Retained vs. Ad-Hoc Health and Safety Consultancy: Which is Right for You?

So, you’re looking for expert health and safety assistance? We don’t blame you; managing health and safety can feel like yet another task on a growing to-do list. It’s important, of course — not just because the law says so, but because protecting your people is the right thing to do. But what’s the best way to stay compliant without it becoming a burden?

That’s where external health and safety support comes in. If you’re considering bringing in expert help, you’re likely weighing up two options: retained versus ad-hoc consultancy. Both have their place — but understanding the differences can help you choose the right approach for your business.

What Does Retained Consultancy Mean?

Retained health and safety support is an ongoing service. You pay a fixed monthly or annual fee, and in return, you get access to a consultant who works with you regularly. They’re essentially your go-to person for all things health and safety, acting almost like an extension of your team.

They’ll usually help with things like reviewing and updating your policies, conducting site audits, managing risk assessments, offering staff training and giving advice when laws change. It’s consistent, proactive support that gives you confidence your responsibilities are being taken care of.

When Retained Support Makes Sense

This option suits businesses that want peace of mind. If you’ve got a team, a site with potential hazards, or simply no time to stay on top of regulations, retained consultancy can be a smart move.

It’s particularly valuable for growing businesses. When you’re scaling, bringing on new staff or expanding your services, there’s more at stake — and having someone in your corner helps you stay one step ahead.

Retained support also helps avoid that last-minute panic when inspections are due or something goes wrong. Because your systems are regularly reviewed, you’re more likely to stay compliant and avoid surprises.

What About Ad-Hoc Services?

Ad-hoc consultancy is exactly what it sounds like: you call on expert help only when you need it. This might be for a one-off risk assessment, a policy update, or help responding to an incident or inspection.

It’s flexible and doesn’t tie you into any ongoing commitment, which can be attractive if your health and safety needs are minimal or unpredictable. It’s also a good way to get a fresh pair of eyes on a specific issue, without the overheads of a long-term service.

Is One Better Than the Other?

The short answer is no — it all depends on your business and how you like to work.

Retained consultancy offers consistency, continuity and a proactive approach. It’s ideal if you want to prevent problems, keep documentation up to date and have someone you trust on hand when questions arise.

Ad-hoc consultancy, on the other hand, is more reactive. It’s suitable if you only occasionally need support or have a very simple setup with low risk. But it does mean you’re more likely to be responding to issues as they happen, rather than planning ahead.

The key is to think about what will save you time, worry and (potentially) money in the long run.

Let’s Talk About Cost

Naturally, cost plays a big role in choosing between retained and ad-hoc services.

With retained consultancy, you pay a predictable fee that covers ongoing support. That makes it easier to budget and means you can access help without worrying about extra charges. For businesses that regularly need health and safety input, this model often offers the best value.

Ad-hoc support is usually charged by the hour or project. If your needs are genuinely occasional, this can work well. But if you find yourself calling for help more frequently than expected, costs can quickly add up — and the lack of a consistent approach could leave gaps in your compliance.

Which Option Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some questions to help you decide:

• Do you have employees working in higher-risk roles or environments?
• Are you confident your policies, risk assessments and training are up to date?
• Do you find yourself Googling health and safety regulations more often than you’d like?
• Are you preparing for inspections or tenders that require evidence of good safety management?

If any of these resonate, retained consultancy might be a better fit. It gives you reliable support without the need to constantly seek it out. But if your needs are infrequent and specific, ad-hoc may be all you need for now — and you can always switch later.

How The Health & Safety Dept Can Help

At The Health & Safety Dept, we offer both retained and ad-hoc health and safety services to suit the way you work. Whether you want the reassurance of ongoing support or prefer to get help as and when you need it, we’re here to make health and safety manageable, not overwhelming.

Our retained clients benefit from regular check-ins, documentation reviews, and quick responses to any issues that crop up. If you go the ad-hoc route, we’ll still provide the same friendly, expert advice — just without the ongoing commitment.

We work with SMEs across a range of industries, so we understand the pressures you face and how to keep things simple and cost-effective.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between retained and ad-hoc health and safety support isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s about finding a solution that works for your business now and can adapt as you grow.

Whatever your current setup, the most important thing is that your people are protected, your responsibilities are met, and you feel confident navigating the world of health and safety.

Need help figuring it out? Get in touch with The Health & Safety Dept. We’ll talk you through your options — no pressure, no jargon — just practical advice tailored to your business.