What’s the difference between mandatory and statutory training?

Two words that float around in healthcare are mandatory and statutory training, while many people may believe them to be the same thing, they are quite different.

What’s the difference between mandatory and statutory training?

On the surface, the words statutory and mandatory have similar meanings but there is a difference between the two when in the context of health and safety and compliance training. Statutory training relates to training this is required legally in order to protect individuals in the workplace. Statutory training applies when a statutory body has dictated that an organisation must provide training based on legislation.

Mandatory training relates to trade-specific training that the employer considers essential or compulsory for a specific job.  Mandatory training is legally required and compulsory in order for an employee to complete their job safely and efficiently. It may have come from government guidelines or legislation or it may be training that an organisation deems essential for their employees or specific job roles.

What is compulsory training?

Well if you weren’t confused already, this won’t help as some organisation will use the word ‘compulsory training’, however, the term ‘mandatory training’ is most commonly used in the care industry but is typically a ‘catch all’ phrase covering both statutory and mandatory training courses.

Regardless of the words used to describe the different types of training, statutory and mandatory training is fundamental to healthcare professionals.

Learn more about our different courses.