<h2 id="1dafe6a7-fe3b-41dd-9985-8fe079bd7b95" data-toc-id="1dafe6a7-fe3b-41dd-9985-8fe079bd7b95">Celebrating a major milestone for SSG</h2>SSG is proud to announce that we have achieved the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2026, recognising our commitment to exceptional customer service, and the achievement is even more significant, as it marks our first year on the Feefo platform!As a trusted UK training and consultancy provider, this award reflects the positive experiences of our customers across our health and safety training, compliance training, and consultancy services.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div><h2 id="4948ff87-16b6-4d5a-8047-346122f94304" data-toc-id="4948ff87-16b6-4d5a-8047-346122f94304">What is the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award?</h2>The <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.feefo.com/en-GB/reviews/ssg-training-consultancy-ltd">Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award</a>, awarded by Feefo, recognises businesses that consistently deliver outstanding customer service, based entirely on verified customer reviews. To qualify, organisations must receive at least 50 verified reviews between 1 January and 31 December, while maintaining an average service rating of 4.5 or above.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div><h2 id="dc108f32-25e8-429e-a040-c67ad95e2197" data-toc-id="dc108f32-25e8-429e-a040-c67ad95e2197">Why this achievement matters</h2>Achieving Gold status in our first year on Feefo is a major milestone for SSG and demonstrates the strength of our customer relationships from day one. Every review represents genuine feedback from customers who trust us to support their workplace safety, compliance and training needs.The Gold Award forms part of Feefo’s wider Trusted Service Awards programme, which also includes Platinum and Exceptional Service categories. These awards recognise organisations that place customer satisfaction and service quality at the heart of their operations - values that are central to how SSG delivers practical training, expert consultancy and ongoing support.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div><h2 id="70eb5854-f9f9-4c5d-9102-e36fa1232c6b" data-toc-id="70eb5854-f9f9-4c5d-9102-e36fa1232c6b">Looking ahead</h2>Winning the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2026 in our first year is a proud achievement and a testament to the expertise, dedication, and customer-focused approach of the SSG team.As an award-winning training and consultancy provider, we remain committed to raising standards and delivering services that help organisations stay safe, compliant, and confident in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div><h2 id="7b63f968-bab3-4d40-9fc7-f118b1d79eaf" data-toc-id="7b63f968-bab3-4d40-9fc7-f118b1d79eaf">Find out more</h2>Find out how SSG’s award-winning health and safety training and compliance consultancy can support your business - and see why our customers rate us Gold on Feefo - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.ssg.co.uk/contact">Contact Us - SSG Training &amp; Consultancy</a>Explore our verified customer testimonials page and hear what our customers say - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.ssg.co.uk/updates/search?category=testimonials">Testimonials</a>

We’re proud to have achieved the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2026 in our first year on Feefo, recognising our commitment to trusted training, consultancy, and customer service excellence.

SSG achieves the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2026 in our first year!

