International Workplace and Reed Learning awarded DWP contract to deliver IOSH Occupational Health and Wellbeing training to SMEs across England

International Workplace in partnership with Reed Learning has been awarded a contract by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver the IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing Certificate to line managers in qualifying small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across England, which will be fully funded by DWP.

Eligibility criteria for learners includes:

• Must be a line manager to at least one employee
• Must work for an SME in England with 2-249 employees
• Must not have completed the IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing course in the last three years.

The programme will be delivered between 1 January and 31 March 2026 and will be fully funded by DWP in collaboration with the Department for Health & Social Care, making it completely free for eligible SME line managers. The initiative forms part of the government’s wider ambition to Keep Britain Working, supporting employers to improve workplace health, wellbeing and productivity.

International Workplace has been appointed as Reed Learning’s delivery partner. The two organisations are working collaboratively to promote and deliver the programme nationally across the nine Office for National Statistics (ONS) regions of England.

To ensure maximum accessibility for SMEs, the IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing course will be offered in three formats:

• eLearning (EL): Self-paced online learning (approx. 5 hours)
• Virtual classroom (VC): Live instructor-led sessions delivered via MS Teams (approx. 3.5 hours), supported by eLearning
• Face-to-face (F2F): One-day classroom-based training (approx. 6 hours) delivered at 12 Reed venues across England

Delegates choosing the virtual classroom option will also complete the eLearning version of the course to reinforce learning and support successful completion.

Managers can sign up for free training on the campaign website at www.lets-crack-on.com.

Supporting managers to improve health and wellbeing

The IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing course is designed for managers and supervisors in any sector, equipping them with practical tools and techniques to support employee health and wellbeing. The course helps managers develop the confidence to have effective conversations about health, manage occupational health risks, and promote a positive workplace culture.

Course content includes:

• A healthy company – understanding how to manage health and wellbeing and respond to workers’ health needs
• Health risk management – exploring occupational health management and its business benefits
• Fitness for work – understanding physical and mental health conditions and their impact on work
• Wellbeing – promoting healthy lifestyles, positive mental health and a supportive workplace culture

On successful completion of the course and final assessment project, delegates are awarded the IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing Certificate.

David Sharp, CEO of International Workplace, commented: “We’re delighted to be working with Reed Learning on this vital DWP initiative. Our 20+ years of experience as an IOSH-accredited training provider and investment in learning technologies allows us to deliver this programme at scale. As the founder of a small business, I believe we have a good insight into the needs of the market and are well placed to support Reed Learning and DWP in delivering practical, high-impact learning for SMEs.”

Roger Mason, Director of Consulting at Reed Learning, said: “We’re proud to partner with International Workplace and the Department for Work and Pensions on this important initiative. Supporting SMEs to improve health and wellbeing is critical for building resilient, productive teams.  

“By offering flexible delivery options and fully funded access, we aim to remove barriers to learning and empower managers with the practical skills they need to create healthier workplaces across England. This programme is a key part of the government’s ambition to Keep Britain Working, and we’re committed to helping organisations achieve that goal.”  

Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), added: “Work should be a source of health, not harm. When people feel supported and their health, safety and wellbeing is prioritised, they thrive – and so do businesses and communities. This initiative is a powerful step towards creating workplaces where work-related ill health and disease is prevented, conversations about wellbeing are normalised, and managers have the skills and confidence to lead with care.”