What Training Is Mandatory for Employees in the UK? (2026 Guide)

By James Chen ·

Not sure what training your employees need? This guide explains mandatory and legally required workplace training in the UK and how to identify the right training for your team.

What Training Is Mandatory for Employees in the UK?

Understanding what training employees need can be confusing. Terms such as mandatory training, statutory training and compliance training are often used interchangeably, even though the training your employees require will depend on their role, workplace and the risks involved.

This guide explains how mandatory staff training works in the UK and how employers can determine what their teams need.

Is staff training legally required in the UK?

There isn't one universal list of courses that every UK employee must complete.

Instead, employers have legal duties in specific areas and must determine what information, instruction and training employees need based on their work and the risks involved.

For example, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty to provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to protect employees' health and safety.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also states that workers should receive adequate health and safety training, with particular consideration given to new recruits, people changing roles and employees taking on additional responsibilities.

You can learn more about this area in our Health and Safety Training for Employees guide.

What training might employees need?

Depending on the organisation, sector and employee's role, workplace training may include:

This isn't a universal mandatory training checklist. Employers should determine requirements using relevant legislation and guidance, risk assessments, sector requirements and the responsibilities associated with each role.

Our Mandatory Staff Training page provides more information about managing mandatory and compliance training across an organisation.

Mandatory training vs statutory training

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a useful distinction.

Statutory training generally refers to training required to meet a specific legal obligation.

Mandatory training can also include training an organisation requires employees to complete because of its policies, sector requirements, contracts or identified workplace risks.

A course can therefore be mandatory within an organisation without the law specifically stating that every employee must complete that particular course.

When should employees receive training?

Training requirements should be reviewed throughout employment rather than treated as a one-off exercise.

Training may be particularly important when:

The HSE's guidance on workplace training recommends considering whether training remains relevant and effective. Keeping training records can also help employers identify when refresher training may be required.

Does mandatory training need to be repeated every year?

Not necessarily.

There isn't a single annual renewal rule covering every type of workplace training.

How often training should be refreshed depends on factors including the subject, applicable legislation or guidance, the employee's role, workplace risks and organisational policy.

Employers should therefore maintain accurate training records and review them regularly rather than automatically assuming every course expires after 12 months.

How should employers manage mandatory training?

For a small team, keeping track of training manually may initially be manageable. As an organisation grows, however, spreadsheets, certificates and renewal dates can quickly become difficult to maintain.

A learning management system (LMS) can bring this information together by allowing organisations to:

If you're unfamiliar with learning management systems, our Employee Training Platform and LMS page explains how organisations can manage employee learning from one place.

For smaller organisations, we've also created a dedicated guide to Staff Training for Small Businesses.

Do training requirements vary by sector?

Yes. Training requirements can vary considerably depending on the work an organisation carries out and the people it supports.

For example, healthcare, education, childcare and social care organisations may have additional sector-specific requirements and guidance.

MoreCPD has dedicated information for:

Employers should always consider the requirements and guidance relevant to their own sector.

Manage your staff training with MoreCPD

MoreCPD provides organisations with online staff training covering workplace compliance, health and safety and professional development.

Our staff training plans include an online learning platform where managers can assign courses, monitor progress, track certificates and manage training across their organisation.

Plans are available for organisations of different sizes, from small businesses through to larger teams.

Explore MoreCPD's Online Staff Training plans →

Frequently asked questions

Is mandatory training a legal requirement?

Some training is required to meet specific legal duties, while other training may be mandatory because of an employer's policies, sector requirements or workplace risks. Employers should assess the requirements relevant to their organisation and individual roles.

Do all employees need the same training?

No. Training should be appropriate to an employee's responsibilities, working environment and the risks associated with their work.

Does mandatory training have to be completed every year?

Not always. Refresher requirements vary between subjects and sectors. Employers should consider relevant legislation and guidance, risk assessments and organisational requirements.

Should employers keep training records?

Yes. Keeping accurate records makes it easier to understand what training employees have completed and identify when additional or refresher training may be needed. The HSE also notes that training records can help employers determine whether refresher training is necessary.

Can mandatory staff training be completed online?

Many awareness and knowledge-based subjects can be delivered through online learning. However, whether online training is appropriate depends on the subject, employee's role and any practical competency requirements. Some activities require practical instruction, assessment or supervision in addition to e-learning.