The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not approve or endorse specific first aid training providers or courses. Instead, the HSE advises employers to carry out due diligence when selecting a training provider and to consider regulated qualifications, such as those accredited by Ofqual. Our courses are fully accredited and meet the requirements for workplace first aid under UK law, giving you the confidence that your training meets recognised standards.

Surprisingly, no — first aid trainers do not need to be clinically qualified to teach regulated first aid courses in the UK. The minimum requirement is usually a recognised teaching qualification (such as Level 3 AET) and a valid first aid qualification at or above the level they’re teaching.

That said, having clinical experience brings significant added value — and that’s exactly what we offer at The Hive Collaborative.

All of our first aid courses are delivered by qualified medical professionals — such as paramedics, nurses, or those with frontline emergency care backgrounds. This isn’t an industry requirement, but we believe it makes a real difference. Our trainers draw on real-world clinical experience to explain not just what to do, but why it matters, how to prioritise care, and what actually happens in emergency scenarios.

It’s this clinical insight, calm guidance, and real-life perspective that sets our courses apart — especially for workplaces that want more than just box-ticking training.

So while clinical qualifications aren’t mandatory in the industry, we think they make your learning experience richer, safer, and more confidence-building from day one.

Yes, we offer a range of first aid courses tailored for parents, childminders, nursery assistants, and those working in early years settings. For childminders, nursery assistants, and nursery staff, we provide the Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF) — a 12-hour accredited course that meets the statutory requirements of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework in England, and is also suitable for registration with CIW (Care Inspectorate Wales) in Wales. This course is ideal for: Registered childminders Nursery practitioners and assistants Pre-school staff Anyone caring for children in a professional capacity For parents and carers, we also offer a non-accredited Baby & Child First Aid course, which is a shorter, hands-on session covering common emergencies like choking, CPR, burns, and febrile seizures — perfect for home and family life. All training is delivered by experienced instructors and aligned with current UK first aid and safeguarding standards.

While it’s not a strict legal requirement for every nominated first aider to hold a qualification, it is strongly recommended. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that anyone appointed to take charge in an emergency should be appropriately trained and competent. Without proper training, a nominated person may feel vulnerable, hesitant, or even embarrassed if asked to help during a medical emergency. In the worst-case scenario, where a life is lost, an untrained person could be left feeling guilty or traumatised, simply because they didn’t know what to do. For a small investment, first aid training offers an excellent return on investment — not just in terms of compliance, but in building a safer, more confident workplace. A qualified first aider could make the difference between life and death, and their ability to act quickly can significantly reduce the severity of injuries and the impact on your team. We offer both the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW) qualifications — affordable, practical courses designed to give your staff the skills they need to step in with confidence when it counts.

To pass a first aid course, you’ll need to attend all sessions, take part in practical scenarios, and successfully demonstrate key skills such as CPR, the recovery position, and managing emergencies. Most courses also include a short written or multiple-choice exam, which must be passed to receive certification.

At The Hive Collaborative, we actively support the development of your academic skills to help you succeed in the assessment — but above all, we focus on building your confidence to apply first aid in real-life situations. Practical competence is the true goal, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Most first aid certificates are valid for 3 years. Annual refreshers are recommended to maintain confidence and skills.

Yes — first aid training is open to people with a wide range of physical abilities, and we welcome learners with limited mobility. Our goal is to make your experience as accessible and supportive as possible.

That said, it’s important to know that regulated first aid qualifications — such as the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) — do include practical assessments. For example, you’ll usually need to demonstrate CPR on a manikin in order to pass.

If you’re unable to perform certain physical tasks due to mobility limitations, you may still be able to complete the course and receive an attendance certificate instead of a formal qualification. This still recognises your learning and can be a valuable contribution to your team or community.

Even if you can’t carry out physical actions like CPR, your knowledge could be life-saving — whether that’s giving instructions to someone else, staying calm in an emergency, or supporting a casualty until help arrives. Everyone has a part to play, and your role can be just as important.

We recommend getting in touch with us before the course so we can chat about your needs and make any adjustments to help you take part with confidence.

Yes — 100%. Whether you’re running a small business or simply want to feel more prepared at home, first aid training is one of the most valuable skills you can invest in.

For small businesses with just 2–3 employees, having someone trained in first aid shows that you take your legal and moral responsibilities seriously. It reassures your team and clients, and helps you stay compliant with HSE guidelines — even if you’re in a low-risk setting like an office or studio.

In a family setting, first aid skills are just as important. Knowing what to do if a child chokes, a partner has a fall, or someone suddenly becomes unwell can make all the difference in those first few critical minutes. A one-day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course gives you the confidence to act calmly, quickly, and correctly — wherever you are.

Because accidents don’t wait for the professionals to arrive — and it’s often the people closest to us who need our help the most.

The 3 P’s are the core principles of first aid and guide your actions when responding to any emergency. They stand for: Preserve Life – Your first priority is to keep the casualty alive and prevent the situation from getting worse. Prevent Worsening – Take steps to prevent the condition from deteriorating, such as controlling bleeding or supporting broken limbs. Promote Recovery – Provide comfort, reassurance, and appropriate care until professional help arrives. These principles help first aiders stay calm, focused, and effective in any situation. 👉 If you’re looking for comprehensive, hands-on training that prepares you for real-life emergencies, our First Aid at Work (FAW) course is ideal. It’s the industry standard for higher-risk workplaces (like construction, manufacturing, or education), and also perfect for members of the general public who want the confidence and practical skills to deal with accidents at home, work, or in the community.

