All employers have regulatory responsibilities with which they must comply. For example, the 'Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. To meet these obligations, training must be provided. The training must equip staff with the knowledge and skills to support a safe workplace. Organisations must be able to evidence that staff have completed this training. As a member of staff you are responsible for applying the learning to your work or raising concerns where this is not possible.
Terms you might come across in your workplace:
Mandatory training: Essential for safe and effective care delivery and personal safety. Training can reduce the risk of harm to you, those in your care and those around you.
Examples include:
- fire safety
- moving and handling
- data protection
- equality, diversity and inclusion
- infection control.
Employers must update mandatory training often, but are free to set their own protocols and policies on timescales. Staff have a contractual obligation to adhere to these policies and protocols.
Statutory training: Essential to ensure an organisation meets its legislative duties.
Examples include:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992
- The Data Protection Act 1998
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016
- The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
- Public sector equalities duties.
The terms ‘Essential’ and ‘Compulsory’ are used interchangeably to describe both statutory and mandatory training. ‘StatMand’ is an informal term, blending statutory and mandatory together.
If employed as bank staff, or with an agency, you need to ensure you have accessed all mandatory training. Seek guidance and training when working in new settings, or with unfamiliar polices. These can help you to work safely in new and unfamiliar environments.
For revalidation with the NMC, registered nurses must undertake 35 hours of CPD. These hours are over and above your mandatory or statutory training provided.
It is important to keep a record if, for any reason, you are unable to complete your mandatory training. Not completing mandatory could stop your career and pay progression. It is vital you can evidence when this is due to no fault of your own. RCN learning reps can help with concerns about mandatory training in your workplace.
The RCN has more than 300 accredited safety representatives working across healthcare. These reps play a valuable role in supporting workforce health, safety and wellbeing. They are a great source of support and advice on health and safety issues.
Contact our advice team for more information or visit: rcn.org.uk/reps