Public Services Group

About us

We represent around 3,000 members, and aim to provide a wide range of support for all who are employed in one of the largest and most essential sectors. Our members include those in central and local government and those who act to serve and protect society.

The IOSH Public Services Group brings together members to network and exchange information related to the sector, and helps IOSH meet its strategic objectives.

When you join the group, you'll get:

• Invitations to networking events, seminars and site visits, often involving practical demonstrations, and at reduced rates.
• Access to a wide range of advice and information relevant to your sector.
• The chance to network with other safety and health professionals in your sector.
• The chance to engage with other IOSH groups and the branch network.
• The opportunity to contribute to consultations and influence policies.

This group is dedicated to practitioners working in public services and is open to all categories of IOSH membership. You can join us even if you are already a member of another IOSH network.

Introducing Activate 2028

IOSH’s five-year strategy is all about action – and the whole occupational safety and health profession coming together to create better working lives. It’s about building on what we’ve achieved so far and progressing, supporting and celebrating our profession. Read more about Activate 2028 and how it will impact you, our extraordinary members.

Strategy work and achievements so far

We aim to support occupational safety and health professionals in all areas of public services management.

Our ongoing objectives include:

• Delivering the annual National Safety and Health Conference.
• Strengthening our mutual support relationship with the National Association for Safety and Health in Care Services.
• Playing an active role in the HSE Local Authorities Forum and the Employers' Organisation Practitioners' Panel.
• Providing networking meetings for our members.

There are number of challenges in our industries, and we strive to have a positive impact:

• The sector is moving towards more flexible working options, with shared office space or "hubs" and remote working. This will need careful consideration around how organisations and managers communicate, set and monitor goals, maintain team identity and resilience and ensure equity. We will review, monitor progress and share good practice.
• Exposure to verbal and physical abuse should never be accepted as "part of the job" in the public sector. - We will seek to encourage improvements and share good practice in management systems.
• Musculoskeletal injuries and stress are the largest causes of sickness absence. We will support initiatives to improve organisational understanding of interventions that encourage return to work and extend healthy working lives.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter for group event and news updates.

To join the group, please email the Customer Service team, quoting your membership number, and they will be able to add or change your group.

Any questions?

Click here to get in contact with the Relationship Manager 

Disclaimer: The information and opinions expressed on this webpage are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).