ProQual Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Health & Safety Leadership and Management Qualification No. 603/6851/2

The ProQual Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Health & Safety Leadership and Management is a master’s-level, Ofqual-regulated qualification for senior professionals responsible for organisational health and safety strategy. It is fully work-based and competency-based, with no exams, and is completed through a portfolio of real workplace evidence. Typically finished within 6–18 months, it develops advanced leadership, risk management, and strategic skills, supporting progression into senior H&S and executive-level roles globally.

Qualification Number: 603/6851/2

Total Qualification Time (TQT): 500 Hours

Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 260 Hours

Course Overview

The ProQual Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Health & Safety Leadership and Management is a prestigious, globally recognised qualification designed for senior professionals responsible for leading organisational health and safety strategy.

Positioned at Master’s level (Level 7 on the RQF), this diploma equips candidates with advanced knowledge, strategic insight, and leadership capability to influence safety culture, implement robust safety management systems, and drive organisational excellence.

Unlike traditional academic programmes, this qualification is entirely competence-based. Learners are assessed on real workplace performance, with evidence drawn from:

• Day-to-day leadership responsibilities

• Strategic projects

• Incident investigations

• Policy development

• Board-level reporting

• Risk management activities

• Strategic decision-making

If you are already operating at a senior OH&S level, you may already possess a significant portion of the required evidence.

Total Study Commitment

As specified by ProQual:

• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 500 hours

• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 260 hours

Typical Duration

Most candidates complete the qualification within 6–18 months, depending on:

• Current role and responsibilities

• Professional experience

• Availability of suitable workplace evidence

Flexible assessor support is provided throughout the programme.

Why Choose This Qualification?

Master’s-Level Professional Status

This Level 7 qualification demonstrates advanced strategic leadership capability in health and safety management, highly valued by employers worldwide.

100% Work-Based – No Exams

There are no written exams. Learners build a professional portfolio using real workplace activities such as:

• Policy development

• Strategic planning

• Engagement with senior leadership

• Crisis and risk management

• Safety reporting, communication and data analysis

Globally Recognised & Ofqual-Regulated

The qualification is:

• Issued by ProQual Awarding Body

• Regulated by Ofqual

• Recognised internationally

This ensures credibility and global professional recognition.

Strengthen Strategic Leadership Capability

You will develop the advanced skills required to:

• Influence corporate decision-making

• Improve organisational safety culture

• Lead sustainability and global safety initiatives

• Implement and evaluate enterprise-level H&S systems

• Align strategy with ISO standards and global best practice

Enhance Career Opportunities

Graduates commonly progress into senior leadership roles, including:

• Head of Health & Safety

• Group H&S Director

• Senior HSE Manager

• Strategic Risk Leader

• Corporate SHEQ Manager

Who Is This Qualification For?

This diploma is designed for experienced professionals in roles such as:

• Senior Health & Safety Managers

• H&S Directors / Heads of Safety

• Group HSE Leaders

• Strategic Risk Managers

• SHEQ Leaders

• Executive-level Health & Safety Consultants

• Professionals responsible for organisation-wide safety strategy

Candidates must be in a role that allows them to strategically influence health and safety performance and generate appropriate leadership evidence.

Course Structure

Learners must complete five mandatory units, as specified by ProQual.

Mandatory Units

Unit Reference	Unit Title	Level	GLH
A/618/5596	Risk-based safety systems management	7	50
F/618/5597	Safety culture, sustainability and the global effect on performance	7	50
J/618/5598	Digital technologies and incident investigation	7	50
L/618/5599	Development as a strategic manager	5	50
J/506/2048	Establish business risk management processes	5	50

Entry Requirements

As per the ProQual specification:

There are no formal academic entry requirements.

However, candidates must:

• Hold a senior role influencing organisational health and safety

• Be able to provide strategic-level evidence

• Possess strong English and IT skills

• Be aged 19 or over

An initial skills assessment will be conducted to confirm suitability.

Assessment Method

Assessment is entirely competency-based and may include:

• Portfolio of Evidence

• Professional Discussions

• Witness Testimonies

• Reports, Documents and Policies

• Observation of Work-Based Activities

• Reflective Accounts

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All assessment decisions are subject to internal quality assurance and external ProQual verification to ensure reliability and fairness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does the Level 7 Diploma take to complete?

Most candidates complete the qualification within 6–18 months, depending on experience and available evidence.

2. Is this qualification equivalent to a Master’s degree?

While not an academic Master’s degree, it is positioned at Level 7 on the RQF, demonstrating advanced professional competence at Master’s level.

3. Are there classes or exams?

No. This is a fully work-based qualification with no exams. All evidence is gathered from workplace activities.

4. Can historic evidence be used?

Yes. Evidence from the past 2–3 years may be included if it meets the assessment criteria.

5. Is professional support provided?

Yes. Learners receive dedicated assessor support, portfolio guidance, and ongoing professional mentoring throughout the qualification.

6. Is this suitable for international learners?

Yes. The qualification is recognised globally and can be completed remotely.

Conclusion

The ProQual Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Health & Safety Leadership and Management is a high-level, work-based qualification designed for senior safety professionals seeking to strengthen their strategic impact, influence organisational direction, and lead at the highest level of health and safety management.

By achieving this diploma, you demonstrate advanced leadership capability, strategic competence, and commitment to excellence in global health and safety practice.