Regulated vs Non‑Regulated: What’s the Difference?
Regulated Training
This is training that’s been quality‑checked by an external awarding organisation.
Regulated courses:
- Follow a set national syllabus
- Are assessed in a standardised way
- Come with certificates issued through an awarding body
- Tend to feel reassuringly official
Non-Regulated Training
This is training delivered directly by a competent provider without an external awarding body. It can be:
- More flexible
- Tailored to your setting
- Designed around your real-world risks
- Just as high‑quality, if you choose the right provider
Non-regulated does not mean “unapproved”, “illegal”, or “less safe”. It simply means the provider takes responsibility for meeting the required standards themselves.
So… What Does the Law Actually Say?
Here’s the part most people get wrong.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not require regulated training. They require employers to:
- Provide “adequate and appropriate” first aid provision
- Choose a competent training provider
- Keep evidence of how they made that decision
That’s it. No secret rulebook. No hidden clause demanding a regulated certificate.
In fact, the HSE explicitly states that employers are free to choose any training provider, regulated or not, as long as they can demonstrate due diligence.
What Does “Due Diligence” Look Like?
Think of due diligence as your “show your working out” moment.
You don’t need a 40-page report. You just need to show you checked that your provider:
- Has qualified, experienced trainers
- Uses up-to-date, evidence-based content
- Follows recognised first aid protocols
- Has appropriate quality assurance
- Provides training that matches your risk assessment
A good provider will make this easy by being transparent about their qualifications, processes, and standards. At Kendall Training, we supply our customers with a clear form detailing all of this information so you don’t have to do the legwork.
Why Some Organisations Choose Regulated Training
Regulated courses can be a great option if you want:
- A nationally standardised qualification
- A certificate that’s recognised across multiple sectors
- A clear, externally audited structure
Some employers simply feel more comfortable with the formality of regulated training, and that’s absolutely fine. At Kendall Training we offer both.
Why Others Choose Non-Regulated Training
Non-regulated training shines when you want:
- Flexibility
- Bespoke content
- Training shaped around your environment (schools, nurseries, SEN settings, sports clubs, etc.)
- A provider who can adapt scenarios to your real risks rather than a fixed syllabus
- A certificate that is as valid as regulated
For many early years and education settings, this approach is not only acceptable, but it’s also often more relevant.
The Big Secret: Quality Matters More Than the Label
A regulated certificate does not automatically mean the training was good. A non-regulated certificate does not automatically mean the training was poor.
The real difference is the provider, which is why we only use highly experienced and qualified medics to deliver our training.
A brilliant trainer delivering non-regulated training will always outperform a tick-box regulated course taught by someone who’s just reading slides. Paying more does not mean getting the best.
So instead of asking, “Is this regulated?” Ask, “Is this high‑quality, evidence-based, and right for our setting?”
Both paths are valid. Both can be excellent. Both can meet your legal duties.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic, Just Be Informed
First aid training shouldn’t feel like a legal minefield. It should feel empowering, practical, and relevant to the people you’re responsible for.
Whether you choose regulated or non-regulated training, the key is simple:
Pick a provider who knows what they’re doing, cares about quality, and can clearly explain how they meet the required standards.
Do that, and you’re already demonstrating due diligence and giving your staff the confidence and skills they genuinely need.
If you would like to discuss this further, please get in touch.
Email: Info@kendalltraining.co.uk
LinkedIn: Kendall Training
Contact our CEO: Sam Kendall 07581288690
