TO BE CONFRONTATIONAL OR NOT TO BE CONFRONTATIONAL

As you know ever since the formation of FOFATO I have done everything within my powers to keep you up to date with information about the First Aid Industry as well as supporting the views of our members.

I also believe that our approach is certainly not confrontational but is seen as representing the views of our members on a variety of issues and particularly relating to the HSE moves towards the QCA/SQA system.

You may have seen the recent (June 2008) FWC newsletter (which has been sent to a large number of FAW Training Organisations) where the FWC are now indicating they also oppose the QCA/SQA route and that they wish to talk to other Representative Bodies like FOFATO so that the Industry can provide a single co-ordinated approach to HSE.

A co-ordinated approach is undoubtedly the way to go because it can give HSE reassurance that the First Aid Industry is capable of looking after itself

If this is to be the situation then I am quite happy to meet with other Representative Bodies because you can be assured that I will fully represent the views of our members in the correct manner.

However I do have concerns where information is being sent out by an individual who is an FWC Regional Representative without first consulting with the other Representative Bodies.

I have just received a copy of an e mail that Mr Nigel Barraclough the Regional Representative for the North of England from the First Aid at Work Council (FWC) has sent to FAW Training Organisations.

Although I agree with some of the points that are being raised and some of those points have already been highlighted by FOFATO to HSE. It is also important to point out that Appendix 4 in the Approved Code of Practice (DRAFT) (First Aiders in the Workplace) is not finalised as I mentioned in my notes from the HSE meeting on 2nd May 2008.

However I do have concerns about the survey form because it is asking for some details relating to potentially commercially sensitive information.

I would advise FOFATO members to seriously consider whether to complete the survey form at this stage but as always in our democratic Body the final decision is yours.

I will then attempt to make contact with the FWC in order find out the background to the Nigel Barraclough e-mail.