When it comes to risk and compliance training, what do employees need to know?
- Full Cycle Training
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
Why risk and compliance matters
Whatever industry you operate in, ensuring that employees understand the risks facing them, those around them and the organisation is key. They need to know how certain regulations affect their own responsibilities and the consequences that occur when you get it wrong. This can be anything from physical health and safety to data protection and AI. It’s not only important to know the risks and how to respond when a situation occurs, it’s also often a regulatory requirement.
Risk and compliance as a shared responsibility
Employees need to firstly understand that risk and compliance are shared responsibilities that protect both themselves and the organisation from legal, financial, and reputational harm. Being compliant means that employees understand risks better, how to spot possible breaches happening and what to do when they do. This enables them to not only do their job more effectively by having a greater understanding of what their responsibilities are, but by doing the training, it can also help them make decisions and react faster when under pressure.
Depending on the organisation, risks that need to be managed can be physical, operational, digital, financial, and reputational. No two organisations are the same so the needs and requirements for risk and compliance training will be different for every business. Similarly, there will be several roles within an organisation where particular training for compliance will apply to some, but not to others.
Key areas of risk and compliance
When it comes to training for compliance, what do employees need to be aware of?
Health and safety: Understanding how to keep the work environment safe from hazards, knowing what the fire procedure is and what to do in an emergency. Employees need to know how to report any workplace injuries or accidents. Depending on the business, employees should also have training in how to use machinery and equipment correctly and safely.
Data Protection: Understanding their responsibilities and liabilities when handing data, GDPR, and how to do it securely, especially when they need to handle sensitive customer or employee data. This might involve training around in-house procedures along with guidance on IT security, working from home and training on how to prevent data risks.
Anti-bribery and corruption: Employees need to know how to recognise signs of bribery and what to do if they are approached by someone, they need to be aware of conflicts of interest, embezzlement such as misuse of money and other misconduct along with whistleblowing and knowing how to report a compliance breach.
Digital and AI use: As technology evolves, knowing the best way to handle digital and AI assets including privacy and security is essential.
Different organisational structures will require bespoke training for compliance to suit the needs of the business and industry so it’s important to have access to a wide variety of topics to choose from. More popular courses can often include Manual Handling, Abrasive Wheels, Working at Height. If you deal with Human Resources and Wellbeing then Mental Health and Wellbeing Awareness and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training courses will be important.
If you are working in potentially hazardous environments then training for compliance might focus on more physical elements and those related to the surroundings you operate in. Those working on site will have different requirements to those based in the office, even though they all work for the same organisation. Choosing a compliance training platform with access to a library of topics is hugely important. Organisations need to have the ability to pick and choose the topics that are right for each employee depending on their role and level of responsibility.
Why compliance training for organisations is a continuous process
Training for compliance is a continuous process for organisations, rather than a one and done exercise. With constantly evolving risks and regulation updates, it’s important that organisations monitor their training requirements and stay up to date with what is required. Using e-learning means that companies can be safe in the knowledge that their employees are receiving the most up to date training for compliance available. Being able to track all employees through a learning management system (LMS) will also allow employers to see when employees need to refresh their accreditations.
Taking a proactive approach to compliance training is key
Organisations taking a proactive approach to training for compliance is essential for any thriving business in mitigating risks. Used in the right way and compliance adherence will help enhance operational efficiency, build customer trust and help employees take more responsibility, which all ultimately contribute to a successful business.
FAQs
1. What are the most common courses when it comes to training for compliance?
For industries like construction and engineering, popular training for compliance topics include Manual Handling, Abrasive Wheels and Working at Height are popular. More corporate clients are focusing on mental health, wellbeing awareness and equality.
2. How can I choose which course provider is right for my business?
Every company is different and there is no one size fits all approach. Choose a training for compliance provider that has a large library of topics to pick so that you can tailor make the training to suit the individual, their role and level of responsibility.
Below are just some of our courses you may be interested in:
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