The Federation is keen to increase the number of volunteer health and safety (H&S) reps to ensure every site has one. This role is different to being a Federation Rep, but training and support will be provided.
Craig Robertson advises the Federation’s Exec Team on all things health and safety. Here he explains more about the H&S Rep role, the difference it makes to members, and how you can find out more.
Giving members a route to raise concerns
From my experience, colleagues are more comfortable raising concerns with peers than directly with management and having local H&S Reps encourages officers and staff to engage in open communication about safety. Further, when members know there is an active safety representative, it provides reassurance that there is someone available to provide support and take their concerns seriously.
Why this is important
Federation H&S Reps help to protect people, prevent injuries, and promote a culture where employees feel heard, and their health and safety truly matters. Having an established and qualified network of CNPF H&S representatives creates consistent safety working practices, faster action, shared learning, and a stronger collective voice. It ensures safety standards and expectations are upheld everywhere, and members receive a fair and consistent approach to safety across the organisation.
Internationally recognised training will be provided
CNPF H&S Reps will sit the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) Managing Safely qualification. This is an internationally recognised professional health and safety qualification which will enable Reps to confidently identify hazards and have the knowledge to work with other safety professionals in the organisation to implement measures that will make the workplace safer.
This is particularly valuable in the CNC because our members are spread across the UK, at different sites and with different working environments. A coordinated CNPF-wide network of qualified safety reps improves safety through a collective voice. When multiple Reps raise similar concerns across the organisation, it supports early identification of trends and patterns, strengthening the case for change and improvement.
The course will be undertaken online and will require the candidate to complete a series of e-learning modules and a final assessment, in their own time. The candidate will be enrolled by the Federation and will receive the necessary details to access the course, which will be delivered by the Federation’s partnered provider, Vital Skills. The course can typically be completed within 3 working days (24 hours).
Interested?
At this stage, we’re gathering expressions of interest, so please contact Craig Robertson by email (craig.robertson@cnc.police.uk) in the first instance and no later than Friday 17 April 2026.