Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) places a mandatory duty on every UK employer to appoint one or more competent persons to assist in undertaking statutory compliance measures.
1. Legal Obligations & Director Liability
Failure to appoint a competent person exposes directors to enforcement action under Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. A retained competent adviser provides objective risk oversight, policy governance, and competent accident investigation support.
2. Unlocking SSIP Accreditations & Pre-Qualification Tenders
Pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs) for major UK infrastructure contracts require verifiable proof of competent health and safety advice (e.g. OSHCR registered consultants or CMIOSH practitioners).