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Events

E.g., 25/07/2026

SOM Events Code of Conduct
  • 20 October 2026
    Webinar

    The At Work Partnership - Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) 2-day course and examination

    Day 1: Tuesday 20th October 2026 (Virtual); Day 2: Friday 23rd October 2026 (Birmingham)

    Enhance your expertise and confidence in the recognition, diagnosis and management of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) with The At Work Partnership’s intensive two-day Certificate in HAVS course, led by consultant in occupational medicine, and a leading expert in hand–arm vibration syndrome, Dr Roger Cooke.

    Designed specifically for occupational health professionals, this comprehensive programme provides a thorough understanding of health surveillance requirements for workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration. Delegates will also explore best practice in the assessment, diagnosis and ongoing management of individuals affected by HAVS.

    Through expert-led learning and practical insights, delegates will gain an in-depth understanding of the condition and the pivotal role occupational health plays in protecting workers and managing vibration-related risks in the workplace. 

    Over two days, you will learn all aspects of the syllabus for HAVS competence as defined by the FOM including:

    - Basic Principles
    - Legal background 
    - Workplace assessment 
    - Health surveillance and clinical assessment 
    - Occupational health action and advice

    The course will provide a comprehensive understanding of HAVS and the role of OH, enabling qualified OH professionals to clinically assess HAVS-related conditions and to undertake health surveillance. The FOM examination will take place at the end of day 2 of the course.

    Course tutors:

    Dr Roger Cooke, the course leader, is a consultant in occupational medicine, and a leading expert in hand–arm vibration syndrome.

    Three other expert tutors play an important role in the teaching on our HAVS courses:

    Andrew Cooke, clinical director at Clarity Healthcare
    Dr Susanna Gillibrand, independent consultant occupational physician 
    Dr Bernard Yew, medical director, PAM Group

    Who is the training designed for?

    This training is designed for OH nurses and doctors, who want to improve their competence in HAVS and gain the FOM certificate qualification. This course forms part of The At Work Partnership’s series of HAVS courses aimed at providing high quality HAVS training for various levels of experience. For beginners, or those new to HAVS, there is an introductory level course specifically for OH technicians and nurses which takes place each Spring; for those who have already taken the 2-day course, they also provide refresher courses every Autumn.

    Please view full course details, including the programme and the course brochure here.

    Don’t miss out on savings:

    - Special early bird rates for places booked and paid before Friday 11th September – save up to £20 + VAT!

  • 20 October 2026
    Webinar

       

    FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website first). 

    Summary of presentation:

    Bridging the Gap: Workplace Mediation, Mental Health Absence and Return to Work
    With mental health-related absence continuing to rise and reforms proposed to the fit note system, organisations are being encouraged to adopt earlier and more collaborative approaches to supporting employees. 
    This session explores how workplace mediation can help address the communication breakdowns, workplace tensions and relationship issues that often sit behind prolonged absence. Drawing on the Government’s  Keep Britain Working Review agenda; the presentation considers how mediation can support sustainable return-to-work outcomes and become an integral part of future work and health strategies.

    Speaker bio:
     

    Louisa Spicer is an independent HR consultant, accredited workplace mediator, and Non-Executive Director of the College of Mediators. A former employment lawyer and senior HR practitioner, she specialises in complex workplace issues, including investigations, grievances, disciplinary matters, and conflict resolution. Her current focus is on how workplace mediation can support sustainable returns to work following mental health-related absence and contribute to the objectives of the Government's Keep Britain Working agenda.
     

    Chair: Dr Charlie Vivian    
     

    FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website). You will then be sent the join link.

     

  • 29 October 2026
    London

    £490 for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website first). Non-members £590. There is a maximum of 20 places.

    2-Day Surveillance Audiometry Course
    (Compliance with The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005)

    Date and Time: 9.30am - 5.00pm, Thursday 29th - Friday 30th October 2026

    Venue: St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St, London NW1 1DF (maps)

    Please note that this is an in-person event only. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

    Trainer - Melanie Brewster, Clinical Physiologist (Audiology)

    This two-day face-to-face training course is practical and includes extensive ‘hands-on' experience of audiometry, ear examination and appropriate analysis of audiograms, under the direct supervision of a qualified, experienced tutor, in line with CNWR2005. Suitable for OH physicians, nurses, technicians and other clinicians.

