TUC Health and Safety One
In this course, you'll learn about the role of a health and safety rep, and how to use and apply the law. Gain the knowledge and information required to reduce accidents and ill-health at work and grow the union using health and safety issues.
If you are a newly appointed safety rep, this is the course for you.
Course dates and method
Who is the course for?
What will the course help me to do?
What will I do in the course?
What will I get for completing the course?
What are the entry requirements?
Course dates and method
The course will include self-study online learning, with facilitation by tutors, and group activities with a tutor in live online sessions (via e.g. Zoom).
The session dates and times are below. Please note: you will be expected to attend both online sessions and complete online self-study activities.
The course will take place over eight weeks with five live Zoom sessions on the dates listed below.
The next instance of this course will take place starting in September 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed soon.
Who is the course for?
This is the core course for trade union safety reps across the UK, excluding reps resident in Wales. It is designed to help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to carry out your work as a safety rep.
What will the course help me to do?
This course will hep you:
- understand the role and functions of a health and safety rep
- organise for health and safety
- negotiate with employers to improve workplace safety
- prevent accidents and ill-health
- apply health and safety legislation.
What will I do in the course?
The course consists of four modules:
- The role and function of a health and safety rep
- Organising for health and safety
- Health and safety law
- Preventing accidents and ill-health
Each module includes videos, online resources, quizzes and worksheets. You will be fully supported by a TUC Education tutor.
The course will take approximately 26 - 34 hours of study.
What will I get for completing the course?
This course is quality assured and accredited by the TUC.
Upon completion of each module, you will receive a digital credential.
A digital credential is evidence that you have completed each module. Once you have completed the four modules, you will receive your TUC health and safety qualification.
What are the entry requirements?
Please ensure that you have time off to do this course. You should also seek permission to do this course from your union. Let your union branch official or officer know you have applied for the course. Your course tutor may ask to show evidence that you have union approval for you to undertake this course.
For detailed information about your time off to train for your role as a rep, see the guidance from ACAS.
Online courses are especially suitable for union reps who need a convenient and more flexibly delivered course. However, to get the most from this course you will need to be motivated and organised. You will need to ensure that you have enough time to complete the course and that you are available for the zoom or face to face elements as guided by the TUC tutor.
If you have any further questions about this course, contact tuceducation@tuc.org.uk.