NEBOSH launches an updated version of the Diploma Qualification.

NEBOSH, one of the world’s leading health and safety awarding bodies, has launched an updated version of its flagship Diploma qualifications. The new NEBOSH Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals will give successful learners the knowledge and practical application they need to perform as a leading health and safety professional of the future.

Available in National and International options, this advanced health and safety qualification supports academic and career progression. The syllabus covers technical application as well as the professional skills – such as leadership and managing change – needed to help learners develop their career. Previous Diploma learners have gone on to become competent and confident practitioners – its Alumni include senior health and safety professionals for organisations such as Unilever, Shell, Ministry of Energy & Industry of Qatar, Microsoft, KiwiRail and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Developed with experts, for future experts, NEBOSH consulted over 600 people, including directors, heads of, managers and advisors from the safety profession, in the development of the new Diploma.

NEBOSH Chief Operating Officer, Dee Arp, says: “Leading health and safety professionals have the distinctive ability to combine technical know-how and practical application with soft and professional skills to really deliver effective health and safety practices. That’s why we spoke to leading professionals in the development of the qualification; our new Diploma reflects industry needs for well-rounded professionals and prepares learners for career progression.”

The NEBOSH Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals brings a focus to practical health and safety skills; successful learners will be able to recognise and solve everyday health and safety issues and take opportunities for improvement. Application and integration of knowledge is key, and the new assessments emphasise this by asking learners to complete a range of tasks required by professionals in the workplace.

Adam King is a dual NEBOSH Diploma holder and Group SHEQ Director for Renewi, a £1.7 billion turnover global organisation. Adam explains: “NEBOSH never just looks for a standard answer. It gives you a scenario when it tests you and makes you apply your knowledge as a professional to that scenario, which for me is a fantastic way of testing someone’s competence.

“Renewi were looking for someone with both NEBOSH Diplomas as well as power station and construction experience. It turned out I was the only candidate who matched their requirements! I am now responsible for the SHEQ performance of 8,000 people across 7 countries so it’s a really exciting role at an inspiring and forward-thinking business. Thanks in no small part to NEBOSH, I’ve been handed the kind of challenging position I’ve really been seeking as a qualified SHEQ professional.”

The NEBOSH Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals will replace the NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. For more information about the new qualifications visit: www.nebosh.org.uk/nationaldip or www.nebosh.org.uk/internationaldip 

Existing learners (2015 specification)

• In line with regulatory requirements, learners may not use existing Diploma units (A/IA, B/IB, C/IC and DNI) towards attainment of the new specification Diplomas.
• If a learner would prefer to undertake the new specification, they can do so and will be required to enrol and register for assessments via Astutis in the normal way. Enrolments may not be carried over and learners will need to pay an enrolment fee if moving to the new specification.
• If a learner does decide to re-enrol, they will need to obtain agreement and support from Astutis  to ensure adequate support is available to prepare for and complete their assessments for the NEBOSH National or International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals.
• Existing learners will have five years to complete their qualification. The final assessment dates for the November 2015 specifications will be:

Unit A/IA, B/IB, C/IC: July 2026

Unit DNI: May 2026

These dates may be brought forward if the accreditation and certification end dates are adjusted once SQA have approved the applications for the new Diplomas.