    This course follows the guidelines as stated by BSA and training candidates will acquire knowledge and skills in the following areas:
    a. Communication needs of hearing impaired people 
    b. Anatomy and physiology of the outer, middle and inner ear, with particular reference to the effects of excessive sound on these structures 
    c. Hygiene and disinfection, and risks of cross-infection 
    d. Safe technique for ear examination 
    e. Identification of the structures of the outer ear and eardrum 
    f. Contraindications to audiometry 
    g. Manual and automated audiometry 
    h. Referral criteria and process
    i. Basic hearing protection in noise 
    j. The need for third-party insurance 

    Additionally, the course adds relevant training specific to the requirements of CNWR 2005 (L108):
    1. Normal audiograms for age
    2. Audiogram characteristics of noise-induced hearing loss
    3. Severity of NIHL relative to exposure
    4. Audiogram characteristics of non-noise-induced hearing loss
    5. Impulse noise hearing loss (acoustic shock)
    6. Role of the OHP
    7. Role of the competent adviser
    8. SOM guidance

    Candidates are required to bring the audiometers they use day-to-day to the training course, plus an otoscope.

    CPD points accredited by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) and SOM Certificate of Attendance.

    Delegate fee - £490 SOM member; £590 non SOM member

    Duration 13 hours

    Trainer: Melanie Brewster, Clinical Physiologist (Audiology) RCCP 1529, Dip Safety Management, Cert OH Law

    Melanie Brewster is an NHS-trained Clinical Physiologist specialising in audiology. Alongside private and medico-legal practice she provided the assessment service for the claimants from the NCB and war pension directorate in the early 1990s and branched out into occupational health in 1996 setting up her own Occupational Health company which specialises in noise. Melanie was instrumental in the 2021 changes in CNWR 2005 guidance and still works in the NHS part-time as an external consultant.  

    Melanie is an advocate for the correct identification of noise-induced hearing loss and has over 35 years of experience in interpreting audiograms in the industry. She provides specialist Occupational Health risk assessment and reports for employees identified as having hearing loss including advising on the compatibility of hearing aids and hearing protection and the management of safety-critical workers with hearing loss.

    Melanie has been a trainer for many years alongside advising major insurance companies on NIHL claims, validating medico-legal audiograms and several papers published in her subject.

    (SOM members please log in on the SOM website to get the discount). 

  • 02 November 2026
    Webinar

    A Faculty of Occupational Medicine approved course in preparation for FOM Diploma in Occupational Medicine Examination (DOccMed). 

    The course covers:

    - Introduction to Occupational Health
    - Effects of work on health
    - Clinical Occupational Health and Management 
    - Assessment of Actual Workplace Scenarios

    Course Leaders: Dr Lanre Ogunyemi, Dr Alan Bray and Dr Steven Sadhra

    Course Dates: Monday 2nd November - Friday 6th November and Monday 23rd November - Friday 27th November 2026 (Virtual – Online)

    Price: £3,480 including VAT

    Click here to view more information and register your interest.

  • 02 November 2026
    Webinar

    A FOM-approved course in preparation for FOM Diploma in Occupational Health Practice Examination (DipOHPrac). 

    The course covers:

    - Introduction to Occupational Health
    - Effects of work on health
    - Clinical Occupational Health and Management 
    - Assessment of Actual Workplace Scenarios

    Course Leads: Dr Lanre Ogunyemi, Dr Alan Bray and Dr Steven Sadhra

    Course Dates: Monday 2nd November - Friday 6th November and Monday 23rd November - Friday 27th November 2026 (Virtual – Online)

    Price: £3,480 including VAT

    Click here to view more information and register your interest.

  • 02 November 2026
    Online training

    The Health Partners Academy Diploma in Occupational Health Practice (DipOHPrac) course is a ten-day online course designed for professionals looking to advance their career in occupational health.

    This 10-day online course combines expert guidance, practical learning and personalised support to help you achieve the DipOHPrac qualification. You'll gain the confidence, knowledge and real-world insight needed to pass the FOM Diploma in Occupational Health Practice (DipOHPrac) exam.

    Guided by their experienced practitioners, you will gain the specialist knowledge and practical skills essential for confidently advancing your career in occupational health.

    During the course, you will:
    -  Have access to their full digital suite of learning materials, from tailored webinars to detailed reading materials.
    - Hear from highly qualified specialists from a range of relevant backgrounds, from toxicology and employment law to hygienists and psychologists.
    - Receive 1-1 feedback and guidance on your portfolio with a specialist OH expert.
    -  Join live lectures with the opportunity to ask questions directly to the experts
    -  Attend group exercise activities, discussion and examination preparation sessions.

    Click here to see the course timetable, meet the expert training team and book your place now.