Heart Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness of heart health and the steps we can all take to reduce the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Your heart is a powerful, hardworking organ that pumps blood around your body every minute of the day, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products.&nbsp;Understanding how the heart works, what increases the risk of heart disease, and how everyday lifestyle choices affect heart health can help you take control of your well-being.&nbsp;&nbsp;This Heart Month, learning more about your heart is a simple but effective way to support long-term health and protect the organ that keeps you going.&nbsp; <h2 id="537d8a28-ef6e-42c2-a1f8-d688692f88ed" data-toc-id="537d8a28-ef6e-42c2-a1f8-d688692f88ed">Heart Health: Key Takeaways&nbsp;</h2><ul><li>This Heart Month, small, consistent changes can make a big difference to your heart and overall wellbeing&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Understanding how your heart works helps you recognise the importance of protecting it&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Cardiovascular disease risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and inactivity&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Uncontrollable risk factors - Some risk factors cannot be changed, such as age, family history and sex - but many can be managed&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Healthy lifestyle choices like balanced eating, regular exercise, good sleep and stress management support long-term heart health&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Knowing CPR can save lives in a cardiac emergency and is an important part of community heart health&nbsp;</li></ul><h2 id="bb006b14-d52d-47b5-b2ff-db6b8b64f91f" data-toc-id="bb006b14-d52d-47b5-b2ff-db6b8b64f91f">&nbsp; Heart Health: Understanding how your heart works&nbsp;</h2>The heart delivers oxygen and nutrients to the body, whilst also removing waste products as blood travels around the body.&nbsp;It is divided down the centre by a structure called the septum. The left side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body, while the right side pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.&nbsp;When you breathe in, oxygen enters the lungs and passes into tiny air sacs called alveoli. These alveoli allow oxygen to move into the bloodstream and travel to the heart. At the same time, carbon dioxide is removed from the blood and exhaled. This process is essential for maintaining healthy heart and lung function.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 id="ecbc8572-daa3-4722-af1f-a4ec43e5aed7" data-toc-id="ecbc8572-daa3-4722-af1f-a4ec43e5aed7">Key parts of the heart and their functions&nbsp;</h2>The heart is a muscular organ, about the size of a fist, and made up of four chambers. The two upper chambers, known as the right and left atria, receive blood as it enters the heart. The two lower chambers, the right and left ventricles, pump blood out of the heart.&nbsp;There are four main heart valves (tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral and aortic valves). These valves act as one-way gates, preventing blood from flowing backwards and ensuring it continues to circulate in the correct direction.&nbsp;The heart also had its own electrical system. Electrical impulses trigger consistent, rhythmic contractions of the heart muscle, helping to maintain a steady heartbeat and ensuring blood is pumped effectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 id="92bd8ebc-c20d-4605-ba63-66ec3c5cb5a8" data-toc-id="92bd8ebc-c20d-4605-ba63-66ec3c5cb5a8">How blood flows through the heart and body&nbsp;</h2>Blood flow through the heart follows a precise and continuous pathway. Deoxygenated blood from the body enters the right atrium and passes through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. The right ventricle then pumps the blood to the lungs, where oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is released.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oxygen-rich blood returns to the left atrium and flows through the mitral valve into the left ventricle. The left ventricle then pumps the blood to the rest of the body.&nbsp;The heart is protected by a sac called the pericardium and is supplied with oxygen and nutrients by the coronary arteries. Because the heart works non-stop to keep you alive, so taking care of your heart should be a top priority.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 id="293af07b-1b8b-4ac4-88fe-8f2ad5c8a389" data-toc-id="293af07b-1b8b-4ac4-88fe-8f2ad5c8a389">Cardiovascular disease and heart disease risk factors&nbsp;</h2>Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels and is one of the leading causes of heart attacks. Several factors can increase the risk of developing heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.&nbsp;Understanding these risk factors is essential for prevention, as many of them can be managed or reduced through lifestyle changes and regular health checks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 id="60276642-f5ac-44f1-ba5d-49f85d45851b" data-toc-id="60276642-f5ac-44f1-ba5d-49f85d45851b">Uncontrollable risk factors for heart disease&nbsp;</h2>Some risk factors for heart disease cannot be changed. The risk of heart disease increases with age, particularly for men over 45 and women over the age of 55. A family history of heart disease can also increase the risk.&nbsp;Men generally have a higher risk of heart attack at a younger age compared to women, although women’s risk increases after menopause. Certain ethnic groups may also have a higher risk of heart disease due to genetic and environmental factors.&nbsp;While these risk factors cannot be controlled, being aware of them allows for early action and prevention. Taking a proactive approach to heart health can significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack and improve overall well-being.&nbsp;<h2 id="f86775d7-7593-4d06-879f-156d07845c0f" data-toc-id="f86775d7-7593-4d06-879f-156d07845c0f">Healthy lifestyle choices for a healthy heart&nbsp;</h2>Making healthy lifestyle choices plays a major role in supporting long-term heart health.&nbsp;What you eat has a direct impact on your heart. A heart-healthy diet should focus on:&nbsp;<ul><li>Fruits and vegetables - these provide fibre, vitamins and antioxidants&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Whole grains - such as brown rice, oats and wholemeal bread&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Healthy fats - found in seeds, avocados, olive oil and nuts&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Lean proteins - such as beans, fish and legumes (plants in the pea family)&nbsp;</li></ul>Food high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats should be limited as they can raise blood pressure and increase cholesterol levels.&nbsp;Regular physical activity helps keep your heart strong and improves circulation. Activities such as walking, swimming, jogging or dancing are all beneficial. Even a brisk 30-minute walk each day can help keep your heart healthy.&nbsp;Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Reducing alcohol intake and smoking are also important, as excessive alcohol, along with smoking, can weaken the heart muscle and raise blood pressure.&nbsp;Managing stress is another key part of protecting your heart. Stress is common in both work and home environments, so taking time to relax with family, friends or in nature can help reduce its impact.&nbsp;Sleep is also vital for keeping your body, mind and heart healthy. Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Reducing screen time before bed and limiting fluids in the evening may also help improve sleep quality.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 id="7edfaf10-e48d-4879-9df4-9e6cf6317dd4" data-toc-id="7edfaf10-e48d-4879-9df4-9e6cf6317dd4">CPR Awareness: Knowing what to do in an emergency&nbsp;</h2>During Heart Month, it’s also important to remember that knowing how to respond in a cardiac emergency can save lives. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help maintain blood flow and oxygen to vital organs if someone’s heart stops.&nbsp;▶ Watch our CPR video to learn the basic steps and build confidence in an emergency:&nbsp;<div data-youtube-video="" src="https://youtu.be/YbsybYuoJFw" data-width="100%" data-height="480" data-align="center" data-start="0"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YbsybYuoJFw" width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="true" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Learning CPR is a practical way to support heart health in your community and help you be prepared to act if someone experiences a cardiac arrest.&nbsp;<h2 id="099e048f-f704-4495-b5e9-36b22d1ca2e7" data-toc-id="099e048f-f704-4495-b5e9-36b22d1ca2e7">Looking after your heart&nbsp;</h2>This Heart Month, looking after your heart isn’t about making huge changes overnight; it’s about small, consistent choices that add up over time. You are the only person who can truly take care of your heart.&nbsp;&nbsp;By eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress, getting enough sleep and attending regular health checks, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Your heart works tirelessly to support you every day, so take this opportunity to return the favour. A healthier heart means a healthier you, not just this month, but for life.&nbsp;

