At PeopleUnboxed, we believe in transparency and keeping you in the loop.
In light of recent discussions within the industry regarding potential legislative changes surrounding mental health training, we wanted to share our insights with you.
The facts.
Our training and qualifications, especially in Mental Health First Aid, are a crucial part of what we offer.
We’ve heard concerns circulating about certain providers claiming exclusivity in meeting future government regulations. We understand this might raise questions and uncertainty.
The legislative landscape.
There’s talk about making mental health training mandatory in workplaces, similar to that of physical first aid.
While changes are on the horizon, it’s crucial to note that it is still in the early stages of the legislative process.
It will be a lengthy journey, likely to be over a year, as it is required to have 3 readings (the first of which happened on January 25th) and a committee report within the House of Commons and then if accepted it will have 3 readings and a committee in the House of Lords before being proposed for Royal approval, and then potential implementation.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Guidance.
Whilst discussing changes to legislation, it would be remiss of us if we didn’t update you on the latest change from the HSE, that has now placed further emphasis on employers having to consider employee’s mental health within their first aid needs assessment.
The HSE recently issued this statement:
“It may also be helpful to have people trained to identify and understand mental ill health symptoms who are able to support someone who is experiencing a mental health issue. You may decide that someone with an FAW (First Aid at Work) or EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) qualification is already able to provide initial support and reassurance to a worker experiencing an acute mental health episode, but you should consider if any further training is required. You should be satisfied that they: Know how to access professional help if necessary and can act promptly, safely and effectively until that help is available”
You can read The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) updated versions here: L74 – Guidance on The Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.
Following this we can confirm through the FAA, we offer a comprehensive suite of first aid for mental health qualifications that meet this requirement and compliment physical first aid training.
Why you can trust us.
Rest assured, we’re closely monitoring the situation.
Our commitment to staying current with regulations is unwavering.
Our suite of First Aid for Mental Health qualifications is a cornerstone of our offerings, and we’re well-prepared to adapt to any changes in the law.
We work closely with First Aid Awards and Nuco, who have been one of the leaders in physical first aid for around 20 years and have kept up with each and every mandatory change throughout this period and will make no exception with mental health.
If mental health training does become mandatory to be bundled with physical first aid then we could argue that we are in a far better position to move with this than other providers who solely offer mental health first aid training.
Industry evolution.
However, we believe in a collaborative approach to industry growth.
No single provider should monopolise a sector, especially one as prominent and important as mental health and wellbeing.
As the landscape evolves, we’re ready to embrace positive changes and continue providing you with the high-quality training you’ve come to expect.
Our assurance.
As the legislative journey unfolds, we promise to keep you informed, adapt proactively, and ensure that our qualifications remain at the forefront of industry standards.
Feel free to keep an eye on the parliamentary progress of the proposed bill on the UK Parliament website: First-Aid (Mental Health) Bill – Parliamentary Bills – UK Parliament.
We’ll also keep you updated as we navigate these changes together.
If you have any questions please contact us at hello@peopleunboxed.co.uk and we will happily provide you with answers to the best of our ability.
