HSE Small Business Trade Association Forum

1

2.00-2.05

Introductions and apologies

2

2.05-2.10

Minutes of the last meeting

Forum members are invited to agree the minutes of the last meeting and note developments.

3

2.10-2.40

Update on SME information, advice and guidance project – the strategy

At the October meeting members were asked their opinions regarding the quality of the HSE electronic and written guidance material aimed at SMEs. Over the last few months HSE have been working on a project to ensure that the simple, practical, priority messages SMEs need are easily accessible. This item will update members on the progress of this project and seek their opinions re the emerging conclusions. The views of the SBTAF will be incorporated into the discussions at the project steering group meeting the following day.

Debra MacLeod, Business Involvement Unit

4

2.40-3.10

Corporate publications review – discussion of draft guidance

HSE has put together a new introductory leaflet on health and safety for small firms. The background, rationale and development of the leaflet will be explained and we will invite SBTAF views.

Shellagh Molloy, Strategic Communications

5

3.10-3.35

Follow up on competency statement

At the October SBTAF meeting members were presented with a draft version of a HSE/IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) paper offering guidance on employing competent help and a discussion was held regarding the general issues SMEs encounter in this area

Following the Forum's suggestions, the previous version has been replaced with a short, series of questions SMEs should ask themselves' before taking up external assistance.  We would like to put the revised version to the SBTAF to ascertain their opinions regarding its suitability and usefulness.

In addition we have developed guidance addressed to the providers of external services which sets out what they need to do to provide a ‘fit for purpose’ service for SMEs. We would also appreciate receiving members opinions regarding this piece of guidance.

Laurence Golob, Business Involvement Unit

6

3.35-4.00

Health and Safety Law poster

HSE is currently reviewing the Health and Safety Law poster and is looking to gain a better understanding of the potential views of employers from small firms through speaking to the SBTAF. This presentation will explain why we are undertaking this project (Better Regulation, Simplification plan, changing nature of UK workforce) and what we hope to achieve through the review. We will outline the work involved and the projected timescales and review the options for presenting the information contained in the poster.

We hope to acquire the opinions of the forum regarding their current understanding and awareness of the HSE Health and Safety Poster, the function of the poster and its utility, and options for changing the format/content of the poster, and its method of delivery. We would be interested to hear opinions re the perceived effectiveness of the current poster and suggestions re alternative means of getting the information across.

Stuart Bristow, Worker Involvement Unit

7

4.00-4.15

Members’ Opportunity to raise ‘hot’ topics

8

4.15-4.20

AOB

9

4.20-4.25

Meeting round up and close

10

4.25-4.30

Date of next meeting – 17th July 2007

Forum members are invited to stay for coffee after the meeting to allow informal discussion and networking.