Greetings from the BCRSP.
I hope you are enjoying the Spring weather as it slowly takes shape across the country.
The BCRSP Governing Board held its first meeting of 2025 virtually in March. During this meeting, the Board addressed several key initiatives:
Government Relations & Advocacy
The Board reviewed the work completed to date by our government relations consultants, Temple Scott Associates, and received an update on our participation in the ASHSP practice review meeting held in February 2025. We also discussed opportunities to promote the safety profession in alignment with recent federal efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers.
Product Development
The Board reviewed a draft of the new Competency document, developed as an HR resource, which we anticipate publishing this summer. Additionally, we approved the launch of focus group sessions to help identify priorities for new certifications or micro-credentials. If you are interested in participating, please watch for a call for focus group volunteers in the coming months.
Collaboration
The Board discussed preparations for an upcoming meeting of multi-disciplinary OHS certification and member bodies. More details on the outcomes of this collaborative session can be found in the article included in this issue of the BCRSP Report.
50th Anniversary
Planning for BCRSP’s 50th Anniversary is well underway. The Board approved a sponsorship model for the event. If your organization is interested in supporting this milestone celebration, please contact Erinn Young.
Operations
The Board reviewed committee mandates, received a management report, and approved several policy amendments.
Risk Management
The risk registry was reviewed and discussed, including updates to current risks and identification of potential new risk areas.
Updated MOU with IOSH
Due to changes in IOSH’s membership grade structure, the BCRSP and IOSH have updated their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The revised MOU outlines the following reciprocal recognitions:
- A CRSP® is now eligible for Certified Membership (CertIOSH) with IOSH.
- A CRST® is eligible for Technical Membership (TechIOSH).
Conversely:
- A CertIOSH will be recognized as meeting the education and experience requirements for the CRSP® designation (interview waived; exam required).
- A TechIOSH will be recognized as meeting the requirements for the CRST® designation (exam required).
All applicants under the MOU must still comply with BCRSP’s Code of Ethics, CPD requirements, and any other governing board directives. We are currently updating our website and application process to facilitate this change.
Governance Training
In early April, the Board participated in a virtual governance training session led by Dr. David S. Weiss through the Canadian Society of Association Executives. This was an opportunity to assess our current governance practices and identify strengths and opportunities for continued improvement—part of our ongoing commitment to Board effectiveness and fiduciary excellence.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The 2025 AGM will be held virtually on June 25 at 11:00 AM Eastern. Members will receive a separate communication with attendance details and proxy submission instructions.
Certification & Engagement
We continue to see strong and steady interest in both the CRSP® and CRST® certifications. This is a testament to the community of certificants who proudly support and encourage new and aspiring safety professionals. Thank you for your continued advocacy and support of BCRSP and the profession.
Warm regards,
Paul Belair, MBA, BASc, CRSP
Chair, BCRSP Governing Board