As organisations grow—whether through new sites, more staff, or expanded operations—their health and safety responsibilities inevitably increase. At this point, many businesses face a key decision:
Do we bring in a full-time Chartered Safety Practitioner, or is it more effective to retain an external consultancy such as JCH Safety?
For a large number of companies, the answer comes down to competence, flexibility and cost.
Internal Safety Staff Are Valuable—But Often Not Chartered-Level
Many organisations already employ in-house safety personnel at an operational level. These individuals play an important role, typically handling:
- Day-to-day inspections
- Accident reporting
- Toolbox talks
- Routine training
- Record keeping
- Supporting managers with practical safety tasks
These roles are essential and provide everyday control. However, they are often not qualified or experienced enough to manage higher-level requirements such as:
- Formal fire risk assessments
- Interpreting legislation and British Standards
- DSEAR reviews
- Complex workplace and machinery risk assessments
- Strategic safety planning
- Contractor management under CDM 2015
- External accreditations (CHAS, SafeContractor, Constructionline)
- Responding to the fire authority, insurers, or the HSE
- Board-level reporting
This leaves a capability gap between operational safety and senior-level competence.
Hiring a full-time Chartered Professional (CMIOSH) is one option—but the cost is typically high. Many organisations simply do not need that level of expertise five days per week.
Why Many Companies Choose to Retain a Consultancy Instead
Retaining a consultancy such as JCH Safety provides a practical and cost-effective alternative to hiring senior staff.
1. Chartered-Level Expertise Without Full-Time Salary Costs
JCH Safety gives businesses direct access to:
- Chartered IOSH competence
- IFSM Tier 2 Accredited Fire Risk Assessor status
- Advanced fire safety training and over 20 years of experience
- Specialist insight across manufacturing, schools, logistics, retail, medical centres, and commercial premises
All provided as and when needed, rather than tied to a fixed salary.
2. Enhancing the Work of Existing Safety Staff
Most clients do not replace internal safety staff—they strengthen them through consultancy support.
JCH Safety can assist by:
- Reviewing and strengthening internal documentation
- Providing complex or specialist risk assessments
- Conducting audits that require independent oversight
- Assisting with accreditations and compliance evidence
- Training or upskilling in-house personnel
- Offering ongoing guidance by phone, email, video call or site visits
This gives organisations both operational coverage and senior-level assurance, without overstretching their internal resources.
3. Flexible Support That Adapts to Business Needs
Unlike a full-time hire, consultancy support can be scaled up or down depending on your situation. Businesses may need more support during:
- Refurbishment or construction projects
- Rapid expansion
- Machinery changes or new processes
- New legislation
- Fire authority or insurance involvement
- Significant risk assessment updates
And less support when operations stabilise.
This flexibility keeps costs sensible while ensuring competence is always available.
4. Independent Assurance and Impartial Advice
External consultants provide objectivity—something that can be difficult for internal employees who report directly into management.
JCH Safety offers independence for:
- Board-level reporting
- Property and landlord compliance
- Multi-site reviews
- Serious accident investigations
- Fire safety assurance
- Due diligence for acquisitions or relocations
Many insurance companies and certification bodies value independent, accredited fire and safety assessments.
5. A Broader Skillset Than One Employee Can Realistically Provide
Even the best in-house practitioner will have strengths and weaknesses. By contrast, consultancy support gives businesses access to a wider technical skillset, including:
- Health and safety audits
- Fire risk assessments (with recognised accreditation)
- CDM 2015 advisory support
- COSHH, machinery, and general risk assessments
- Policy and procedures development
- Manager and staff training
- Contractor management systems
- Ongoing British Standards updates via BSI Knowledge
This breadth is rarely achievable through a single hire.
When Retaining a Consultancy Is the Best Option
Organisations often choose consultancy support when they:
- Already have a safety officer but need Chartered oversight
- Cannot justify the cost of a full-time senior practitioner
- Want independent assurance for insurance or regulatory needs
- Need high-quality fire risk assessments
- Operate multiple sites with inconsistent compliance
- Are preparing for external accreditations
- Need a retained competent person
- Want to improve safety culture without increasing headcount
This is especially common across manufacturing, logistics, retail, offices, schools, MATs, GP practices, hospitality and multi-occupied properties across Coventry, Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham and Derby.
How JCH Safety Supports Your Organisation
JCH Safety offers a full consultancy service, including:
- Retained Competent Person
- Health and Safety Audits
- Fire Risk Assessments (Tier 2 accredited)
- General Risk Assessments
- Health and Safety Policies & Manuals
- CDM 2015 Support
- Staff Training and Manager Briefings
- Ongoing advice and guidance throughout the year
All with a personal, professional and flexible approach.
Conclusion: Access to Senior Competence When You Need It
Most businesses don’t need a Chartered Safety Practitioner on the payroll—they need access to one.
Retaining a consultancy like JCH Safety offers the best of both worlds:
- Chartered and accredited expertise
- Better value than full-time employment
- Support that strengthens existing staff
- Independent assurance for compliance and insurance
- A flexible, responsive partnership
If your organisation is looking to increase safety competence, improve compliance, or gain senior-level support, JCH Safety is here to help.
