What is Competency?

A question we often get asked is what constitutes a Competency.  In the UK, “competency” is more than just a buzzword in health and safety—it’s a fundamental legal requirement. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) makes it clear: ensuring that everyone in the workplace is competent to carry out their tasks safely is a cornerstone of a strong health and safety culture.

But what does “competency” really mean in a legal and practical sense? Let’s break it down.

Defining Competency

According to the HSE, competency means having the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and training to perform a role safely and effectively. It applies to everyone—from directors and managers to frontline staff and contractors.

Competency isn’t a fixed qualification. It’s a combination of:

• Knowledge of the job and its hazards
• Practical experience in the role
• Formal or informal training
• Understanding of relevant laws and procedures
• Ability to apply health and safety principles in practice

Legal Foundations

Several key pieces of UK H&S legislation refer to the need for competence:

1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Section 2(2)(c) requires employers to provide “such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of employees.”

This sets the groundwork for ensuring employees are competent through appropriate training and support.

2. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Regulation 13 specifically requires that:

“Every employer shall ensure that their employees are provided with adequate health and safety training and are competent to carry out their duties.”

This extends to ensuring that people with health and safety responsibilities—such as risk assessors, supervisors, or first aiders—are appropriately trained and assessed.

Competency in Practice

For Employers:

• Assess competency before assigning tasks—especially for high-risk activities
• Provide ongoing training to maintain and update skills
• Record training and qualifications as part of a competence management system
• Supervise new or inexperienced workers until they can demonstrate competence

For Employees:

• Understand the limits of your knowledge or skills
• Speak up if you don’t feel trained or confident to do a task
• Take part in training and toolbox talks
• Follow safe systems of work

For Contractors:

• Must be able to demonstrate competency before being allowed to work on site
• Contractors often need to provide evidence of:
  • Qualifications and accreditations (e.g, CSCS cards, SMSTS, NICEIC, Gas Safe)
  • Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
  • Insurance and training records

Proving Competency: What Counts?

Competency isn’t proven by a single certificate. A blend of the following might be used:

• Vocational qualifications (e.g., NVQs, City & Guilds)
• Professional registrations (e.g., IOSH, NEBOSH)
• On-the-job experience
• Practical assessments
• Internal training records
• Evidence of CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

Why it Matters

Failing to ensure competence can lead to:

• Increased accidents and injuries
• HSE enforcement actions or prosecutions
• Invalidated insurance claims
• Reputation damage

On the other hand, a competent workforce:

• Works more efficiently
• Responds better in emergencies
• Strengthens the safety culture of your organisation

Final Thoughts

Competency isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a living, ongoing requirement that protects both people and businesses. Whether you’re employing staff, managing contractors, or simply doing your job, understanding what competency means in UK health and safety law is essential for legal compliance and workplace wellbeing.