First aid training doesn’t just benefit your organisation — it gives your staff a lifesaving skill they carry with them wherever they go. Whether it’s at home with their children, helping an elderly parent, or responding to an incident in public, the knowledge and confidence gained through first aid training can make a real difference in everyday life. For employers, this means you’re not only investing in workplace safety — you’re also offering your team something personally empowering and meaningful. For a relatively small cost, you’re providing a skill that fosters loyalty, confidence, and wellbeing — qualities that positively impact morale and team culture. It’s one of the most valuable, transferable benefits you can offer as part of your commitment to staff development and care. Explore our accredited first aid courses, including the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW), to invest in both your people and your business.

The contents of your first aid kit should be based on your workplace’s specific needs, determined through a thorough first aid needs assessment. However, the HSE provides general guidance for low-risk environments. According to the HSE, a minimum first aid kit for such settings might include: A leaflet with general guidance on first aid (e.g., HSE’s “Basic advice on first aid at work”) Individually wrapped sterile plasters (assorted sizes) Sterile eye pads Individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile Safety pins Large and medium-sized sterile, individually wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings Disposable gloves HSE +4 HSE +4 HSE +4 It’s important to note that this is a suggested contents list. Employers should ensure that the contents of their first aid kits reflect the findings of their first aid needs assessment. While it’s not a legal requirement for kits to comply with British Standard BS 8599-1, doing so can help ensure that your kit is appropriately stocked. The HSE advises that if you’re purchasing a kit, you should check that it contains what you’ve identified in your needs assessment. HSE +1 HSE +1 HSE For more detailed information, you can refer to the HSE’s guidance on what to put in your first aid kit: HSE . Remember to regularly check your first aid kit to replace any used or expired items and ensure that all contents are in good condition.

DR ABC is a simple and essential first aid acronym used to help assess and respond to a casualty in an emergency. It stands for: D – Danger: Check for any danger to yourself, the casualty, or others. R – Response: Check if the casualty is responsive. Speak to them and gently shake their shoulders. A – Airway: Make sure the airway is open and clear. B – Breathing: Check if the casualty is breathing normally. C – Circulation (or CPR): If they’re not breathing, begin CPR and call for emergency help. Learning how to apply DR ABC confidently could save a life. 👉 Want to learn these skills in a practical, supportive setting? Our Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course is ideal for low-risk workplaces, community settings, or even families looking to gain essential life-saving knowledge. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking to build their first aid confidence.

Emergency First Aid is a 1-day course ideal for low-risk environments. First Aid at Work is a 3-day course covering a wider range of scenarios and is required for high-risk workplaces.

First aid training might seem expensive at first glance, but the cost reflects the high standards of teaching, safety, and clinical knowledge involved — especially for regulated qualifications like Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW).

Here’s why:

• Expertise matters: First aid is a clinical subject. Instructors delivering regulated qualifications aren’t just experienced first aiders — they must also hold a recognised teaching or training qualification, such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET). This ensures they can deliver the content clearly, accurately, and effectively.

• Medical professionals as trainers: At The Hive Collaborative, we go a step further — our courses are only delivered by qualified medical professionals. While this isn’t a requirement for teaching first aid, we believe it enhances the depth, realism, and confidence our learners gain. Many people assume all first aid trainers are medically trained — but that’s not the case across the industry.

• Regulatory compliance: Regulated qualifications are overseen by awarding bodies such as Qualsafe Awards, meaning we must follow strict standards, undergo regular audits, and complete robust quality assurance. This ensures your qualification is both credible and legally recognised — but also adds to course delivery costs.

• Specialist resources: High-quality training involves professional-grade equipment, including CPR manikins, AED trainers, choking vests, wound simulation kits, and more. These must be kept in top condition for hands-on, safe, and realistic learning.

• Small group sizes: First aid requires practical assessment and individual attention. To support every learner effectively, courses are kept small — often just 6 to 12 participants — which raises costs compared to large, lecture-style formats.

When you choose a regulated course with skilled instructors and clinical accuracy, you’re not just paying for a certificate — you’re investing in life-saving knowledge, competence, and confidence that could one day make all the difference.

At The Hive Collaborative, we offer more than just a certificate — we provide confidence, real-world readiness, and genuine ongoing support. Here’s why so many individuals and organisations choose us:

✅ Accredited and Ofqual-regulated courses aligned with UK HSE guidance

🧠 Interactive, hands-on learning delivered by experienced, approachable trainers

🐝 A welcoming and collaborative environment where learners feel supported

🏫 Courses tailored for businesses, parents, nursery assistants, and childminders

📍 Conveniently located in North Wales, with on-site options available

💡 Emphasis on practical, scenario-based training — not just ticking a box

And what truly sets us apart? Our after-course care. If you ever encounter a traumatic event or a real-life emergency situation, you’re not alone — we encourage past participants to call us. Whether it’s reassurance, guidance, or just someone who understands, we’re here to support you even after training ends.

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