The following Media release was issued by both NZISM & IOSH today – to view signed agreement, click
here
12
th September 2014
Membership bodies’ agreement set to benefit New Zealand health and safety professionals
Two membership organisations today announced an agreement to work together to support health and safety professionals in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM) and The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) signed a memorandum of understanding that will give members of both bodies the opportunity for ‘mutual recognition’.
This means:
- Respective categories of membership, so a Graduate of NZISM can become a Graduate of IOSH, for example
- The organisations will share a continuing professional development (CPD) recording platform for members to record and plan their CPD activities
- Both organisations will work together for the benefit of health and safety, supporting each other in discussions with government and industry and sharing a commitment to developing the professions
NZISM is very pleased with this new development in our working relationship with our colleagues in IOSH and sees this as key to supporting health and safety professionals in New Zealand.
Tony Rigg, NZISM National Manager, said: “These are exciting times for health and safety in New Zealand. This agreement will enable us to facilitate a real step change for our organisation. It will allow our members here clear pathways for professional development along with dual recognition leading to international acceptance of their skills and expertise.
The setup of our own platform for those in the accreditation pathway will be of great benefit to us and with the excellent support provided by IOSH we will be able to further develop this pathway to allow increased recognition of those in the industry in New Zealand.
In doing this we will support the improvement of New Zealand’s health and safety record by providing a means to ensure businesses have access to competent health and safety practitioners.
Simon Bowen, IOSH Executive Director (Membership) said: “I am delighted that our long-standing relationship with colleagues in New Zealand has been strengthened by the signing of this agreement.
“In providing financial and technological support to NZISM, we have been able to create a basis for mutual recognition and aligned profession development measurement for health and safety specialists across international borders.”
Simon said IOSH members working in New Zealand would find “a familiar and comfortable home with NZISM” for networking and development, if they chose to seek dual recognition. At the same time, NZISM members seeking international recognition would be able to take advantage of this agreement to achieve the IOSH status their NZISM membership provides.
– Ends –
Notes for editors:
NZISM
The NZISM is the leading professional body for health and safety practitioners in New Zealand. The NZISM has over 1000 members and provides support to health and safety practitioners along with assurance to industry of health and safety practitioner competence through a professional accreditation programme.
Formed in 1972, the NZISM has national coverage with an extensive branch network, providing quality development and networking opportunities for health and safety practitioners and those interested in this field.
The NZISM operate a professional membership pathway in New Zealand in conjunction with IOSH, the world’s largest professional body for health and safety professionals.
www.nzism.co.nz
IOSH
IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 42,000 members in 100 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.
We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.
IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.
Media enquiries
For more information please contact:
Tony Rigg, NZISM National Manager Mb: 027 2990001
safety360@xtra.co.nz
Tim Walsh, Media Manager, +44 (0)116 257 3252 or +44 (0)7976 604715
