Why we need more Black members as Health and Safety Reps
We are running a 90-minute online Health & Safety Introductory course specifically designed for Black members who are interested in becoming health and safety representatives.
The national black members' committee (NBMC), in collaboration with the College of Haringey, Enfield, and North-East London (CONEL), is offering an exciting 90-minute online Health & Safety Introductory course specifically designed for PCS Black members who are interested in stepping up to become health and safety representatives. Regardless of your region or current role, this course is for you.
Why is this course important?
Workplace safety isn’t just about preventing accidents, it's about protecting our physical and mental health in an environment where all workers feel valued, heard, and safe. The lack of diversity in current H&S reps can mean that the specific needs and challenges faced by Black workers may not always be fully addressed. By becoming a health and safety rep, you have the power to ensure that the voices and concerns of Black members are heard loud and clear. Your lived experience and perspective are essential to creating a more inclusive and representative workplace, where everyone's safety is prioritised.
Health and safety legislation in the UK is the result of hard-fought battles by trade unions. But these gains are always at risk of being rolled back by employers or the government. That is why it is critical that we have strong, diverse union representation to keep these protections in place, especially for those of us who may face additional barriers or discrimination in the workplace.
This introductory ‘taster’ course is designed to spark your interest in becoming a PCS health and safety rep and show you how vital your role can be in shaping a safer, fairer workplace for all members. As a rep, you will be at the frontline of protecting your colleagues from stress, overwork, and the unhealthy culture of presenteeism that too many employers promote.
This is your chance to make a real difference—not just for yourself, but for your community and colleagues. Join us, and help create the safe, inclusive workplaces we all deserve.
The course will be led by Fred Behardien from CONEL. If you have any queries about the course, please contact us at tuedacademy@pcs.org.uk. Please register online to attend - you'll need a PCS Digital login. Register for PCS Digital.
*Please note, “Black” is used in the political context to apply to people who are African, African/Caribbean, Asian, Chinese, Arabic etc. i.e., people from, African and Asian diaspora, including people of dual heritage.