Volunteer with IOSH
Be the difference
As an IOSH member, you’re eligible to apply for volunteer roles at IOSH.
Current vacancies
We are currently recruiting for:
Council elections
Council is IOSH’s representative body, providing advice and guidance on strategic, professional and policy issues for the Institution. It represents the views of members to the Board of Trustees and has the key responsibility for choosing who will represent the Institution as President.
Any IOSH member can stand for election to Council, but they need to be nominated in the correct way. Candidates must be a member of IOSH with a current subscription and up to date Continued Professional Development (CPD) at the time of application (where CPD is a requirement of their membership category).
Council election nomination website
You need to submit an electronic application form on the Council election nomination website. The application questions are based on the competency criteria from the Council member role profile (PDF 85KB).
The closing date for nominations is 17:00 (BST) on Tuesday 6 June.
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.
Board committees
We are recruiting to three of our Board committees.
There is one vacancy on each committee. These positions are open to IOSH members at all levels.
You can see the skills and knowledge we are looking for on each committee.
- 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.
How to apply
Complete the relevant application form. Please review the skills matrix on the form before making your application.
Policy and Standards Committee application form (PDF 648KB)
Audit and Risk Committee application form (PDF 649KB)
Finance and Investment Committee application form (PDF 624KB)
Please email your completed application form to governance@iosh.com.
The deadline for applications is Friday 9 June.
Applications will be shortlisted and successful applicants invited for interview.
Interviews will be held by video conference. The interview panel will consist of the relevant Board Committee Chair and two members of the Nominations Committee.
Find out more
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.
Nominations Committee
We are recruiting committee members for our Nominations Committee.
The committee makes recommendations to Council for key volunteer positions in our governance structure.
We are looking for:
- two committee members, who must be Council members
- two committee members, who can be a mix of IOSH members and non-members
Please complete the application form and email to governance@iosh.com.
Nominations Committee member application form (PDF 95KB)
The deadline for applications has been extended to Tuesday 30 May.
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.
IOSH Benevolent Fund Trustees
We are recruiting for:
- two IOSH members (one immediate start, one deferred until October 2023)
- two co-optees (independent, non-members, immediate start).
This is an opportunity to get involved with a small charity which provides a valuable benefit to our members and play an influential role in its future.
IOSH Benevolent Fund Trustees have collective responsibility for governance of the fund and ensuring it meets its obligations as a charity
The IOSH member roles are open to all levels of membership.
We are also recruiting two Council-nominated Trustees via a different process. Interested Council members are recommended to read the information on this page before submitting their application.
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
How to apply
Submit your CV and a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role to governance@iosh.com.
Make sure you state which role you are applying for, either IOSH member role or co-optee role.
Please review the IOSH Benevolent Fund Trustees role profile (PDF 117KB) before sending your application. The IOSH Benevolent Fund's trust deed is available on request.
The deadline for applications is Friday 16 June.
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.
More information
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.
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Group
This is an ongoing recruitment for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Group volunteers and at the moment does not have a closing date.
Group volunteers engage with IOSH members, recruit new members, organise activities and support the IOSH brand and strategy.
Please read the competencies required for group committee members (PDF 61.6MB).
External representatives
Many IOSH members represent IOSH on national and international committees. By working with us as official IOSH representatives they champion our vision for a safe and healthy world of work, promoting IOSH’s policies and positions and ensuring our members’ views are represented at all levels. They also benefit from the support of the largest health and safety organisation in the world.
Our external representatives sit on committees in a range of organisations and industries.
You can apply to be an external representative at any time.
Coming soon
Presidential team
The Presidential team works closely with the Institution in an ambassadorial capacity, supporting the delivery of key strategic messages to the membership and globally to the wider occupational health and safety profession.
The President Elect and two new Vice-Presidents are nominated by Council and approved by the membership at its Annual General Meeting. This is also when the President and Immediate Past President are confirmed.
You can also see a list of closed vacancies.