Does the 'competent person' need to be an employee of the company?

The concept of a 'competent person' in health and safety refers to an individual who has the necessary skills, knowledge, training, and experience to perform specific tasks related to health and safety effectively. This designation does not inherently require that the person be a full-time employee of the company.

In practice, a 'competent person' can indeed be an external consultant. This flexibility allows organizations to leverage the expertise of professionals who may not be directly employed but possess the required qualifications and experience to address health and safety concerns. By utilizing external consultants, companies can access specialized skills that may not be available internally, ensuring that health and safety standards are maintained in compliance with relevant regulations.

This approach emphasizes the importance of competence over the employment status of the individual, recognizing that effective safety management can benefit from a diverse range of expertise.