Employee Study and Training (Procedural Requirements) Regulations 2026 – implications for UK health and safety law and business compliance

Employee Study and Training (Procedural Requirements) Regulations 2026 – implications for UK health and safety law and business compliance

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What has changed

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The Regulations amend the Employee Study and Training (Procedural Requirements) Regulations 2010. The 2026 instrument updates the procedural framework governing how organisations plan, deliver and document employee study and training and how those activities are overseen.

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Why it matters

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By reinforcing the rigour around learning and competence, the change supports stronger UK health and safety law compliance. Clearer expectations for training effectiveness help reduce unsafe work practices and align training with the HSE requirements. The update affects governance, competent oversight and the reliability of training records, which in turn underpins risk controls across sectors.

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What organisations should do next

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To align with the Regulations, duty holders should undertake a practical, staged response:

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• Review current training policies, programmes and records to identify gaps against the amended procedural requirements

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• Update risk assessments to reflect new training duties as part of control measures

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• Revise training procedures and documentation to ensure consistent record keeping and evidence of competence

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• Communicate changes to managers, supervisors and workers and involve them in updating the training programme

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• Ensure staff delivering training are competent, and consider appointing a competent person to oversee training processes Competent Person support

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• Align management systems such as ISO 45001 with the new requirements and embed the improvements within governance and assurance activities ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management

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• Review supplier and contractor training requirements and include them in onboarding and procurement processes

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• Plan for ongoing monitoring, audits and continuous improvement to demonstrate compliance

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For organisations seeking practical guidance, Synergos can support the design and implementation of compliant training governance and risk-based oversight.

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Stakeholders should monitor enforcement expectations and maintain flexibility to adapt as guidance evolves while keeping safety at the heart of the programme.

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In adopting these steps, organisations strengthen their legal duties under UK health and safety law and improve overall risk management.

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Having a robust approach to training supports safer workplaces and demonstrates regulatory compliance to inspectors and stakeholders alike.

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Taken together, the changes require a proactive approach to training governance that protects workers and supports demonstrable compliance with UK health and safety law.

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