HSE Small Business Trade Association Forum

1

Introductions and apologies

Judith Donovan, Chairman

14:00 –14:05

2

Minutes of the last meeting

Forum members are invited to agree the minutes of the last meeting and note developments. 
Judith Donovan, Chairman

14:05 –14:10

3

Introduction to Clive Fleming

Clive Fleming with attend to introduce himself to members as the new head of HSE’s Strategic Interventions Division (formerly Cross-cutting Interventions Division).

Clive Fleming, Head of Strategic Interventions Division

14:10 –14:20

4

Hot Topics

A brief review of current/upcoming HSE initiatives of interest to the membership.

Claire Lonsdale, SBTAF Secretariat

14:20 –14:40

5

SME Strategic Theme – Possible Approaches and Initial Thinking

The new Health and Safety strategy goal – “to adapt and customise approaches to help the increasing numbers of SME’s in different sectors comply with their health and safety obligations “ -  reflects the difficulties SMEs experience in understanding and implementing proportionate health and safety management. 
Stephen Williams will present the Forum with an overview of HSE’s initial thinking on possible ways to deliver this goal, including an introduction to intended work for 2010 and beyond.  Stephen is the Chair of HSE’s new SME Strategic Action Team (SAT), which is leading on the development of this work.  Feedback on these intial thoughts, would be welcomed, together with ideas for potential work in this area and possible ways in which SBTAF could assist with its delivery.

Stephen Williams, Chair, SME Strategy Action Team (SAT)

14:40 –15:10

6

Workplace Temperatures Review
Kate Haire will provide an update on initial findings from the review of workplace temperatures, which was recently conducted by HSE at the request of the Secretary of State.  SBTAF views on the development of further research to inform future decisions about the direction of this project will be requested.  Kate would be very interested to learn about how SMEs deal with this issue, together with any specific problems that may be encountered by members’ individual industries.  Member feedback and suggestions for ways of tackling workplace temperatures would also be welcomed. 
Kate Haire, Radiation Policy Team

15:10-15:30

7

SME Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Project
Rob Ellis will provide members with an introduction to HSE’s Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Project.  The aim is to help reduce ill health by securing good practice in the selection, maintenance, supervision and training of RPE across industry.  Many businesses affected by this issue are SMEs and the team would welcome the opportunity to receive SBTAF feedback on their initial plans from a small business perspective.
Rob Ellis, RPE Project Team

15:30 –15:50

8

Information Exchange/A.O.B.
An opportunity for Forum members to air any health and safety issues that are currently concerning their membership.
Judith Donovan, Chairman

15:50 –15:55

9

Meeting Round-Up and Close

Judith Donovan, Chairman

15:55 –16:00

10

Informal Networking

An opportunity for members to network informally between themselves and with attending HSE staff.  Tea and coffee will be served.

16:00 –16:30

11

Date of Next Meeting: 14:00 – 16:30, Tues 26 January 2010
Brighton Suite, Premier Inn Kings Cross, London