Managers who prepare properly for IOSH Mental Health and Wellbeing training gain more practical insight, feel more confident applying what they learn, and are better equipped to support staff while meeting health and safety compliance requirements.
This guide outlines practical steps managers can take before attending IOSH Mental Health and Wellbeing training to ensure they get the most from the course.
Why Preparation Matters for Managers
IOSH Mental Health and Wellbeing training is not just about learning definitions or policies. It focuses on real workplace situations, decision making, and leadership behaviour.
Preparing in advance helps managers:
- Engage more confidently in discussions
- Relate learning to real workplace challenges
- Apply knowledge immediately after training
- Support both staff wellbeing and compliance duties
Managers who attend without preparation often struggle to connect the training to their role.
Understand Your Role in Mental Health & Wellbeing
Before attending training, it is important to understand what is expected of you as a manager.
Managers are not expected to:
- Diagnose mental health conditions
- Act as counsellors
- Solve personal issues
Managers are expected to:
- Identify potential risks
- Support early conversations
- Apply reasonable workplace adjustments
- Escalate concerns appropriately
- Manage workload and pressure effectively
IOSH training builds on this foundation, so having clarity beforehand is essential.
Review Your Organisation’s Health & Safety Responsibilities
Mental health falls under health and safety law in the UK, including Scotland.
Before your training, review:
- Your organisation’s health and safety policy
- Any wellbeing or stress management policies
- Absence and return to work procedures
- Risk assessment processes
This helps you understand how mental health fits into existing compliance requirements.
Reflect on Your Team’s Current Challenges
One of the most valuable ways to prepare is to reflect honestly on your team’s situation.
Consider:
- Workload levels
- Deadlines and pressure points
- Staff absence patterns
- Team morale
- Communication challenges
- Recent organisational changes
Having real examples in mind will help you engage more meaningfully with the training content.
Familiarise Yourself With Workplace Stress Risks
Stress is recognised as a workplace hazard and managers play a key role in managing it.
Before attending training, think about:
- Common causes of stress in your role
- How workload is allocated
- How changes are communicated
- Whether staff feel supported raising concerns
- How performance is monitored
IOSH Mental Health and Wellbeing training helps managers treat stress like any other risk that can be assessed and managed.
Be Ready to Participate Actively
IOSH training is interactive and discussion based.
To prepare:
- Be open to sharing experiences
- Listen to different perspectives
- Ask practical questions
- Avoid viewing mental health as a sensitive topic to avoid
Managers who actively participate often gain more confidence and practical tools from the course.
Understand How Mental Health Links to Safety
Mental wellbeing directly affects workplace safety.
Before training, consider how:
- Fatigue impacts decision making
- Stress increases errors
- Poor morale leads to shortcuts
- Burnout affects attention and behaviour
This link is a key focus of IOSH Mental Health and Wellbeing training and understanding it beforehand improves learning outcomes.
Review Your Risk Assessment Responsibilities
Managers often contribute to or review risk assessments.
Before attending training:
- Review recent risk assessments
- Consider whether mental health risks are included
- Reflect on how stress and workload are managed
- Identify any gaps or challenges
This will help you apply IOSH principles more effectively during and after the course.
Set Clear Personal Learning Goals
Having personal goals makes training more valuable.
Before the course, ask yourself:
- What do I find most challenging about managing wellbeing?
- Do I struggle with difficult conversations?
- Do I feel confident managing workload pressure?
- Do I understand my legal responsibilities?
Bringing these questions into the training helps you focus on what matters most.
Coordinate With Senior Management Where Possible
Mental health support works best when managers feel backed by leadership.
Before attending training:
- Discuss expectations with senior leaders
- Understand escalation processes
- Clarify what support is available
- Confirm organisational commitment to wellbeing
This helps ensure what you learn can be applied in practice.
Prepare for Practical Application After Training
IOSH Mental Health and Wellbeing training is designed to be applied immediately.
Before attending, think about:
- How you will share learning with your team
- What small changes you can make quickly
- How you will monitor wellbeing risks
- How you will follow up conversations
Planning ahead helps turn training into action.
Combine IOSH Training With Ongoing Support
While IOSH Mental Health and Wellbeing training provides a strong foundation, it works best as part of a wider approach.
Many organisations combine:
- IOSH training for managers
- Mental health awareness training for teams
- Clear wellbeing policies
- Regular risk reviews
Emcare offers both health and safety and mental health training to support a joined up approach.
Flexible Training Options With Emcare
Managers often need training that fits around busy schedules. Emcare provides:
- Onsite training at your workplace
- Open courses at training venues
- Flexible delivery options across the UK
This allows managers to access high quality training without unnecessary disruption.
Common Mistakes Managers Should Avoid
Before training, it is helpful to avoid these common misconceptions:
- Thinking mental health is separate from safety
- Assuming training is only for HR
- Expecting quick fixes instead of long term improvement
- Believing support means lowering standards
IOSH training helps managers balance wellbeing, performance, and compliance.
Final Thoughts
Preparing properly for IOSH Mental Health and Wellbeing training helps managers gain confidence, clarity, and practical skills.
By reflecting on responsibilities, workplace risks, and team challenges in advance, managers are better equipped to apply what they learn and support both staff wellbeing and health and safety compliance.
IOSH Mental Health and Wellbeing training is not about becoming an expert. It is about becoming a more informed, supportive, and effective manager.
If you or your management team are preparing for IOSH Mental Health and Wellbeing training, Emcare can help you choose the right course and delivery option. To discuss your training needs or book a course, contact us today.
