ASHEPA Professional Membership

ASHEPA Professional Competency Framework

The framework defines 19 competency units across four domains and four progressive capability levels.

Domain A

Technical HSE Competence

A1 Legal, Regulatory and Professional Standards
A2 Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control
A3 Occupational Health, Hygiene and Worker Wellbeing
A4 Operational and Workplace Safety
A5 Environmental Management, Sustainability and Climate-Related HSE
A6 Emergency Preparedness, Incident Management and Organisational Learning
A7 HSE Management Systems, Audit, Assurance and Performance

Domain B

Professional and Management Competence

B1 Strategy, Governance and Business Integration
B2 Evidence, Data, Digital Technology and Decision-Making
B3 Project, Contractor, Procurement and Change Management
B4 Communication, Training, Learning and Knowledge Transfer

Domain C

Leadership and Behavioural Competence

C1 HSE Leadership, Culture and Influence
C2 Worker Consultation, Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
C3 Teamwork, Coaching, Mentoring and Conflict Management
C4 Innovation, Continuous Improvement and Professional Contribution

Domain D

Ethics and Professional Conduct

D1 Integrity, Ethical Decision-Making and Professional Responsibility
D2 Competence Boundaries, Lifelong Learning and Current Practice
D3 Confidentiality, Data Protection and Professional Records
D4 Impartiality, Conflict of Interest, Speaking Up and Public or Worker Interest

Four competency levels

Level 1 Awareness/FoundationLevel 2 Practitioner/ApplicationLevel 3 Professional/IndependentLevel 4 Strategic/Expert

Levels describe demonstrated capability, not job titles. Self-assessment, course completion and years of experience can support development, but formal competency levels require appropriate evidence and professional assessment.