Royal Mail Group – First Aid Provisions Update 2026
The purpose of this LTB is to report to Branches, Representatives and members on recent updates to Royal Mail Group’s First Aid provisions, which follows a period of national level discussions with the CWU.
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 outline the core level of First Aid arrangements and in line with this regulation and associated HSE (Health and Safety Executive) guidance, Royal Mail has undertaken several changes to its former provisions.
Whilst not an exhaustive list, set out below are some of the key updates now in place by RMG in terms of First Aid arrangements:
The introduction of a new and simplified First Aid Manager Review process to identify local level minimum First Aid requirements, which should be undertaken at least annually.
This Review process also outlines the required actions to be taken where a shortfall in First Aiders is identified, including: –
- Encouraging/seeking First Aid volunteers;
- Appointed Person arrangements (to cover First Aiders when not on site);
- Confirms that First Aid training must be arranged promptly and release given for completion of training.
Recognises the mutual benefit of Trade Union consultation as part of local level First Aid Needs Assessments.
The inclusion of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) arrangements as part of the overall review of First Aid provisions.
Confirmation of the approach for the local request for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Confirms that First Aid training completed independently can be recognised if a certificate can be provided with the required qualifications.
The establishment of a new recording Form process for First Aid treatment provided (and given by First Aiders) for non-work-related conditions, which are not to be recorded in Royal Mail’s accident reporting system ERICA (Electronic Reporting of Incidents for Collation & Analysis). This new provision addresses a current shortfall in this area and the wider 1981 First Aid Regulations and HSE guidance.
For additional background information on RMG’s First Aid provisions, please find attached the following two Royal Mail documents:
- First Aid Needs Assessment (v2.0)
- RMG Safety, Health and Environment Management System – SHE Instruction 5.4 First Aid (v1.5)
Whilst both parties at national level will need to continue to jointly monitor development and compliance, the CWU views the above and other updates to current First Aid provisions as positive and reflective of our discussions with Royal Mail in this area.
Finally, for any member who is interested in knowing more about First Aid arrangements or becoming a First Aider, a very useful skill set which has far wider benefits beyond the workplace, please speak to your local CWU Rep or CWU Area Safety Rep.
Any enquiries relating to the content of this LTB should be referred to the Deputy General Secretary (Postal) Department hford@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Walsh
Deputy General Secretary (Postal)
LTB 247-26 – Royal Mail Group – First Aid Provisions Update 2026
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
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