Association of Colleges

AoC represents the views and needs of the FE sector on a number of national committees and working parties. We have set up partnerships with DfE, BIS, Skills Funding Agency and HSE to develop sector-specific guidance for members.

We support the regional meetings of College Health & Safety professionals, update them on national developments and obtain information on local issues. AoC also assists these meetings by arranging for external speakers to attend.

We have an annual Health & Safety National Conference, backed up with seminars and other training events, using our team of Associate Trainers.

The Health & Safety Helpline deals with questions from College managers. It supports members by providing solutions to specific College problems, interpretation of legislation, distribution of sample documents on policy and procedures, sourcing official guidance.

The H&S zone of the AoC website is regularly updated with items of current interest for members. AoC's Health & Safety Briefings provide members with information on new legislation and initiatives. They provide members with access to information on new developments affecting College Health & Safety management, information on AoC and external events and links to and interpretation of official guidance. The emphasis is on how external changes affect Colleges and how they should respond.

Use the links on the left to find out more

AoC's Health & Safety functions include:

1. Providing telephone helpline support for members
2. Representing the College sector on Health & Safety committees and in discussions with Government departments, funding bodies and trades unions
3. Supporting Regional Safety Staff by working to build relationships which:
   
   
   • Provide mutual support
   • Share experience
   • Help each other manage work load peaks
   • Make best use of range of strengths and abilities
   • Achieve common strategies and shared solutions
   • Create common understanding and rapport
4. Preparing for likely future needs caused, for example, by changes in legislation.
5. Working with colleagues in Colleges to:
   
   
   • Develop solutions and tools (e.g .model documents such as policies)
   • Position health & safety alongside mainstream management