How it helps
The purpose of the Health & Safety Education Forum (HS Education Forum) is to provide a collaborative platform that supports dialogue, programme development, accreditation and shared decision-making among stakeholders to enhance the quality, accessibility, and relevance of occupational health and safety education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Who it is for
The forum is a voluntary network designed for education representatives who meet regularly to share insights and drive positive change within the H&S education sector. The Steering Group membership is specifically composed of representatives from a diverse range of educational providers across Aotearoa, including universities, polytechnics, Wānanga and Iwi/Māori education providers, private training establishments, industry training organisations, and professional and registration bodies. It also includes student representatives who are studying toward H&S-related degrees in New Zealand.
What it does (Key activities include:)
The Steering Group drives change through key activities, such as educating and influencing those designing qualifications and modules to ensure H&S is intentionally embedded, rather than being an afterthought. Key activities also include coordinating input from various education providers (tertiary, vocational, industry-based, and iwi/Māori) to identify gaps, duplications, and opportunities in current H&S education offerings. Furthermore, the group promotes student voice and leadership in OHS education, advises HASANZ on curriculum content and learning outcomes, and acts as a conduit for advocacy and alignment with other national bodies.
Benefits
The forum provides several significant benefits to the H&S sector and educational system:
• Enhanced Education Standards: It aims to directly enhance the quality, accessibility, and relevance of occupational health and safety education.
• Professional Recognition: It champions H&S as a recognised profession and supports the professional identity and recognition of H&S generalists and specialists.
• Coherent Pathways: The forum aims to strengthen educational pathways, providing clarity and coherence from foundational training through to advanced qualifications.
• Cultural Integration: It supports the inclusion of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Kaupapa Māori approaches, recognising that Mātauranga Māori contributes to workplace wellbeing and risk management.
Meet the HS Education Forum Steering Group
The steering group brings together representatives from education providers across Aotearoa, reflecting a wide range of institutions, disciplines, and backgrounds. It also includes two student representatives who are currently studying toward a health and safety–related degree in New Zealand and have been awarded a HASANZ Scholarship.