Presentation of TU Health and Safety Diplomas to Highland safety representatives
Shona Campbell from Network Rail, Mark Falconer from the Crofting Commission, David Christison from Historic Scotland, Alistair MacClellan from the Scottish Prison Service, Vanessa Evans from Visit Scotland and Highland Council employees Angus Cameron, Michael Hayes and David Griffiths who are all based in the Highlands are the first people in Scotland to achieve their Diplomas.
The group met up last week in Inverness to be presented with their certificates. Before making the presentation, the Depute Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor David Alston congratulated them all for their achievement.
He said: “This is a notable day not just for the Council but for Partnership Working in general. The Highland Council leads the way in Scotland’s local authorities in working with Trade Union representatives and I am delighted to make the presentation to the first group to be awarded this recognition.
“The Highland Council originally launched the Safety Representatives Charter and Partnership Agreement in 2006 and this highlights our on-going commitment not only to working with Trade Unions to improve health and safety standards but to providing tools and training to support staff carry out these important roles. This is now known as “The Highland Model” and something I know other Scottish Council’s will be looking to duplicate.
“Research shows that organisations who have health and safety union representation are healthier and safer that those without and the contribution of these representatives is welcomed. As well as sitting on health and safety consultative forums they support staff in workplaces and undertake valuable workplace inspections with the aim of improving standards for all.
“I am delighted that Network Rail, the Crofting Commission, Historic Scotland, SPS and Visit Scotland are on board and welcome their contributions to making the Highlands a safe and healthy place to work and live.”
Harry Cunningham, Education Officer with the TUC who attended the presentation said: “I am delighted to witness the presentation of certificates to this group of union safety reps drawn from organisations across the Highlands. The student’s hard work and dedication has earned them professional recognition and now equipped with new skills and knowledge, they will be a fantastic resource to their employing organisation.
“I would also like to acknowledge the far sighted approach of Highland Council in utilising the skills of the TUC Education Department of Glasgow Kelvin College. The College is a leading provider of health and safety training in the UK and their professional activities in supporting Highland Council and the students is to be admired.
“Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the innovative approach taken by Highland Council in developing and supporting a coherent three year training programme for union safety reps in the Highlands. This model of training is not only cost effective but will directly lead to creating sustainable improvements in workplace health and safety across the Highland region.”
ENDS