Volunteer with IOSH

Stage one

Applications are anonymised prior to being longlisted by a selection panel. A scoring system is used by the panel to select the top scoring candidates, up to a maximum of 36. Any candidates that are tied will progress to stage two.

Stage two

The selected candidates are invited to attend an interview session which includes a five-minute presentation and two panel questions. A scoring system is used by the panel to shortlist the top scoring candidates, up to a maximum of 24, including any ties.

The shortlisted candidates, plus ties, are put forward to the membership for election to Council. Candidates are required at this stage to submit a video and statement which is included on the voting site.

Prior to voting opening, and through to when voting closes, candidates are permitted to campaign to help the voter understand who they are and what they stand for. During the process, IOSH’s governance team will host awareness sessions, which candidates will be invited to attend to answer questions about electioneering rules.

Candidates are required to remain compliant with our electioneering rules throughout. Elected members join Council after the IOSH Annual General Meeting each year and serve for three years.

• Able to demonstrate and understanding of risk management and internal control systems in the workplace.
• Experience or knowledge of governance structures.
• Ability to scrutinise processes and give assurance to others based on the information reviewed.
• Support the challenge, development and amendment of existing business provisions and controls in accordance with emerging global risks and established risk appetites.
• Experience of financial management and accounting policies and ability to demonstrate awareness of the relevant legal and financial regulations.
• Experience of appointing and reviewing auditors against a proposed schedule of work.
• Understanding of the IOSH Activate 2028 strategy and the global challenges that may be encountered.

• Experience of reviewing resource implications at a strategic level.
• Experience at senior level of considering matters of financial management, investment appraisal, financial strategy and policy.
• Experience of reviewing budgets and ensuring spend alignment with strategic direction.
• Experience of reviewing medium term financial plans.

• Experience of working in the education sector with specialist expertise and ability to scrutinise regulation and policies for this area.
• Currently working in, or have previously worked in, vocational, further or higher education, or profession qualifications (not necessarily health and safety subject area as this could create conflicts of interest).
• Understanding of UK education frameworks and fit with other countries’ qualifications and credit frameworks.
• Experience of assessment under Ofqual or QAA standards, or similar.
• Understanding of the role of competencies in designing professional standards.

Becoming a Board committee member is the perfect way to:

• demonstrate your abilities
• develop your contacts
• give something back to your profession.

You’ll gain an understanding of strategic decision making, have the opportunity to discuss resources and learn about the direction in which the organisation is going.

You can have a direct impact on IOSH's future, helping the Board fulfil its roles and responsibilities.

Volunteering to sit on a Board committee requires you to commit to attend four meetings per year. It may be necessary on occasion to hold additional meetings.

You’ll also need to spend some time reading and reviewing papers between meetings.

The successful individuals will be appointed for a two or three-year term. Terms of office are staggered to ensure continuity.

These are voluntary positions, however reasonable expenses will be paid whilst in post.

If you have any queries about the roles or would like to discuss them in more detail, email governance@iosh.com.

The Committee would benefit from individuals with a range of skills and expertise including knowledge and experience of human resources and recruitment. 

IOSH promotes an inclusive environment where we celebrate and value diversity. We welcome applications that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

Successful candidates for the Nominations Committee will be expected to:

• commit up to 9 days per year to attend up to three committee meetings
• spend time between meetings reading and reviewing papers and applications
• take part in short listing conference calls
• sit on interview panels
• serve for two or three years initially with the opportunity to be re-appointed, up to a maximum term of six years.

This Committee requires a degree of flexibility as dates are set dependent on individuals’ availability at the time. These are voluntary positions and reasonable expenses will be paid when attending face to face meetings.

IOSH members wishing to apply must have a current membership subscription and up to date continuing professional development (CPD) at the time of application (where CPD is a requirement of their membership category).

If you wish to check your CPD is up to date, please log in to Blueprint or call our Customer Service Centre on +44 (0)116 350 0800. This does not apply to independent applicants.

Full details of what is involved in the role of committee member can be found in the Nominations Committee Standing Orders (PDF 79KB).

All IOSH volunteers are required to sign a Volunteer Agreement. This agreement has been signed by IOSH too, demonstrating our commitment to our volunteers and we ask the same in return. The Code of Behaviour which is referred to in the Volunteer Agreement is ultimately the foundation of the agreement. This Code of Behaviour clearly defines what is expected of IOSH volunteers, provides guidance on upholding IOSH's values, and outlines what you can expect from IOSH. If appointed to the Nominations Committee you will be asked to sign this agreement before being able to undertake your role.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including:

• the ability to demonstrate empathy whilst remaining objective
• strong team player.

Experience of:

• constructive contribution to a committee or leadership team
• monitoring budgets.

Legally able to fulfil the obligations of a Trustee. You must not be disqualified under the Charities Act 2022, and must be a “fit and proper person” for the purposes of the Finance Act 2022.

Experience in one or more of: 

• charity fundraising
• financial management and investment
• providing advisory services to people in hardship  

Knowledge or experience of charity trusteeship.

Integrity and commitment to the IOSH Benevolent Fund. 

Experience of considering and supporting innovative approaches to grant making and fundraising 

Becoming a Trustee is the perfect way to demonstrate your abilities, develop your contacts and give something back to your profession.

You’ll gain an understanding of charity fundraising and promotion, as well as having a direct impact on the wellbeing of IOSH members in difficult circumstances.

You'll need to attend two meetings per year, each lasting half a day. It may be necessary on occasion to hold additional meetings.

You’ll also be required to:

• spend some time between meetings reading and reviewing papers to stay informed
• review and comment on grant applications in a timely manner.

The role requires a degree of flexibility as grant applications are reviewed as they are received.  

Successful individuals will be appointed for a three-year term. Re-appointment is possible up to a maximum of three terms (nine years). 

Applications will be shortlisted and successful applicants will be invited for interview via video conference.

The interview panel will consist of two current Trustees, supported by the IOSH governance team.

These are voluntary positions however reasonable expenses will be paid whilst in post.

If you have any queries regarding the roles or would like to discuss them in more detail, email governance@iosh.com.

All IOSH volunteers are required to sign a Volunteer Agreement. This agreement has been signed by IOSH too, demonstrating our commitment to our volunteers and we ask the same in return. The Code of Behaviour which is referred to in the Volunteer Agreement is ultimately the foundation of the agreement. This Code of Behaviour clearly defines what is expected of IOSH volunteers, provides guidance on upholding IOSH's values, and outlines what you can expect from IOSH. If appointed as an IOSH Benevolent Fund Trustee you will be asked to sign this agreement before being able to undertake your role.