    Course Dates
    Week 1 - 2nd November 2026
    Week 2 -  30th November 2026

    The cost of this ten-day course is £3,500 per person, plus VAT.

  • 07 November 2026
    London

    Health Surveillance for Occupational Health Professionals

    Half-day training for Diplomate Occupational Health Physicians and Occupational Health Advisors

    3 dates available to choose from: Friday 22nd May, Sunday 23rd August, Saturday 7th November 9am-1.30pm

    R-Health, 98 Burnt Oak Broadway, London, HA8 0BE

    Price: £150 + VAT

    The course is available in-person or online.

    9.00-9.10 Welcome & Introduction

    9.10-10.00 Noise Surveillance

    10.00-11.00 Vision

    11.00-11.15 Break

    11.15-12.00 Respiratory Surveillance

    12.00-1.00 Hands on Cases

    This course is led by Dr Satish Ranka, a Senior Consultant Occupational Health Physician, Deputy Chief Examiner at the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, and CSER Assessor. Dr Ranka is also Director and Responsible Officer of R-Health Limited, which he co-leads with his business partner and through which he provides specialist occupational health services to police forces and other safety-critical organisations across the UK.

    Click here to register.

    Hosted by Propel Solutions, Backed by R-Health

  • 27 November 2026
    Hybrid

    Save the Date: Friday 27th November 2026

    Join the RCN and SOM in-person or online at this popular one-day conference.

    Register your interest here.

     

     

  • 31 December 2026
    Webinar

     

    The four courses aim to help delegates understand the facts about drug & alcohol misuse in the workplace including legal considerations, how to compile a substance misuse policy and interpretation of reports generated by the laboratory.

    Collection Officer Training
    Who should attend: Anyone who undertakes Chain of Custody collections; OHA / OHNAs; Occupational Health Physicians; GPs; HR Managers; Health & Safety Officers; trade union members
    Course content:
    - Preparing a site for collection
    - Mechanics of a urine collection, troubleshooting and common errors
    - Collection demonstration for back-to-lab and Point of Collection [POC] devices
    - Breathalyser selection, calibration and verification with demonstration
    - What happens to the samples in the laboratory
    - Oral fluid and hair collections
    Cost: £300 per delegate

    MRO Training, part 1
    Who should attend: OHA / OHNAs; Occupational Health Physicians; GPs
    Course content:
    - The role of the Medical Review Officer [MRO] including the Medical Review
    - Laboratory process
    - Adulteration checks and how donors try and mislead the testing
    - Drug metabolism looking at the fact and fiction behind positive samples
    - Evaluation and debate of Chain of Custody cases through result interpretation
    Cost: £300 per delegate

    MRO Training, part 2
    Who should attend: OHA / OHNAs; Occupational Health Physicians; GPs
    Course content:
    - Use of alternative biological samples such as hair, oral fluid, sweat and sweat vapour
    - Pros and cons of Point of Collection [POC] devices, how to develop protocols consistent with the principles of Chain of Custody
    - Quality and accreditation, European Guidelines for Workplace Drugs Testing, minimum service level to expect
    - Alcohol including biomarkers such as EtG/EtS, FAEE
    - Evaluation via MCQs
    Cost: £300 per delegate

    Policy Workshop
    Who should attend: HR Managers; Health & Safety Officers; Occupational Health professionals; trade union members
    Course content:
    - Drawing up a draft substance misuse policy
    - Timelines for policy introduction and educational requirements
    Cost: £185 per delegate for a half-day

    On-site courses can be tailored to your requirements. Please call for further information and details of costs

    Venues and dates available throughout 2026:

     

    Policy, afternoon

    Collection Officer

    MRO1

    MRO2

    Zoom UK/GMT

    02-Feb

    03-Feb

    04-Feb

    05-Feb

    Zoom UK/GMT+1

    13-Apr

    14-Apr

    15-Apr

    16-Apr

    Zoom UK/GMT+1

    03-Aug

    04-Aug

    05-Aug

    06-Aug

    Zoom UK/GMT+1

    05-Oct

    06-Oct

    07-Oct

    08-Oct

    Dates and start times can be adapted to your time zone. Please contact Helen Vangikar for further details.

    All delegates will receive an information pack and certificate(s), and MRO1 and MRO2 are accredited and qualify for CPD hours from the Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians [UK].

    To view further course details please click here.

    To reserve a place or enquire about on-site training, please contact Helen Vangikar, Toxicology Consultant: Mobile: +44 (0)7856 979961; Email: helen@helenvangikar.com; Web: www.helenvangikar.com

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