recognised by the relevant professional membership bodies including the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and IIRSM.

In 2014, NEBOSH received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Outstanding Achievement in International Trade in recognition of our international success.

About IIRSM

IIRSM is a risk charity providing practical education, training, advice, resources and networking to help people and organisations manage the challenges they face.  We are independent and speak freely, helping businesses, public organisations, charities and policymakers appreciate the vital role risk management plays - from protecting profits and reputation, to more importantly lives.

Our global community of over 8,000 work in a range of sectors and risk disciplines such as business continuity and crisis management, compliance, emergency planning, environmental management, insurance, occupational health and safety, project management, quality management, risk management, security and more.