About Us
We are an organisation for the promotion of safety and health in higher education.
Membership is primarily open to higher education institutions both in the UK and from overseas.
Membership is also available to research institutions and related organisations upon request. The Association was formed in 1972 and has grown over the years to its current cohort of 140 Institutions representing all Universities in the UK and 13 overseas. 2015 saw the incorporation of USHA as a Company Limited by Guarantee.
USHA’s mission is to ensure the wellbeing of university staff, students and visitors through the promotion of health and safety within higher education.
Our main objectives
USHA’s main objective is to provide an organisation for the exchange of information on all aspects of health and safety and related topics relevant to the higher education, supporting the work of safety practitioners across a wide range of specialist areas.
Promotion of excellence
Promotion of excellence in the strategic planning, management, administration, operation and development of safety and health across the University sector
Promotion of reputation
Promotion of the reputation and activities of USHA and its members regionally, nationally and internationally
Promoting opportunities
Promoting opportunities for development and training for the benefit of members and their respective staff
Influencing opinion
Influencing opinion formers and decision-makers on health and safety issues
Forums for discussion
Provision of forums for discussion, consultation and exchange of information on health and safety issues, particularly where they relate to the higher education sector
Consideration of policy
Consideration of policy and advice on matters referred to it by Universities UK, the Health and Safety Executive, Universities and Colleges Employers Association as well as other appropriate bodies and individuals
Furthering Association objectives
Furthering Association objectives by arranging conferences, meetings, lectures, discussions and other activities
Optimising solutions
Optimising solutions to common problems and concerns by disseminating and harnessing the particular expertise, experience and knowledge of Members for mutual benefit