IOSH Leading Safely

Health and safety in the workplace has never been more important. With regulatory fines rising, public expectations shifting, and investors increasingly scrutinising Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance, businesses are under growing pressure to demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting people.

At the heart of this commitment is leadership. Safety culture is shaped not by policies but by the decisions and behaviours of those at the top. This is where the IOSH Leading Safely course comes in.

Designed specifically for directors, executives, and senior managers, the course provides leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to drive safety performance across their organisations.

In this article, we explore what the course involves, why it matters, and how it can help leaders protect both their people and their business.

What is IOSH Leading Safely?

IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) is the world’s largest chartered body for health and safety professionals. Their Leading Safely course is a short but intensive programme aimed at business leaders who may not be health and safety specialists, but whose decisions directly influence the safety outcomes of the business.

Unlike technical training designed for operational staff, Leading Safely focuses on strategy, accountability, and culture. The aim is to help leaders:

• Understand their legal and moral responsibilities.

• Recognise the business case for health and safety.

• Identify how leadership behaviours shape workplace culture.

• Set strategic priorities for safety improvement.

• Benchmark their organisation against recognised standards.

The course is delivered by accredited training providers such as Ranmoor Health and Safety, either in person or online, offering flexibility for busy executives.

Why Leadership is Critical

It’s tempting to think of health and safety as the responsibility of managers, supervisors, or safety officers. But the reality is that culture flows from the top. Employees notice whether leaders take safety seriously, whether budgets are allocated for proper controls, and whether directors walk the talk.

Research by the HSE has repeatedly shown that strong leadership is one of the single most important factors in reducing workplace incidents. A lack of visible commitment from senior management is often a key root cause in serious accidents and prosecutions.

The IOSH Leading Safely course is designed to make this connection clear. It challenges leaders to reflect on their own behaviours and to set an example that cascades through their organisation.

Course Structure

The core elements of the IOSH Leading Safely course include:

1. Personalised diagnostic tool

   
   

   Before the course, leaders complete an assessment to evaluate their organisation’s current safety culture. This helps tailor the training to the specific challenges they face.

2. Interactive workshops

   
   

   Sessions focus on real-world scenarios and case studies, encouraging leaders to think critically about how their decisions impact safety.

3. Strategic planning

   
   

   Leaders develop a personal action plan to take back to their organisation, outlining concrete steps to strengthen safety leadership.

4. Practical outcomes

   
   

   Delegates leave with tools and benchmarks that allow them to measure and monitor performance over time.

Importantly, the course is concise. It is typically delivered in five hours, making it manageable for even the busiest directors.

Benefits for Leaders and Organisations

The value of Leading Safely goes beyond compliance. Businesses that invest in senior safety leadership see a range of benefits, including:

• Reduced incidents and costs: Fewer accidents mean fewer claims, less downtime, and lower insurance premiums.

• Stronger reputation: Clients, investors, and regulators look favourably on organisations with demonstrable leadership commitment to safety.

• Improved employee engagement: Staff who feel protected are more motivated and loyal.

• Legal protection: Directors have personal liability under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Demonstrating that you have taken steps to improve knowledge and governance is essential.

• Alignment with ESG reporting: Transparent health and safety metrics are increasingly required by investors and boards.

As Ray Palmer, Managing Director of Ranmoor Health and Safety, explains:

“Leadership in health and safety isn’t about knowing every regulation by heart, it’s about setting the tone. When leaders prioritise safety, it shows in every corner of the business. IOSH Leading Safely gives directors the clarity and confidence they need to embed safety into their strategy, not just their compliance paperwork.”

Why Now?

The need for strong leadership has become even more urgent in 2025. Recent updates from the Sentencing Council mean that very large organisations now face significantly higher fines for safety breaches. The HSE has also been more proactive in prosecuting directors personally for gross negligence.

At the same time, public awareness of workplace safety is growing. High-profile cases, such as the recent £1.5 million fine handed to Tata Steel after the death of a contractor, have put leadership accountability under the spotlight.

Against this backdrop, boards cannot afford to be reactive. Proactive, visible leadership on safety is now a competitive advantage.

Is the Course Right for You?

IOSH Leading Safely is not just for large corporations. SMEs, charities, and public sector bodies also benefit from ensuring their directors are trained. The principles of good leadership apply across all industries.

Whether you oversee a construction firm, a healthcare provider, a manufacturing site, or a professional services business, the course equips you with the insight needed to protect people and performance alike.

Health and safety leadership is no longer optional. It is a fundamental responsibility of senior management and a core component of organisational resilience.

The IOSH Leading Safely course provides directors and executives with the tools to move beyond compliance and create a culture where safety is integral to success. In an era of rising fines, increasing public scrutiny, and greater investor expectations, strong leadership is the best safeguard for people, reputation, and profit.

At Ranmoor Health and Safety, we are accredited to deliver IOSH Leading Safely training both in person and online, tailored to the specific needs of your leadership team.

If you are ready to demonstrate real commitment to your people and strengthen your organisation’s safety culture, now is the time to act.