RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

March 15, 2000
SMALL BUSINESSES OFFERED TOP SAFETY SCHOLARSHIP

Small firms and organisations are being given the chance to improve their health and safety management thanks to a scholarship offered by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Esso Petroleum Company Ltd.

The RoSPA/Esso Safety Scholarship, now in its ninth year, is aimed at small businesses which have no safety adviser.

Current legislation requires employers to appoint one or more competent people to assist in carrying out health and safety duties. This can prove expensive for a small firm, but the scholarship, entirely funded by Esso, could provide a solution.

Applicants are asked to write a 500-word essay explaining why and how the award would be of benefit to both themselves and their company.

Winners receive free entry to the RoSPA-organised National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health course, which concludes with the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health examination.

Accommodation costs and course reference books are provided. The course is held in Birmingham or Edinburgh and worth around £3,000.

Short-listed entrants will be invited to attend an interview with the judging panel during Safety & Health at Work 2000 at the NEC, Birmingham (May 8-11). Travel expenses will be refunded. Entries for the scholarship close on April 21.

Last year’s winners were: Ann Leavesley of Muncaster Castle, Gardens and Owl Centre, Cumbria; Brenda Mendham, of the Forum of Private Business, Cheshire; and Dave Edwards, of CDL Construction, Middlesex.

Further details and entry forms can be obtained from David Walker or Jackie Bradley, at RoSPA, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Birmingham, B5 7ST, or telephone 0121 248 2091.