5 min read
By David J Pearson, Managing Director, Premier Partnership
Health, safety and welfare (HSW) professionals have long played a critical role in protecting people at work. Traditionally, that focus has been on preventing accidents, ill health, and ensuring safe systems of work. However, the risk landscape is evolving rapidly. Today, organisations face not only operational hazards, but also external threats such as terrorism.
This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity for our profession. It is time to recognise that counter terrorism (CT) awareness and preparedness are now a natural extension of what we already do.
Why Counter Terrorism Matters to HSW Professionals
Workplaces and public spaces have increasingly become potential targets. Whether it is construction projects, commercial premises, or infrastructure developments, these environments often involve large numbers of people, open access, and complex logistics. This creates vulnerabilities that cannot be ignored.
HSW professionals are uniquely placed to contribute because:
- Risk assessment is at the core of the role
Identifying hazards and implementing controls is what we do every day. Terrorism risk, while different in nature, still fits within a structured risk management approach.
- Understanding of people and behaviour
Just as we consider human factors in safety, we must also recognise suspicious behaviours and patterns that could indicate hostile intent.
- Influence across organisations
Safety professionals often have direct access to senior leadership and operational teams, placing them in a strong position to influence preparedness and response planning.
- Emergency planning experience
Many already develop and test emergency procedures. Expanding this to include terrorism scenarios is a logical progression.
In short, counter terrorism is not a separate discipline sitting outside HSW — it is a complementary area that strengthens organisational resilience.
The Case for Upskilling
As with many emerging risks, awareness alone is not enough. Without structured learning, there is a danger that organisations either underestimate the threat or take inconsistent approaches.
Upskilling in counter terrorism offers several benefits:
- Improved risk identification – recognising vulnerabilities that might otherwise be missed
- More effective control measures – proportionate, practical steps embedded into day-to-day operations
- Enhanced confidence – enabling professionals to engage meaningfully with security specialists
- Stronger organisational resilience – better preparedness, response, and recovery capability
There is also a professional responsibility aspect. As expectations of employers increase, so too does the need for competent advice across a wider range of risks.
Premier Partnership and NEBOSH: Driving Capability in CT
At Premier Partnership, we have always believed in anticipating the needs of the profession and responding with high-quality, practical training.
Our longstanding relationship with NEBOSH has been built on that shared commitment to raising standards globally. Through this collaboration, we have supported the development of specialist counter terrorism qualifications that bring structured, credible learning into this space.
These NEBOSH CT courses are now available and provide:
- A clear understanding of terrorism threats and motivations
- Practical guidance on risk assessment and control measures
- Insight into protective security and organisational preparedness
- A framework that aligns with the expectations placed on modern organisations
Importantly, these courses have been designed with HSW professionals in mind. They build on existing competencies rather than requiring a complete shift in expertise.
Advocating for Change
Over recent months, I have had the opportunity to speak at a number of health and safety conferences, where this topic has generated significant interest and discussion.
A common theme has emerged: many professionals recognise the importance of counter terrorism but are unsure where it fits within their role. My view is clear — it already fits. It is simply an extension of good risk management and responsible leadership.
There is also a growing recognition that waiting for legislation or external pressure is not the right approach. As a profession, we have always been at our best when we act proactively rather than reactively.
Integrating CT into Everyday Practice
Embedding counter terrorism into HSW does not require a complete reinvention of existing systems. Instead, it can be achieved through practical steps:
- Including terrorism considerations within existing risk assessments
- Reviewing site access, perimeter security, and visitor management
- Enhancing awareness training for staff
- Strengthening emergency and incident response plans
- Promoting a culture of vigilance and reporting
This mirrors many of the approaches we already take with other safety risks — structured, proportionate, and continuously improving.
A Natural Evolution of the Profession
As I have highlighted previously when discussing areas such as cognitive bias and decision-making, our profession must continue to evolve to remain effective. The same applies here.
Counter terrorism is not about turning safety professionals into security experts. It is about expanding our awareness, strengthening our competence, and ensuring that we continue to protect people in an increasingly complex world.
Conclusion
Counter terrorism is one such area where our skills, influence, and experience can make a meaningful difference. By upskilling and engaging with recognised training, such as the NEBOSH CT courses developed in partnership with Premier Partnership, we can enhance our impact and contribute to safer, more resilient organisations.
As a profession, we have always adapted to meet new challenges. This is simply the next step.
Next Steps
Take a look at our Counter Terrorism training options HERE
Jon Knight
Posted 24th Jul 2026 