HSE press release C010:06 09 May 2006

New strategic partnership between HSC and Local Government

For the first time the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) today met the newly established Local Government Panel (LGP) made up of elected members.

The forum will promote a strategic dialogue on local, central and devolved government issues that impact on health and safety regulatory functions. It will also review the effectiveness and performance of the partnership between the enforcing authorities – Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities (LAs).

Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission said:

“Local authorities have a vital role to play in reducing workplace injuries and ill health within their local communities. I’ve been impressed with the contribution and enthusiasm shown by many authorities in the last year in working with HSE on joint initiatives and new approaches to health and safety enforcement. I’m particularly pleased that HSC will now have the chance of wider and direct dialogue with local government to help capture the full potential of HSE and LAs working together. ”

The establishment of this new forum follows last year’s review of the liaison and governance arrangements between HSC/E and LAs. The review recognised local government as a key strategic partner with a unique role among stakeholders and the importance of setting up a regular forum with local government to secure an improved partnership.  

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, Chairman of LACORS said:

“This is an important day as it gives local authorities a stronger voice in health and safety issues and will give them increased opportunities to influence national health and safety policy and strategy. By strengthening the partnership between HSE and local authorities, this forum will enable more effective use of joint resources, helping health and safety regulatory services achieve their full potential in improving health, safety and well-being of local communities.”

Notes to Editors

1. The HSC’s Strategy for Workplace Health and Safety in Great Britain to 2010 and beyond was published in February 2004. A copy of the strategy can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/strategiesandplans/strategy2010.pdf
2. A Statement of Intent was agreed in July 2004 and signed by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the key local government representative bodies: the Local Government Association (LGA), the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA), the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS).
3. The division of responsibilities for enforcement is governed by specific regulations (Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998). Local authorities are responsible for enforcement in approximately half of all workplaces and about 12 million employed people nationally. They are generally responsible for offices, shops, warehouses, call centres and similar premises. HSE is responsible for the remainder of activities and the workers involved.
4. The local government panel is made up of elected members from across England, Scotland and Wales.
5. LACORS is the local government central body that works to facilitate communication, sharing of good practice and co-ordination of enforcement issues between local authorities. LACORS is assisted in its work through local officer, heads of services and specialist liaison groups, LACORS’ national networks of policy Advisers and experts. The LACORS Board of Directors is made up of some elected Members nominated by LGA, COSLA and WLGA.

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