This Heart Month, learning more about your heart is a simple but effective way to support long-term health and protect the organ that keeps you going. 

Heart smart: tips to understand, protect and care for your heart this February

From February 2026, NEBOSH is changing the way it names its most popular qualifications.If you’ve heard of the NEBOSH General Certificate (NGC) or International General Certificate (IGC), you might be wondering what’s happening to them, and whether the qualification you know and trust is being replaced.The qualifications will continue to be known by their familiar titles, but NEBOSH is retiring the NGC and IGC syllabus codes and introducing clearer qualification names in their place.This change is designed to make NEBOSH qualifications easier to understand, compare and find, particularly for learners and employers who are new to health and safety training - while maintaining the same gold-standard quality employers value worldwide.So if you’re asking:<ul><li>Is the NEBOSH General Certificate changing?</li><li>What replaces NGC and IGC?</li><li>Will my qualification still be recognised?</li></ul>You’re in the right place - let’s break it down ?<h2 id="15095afa-5718-4366-9944-fdbb87cb5545" data-toc-id="15095afa-5718-4366-9944-fdbb87cb5545">Unit 1 - The Knowledge-based Exam</h2>Previously:<ul><li>NG1 (National)</li><li>IG1 (International)</li></ul>From 2026:<ul><li>GNC1 (National)</li><li>GIC1 (International)</li></ul>Despite the new codes, the exam format itself remains unchanged. Learners will still complete the 24-hour, open-book, scenario-based assessment that focuses on applying knowledge to real workplace situations.<h2 id="340f2dba-2019-47e5-97c6-3865622002a1" data-toc-id="340f2dba-2019-47e5-97c6-3865622002a1">Unit 2 - The practical risk assessment</h2>Previously:<ul><li>NG2 / IG2</li></ul>From 2026:<ul><li>GNC2 / GIC2</li></ul>This is where the most meaningful changes have been introduced, and they’re very much focused on fairness and clarity.<h2 id="2dbc68e2-b0c4-4f9b-89e9-708a2ddd976b" data-toc-id="2dbc68e2-b0c4-4f9b-89e9-708a2ddd976b">A fairer, more transparent practical assessment</h2>Historically, the Unit 2 practical assessment was marked on a strict “Met / Not Met” basis. This meant that missing a single element - even a minor one - could result in a referral.From 2026, NEBOSH is introducing a points-based marking system for the practical assessment:<ul><li>Points-based assessment: Marks are awarded across assessment criteria rather than a single pass / fail judgement</li><li>Pass mark: 60% overall</li><li>Clear feedback: Learners will receive a breakdown of their marks, making it easier to understand strengths and areas for improvement</li><li>Submission process: The practical assessment will be submitted via the NEBOSH online platform after completion of the Unit 1 exam</li></ul>This change reflects feedback from learners and training providers alike and makes the qualification feel more aligned with real-world competence.<h2 id="10cc5c60-e8de-4bfd-9169-d9fba5325700" data-toc-id="10cc5c60-e8de-4bfd-9169-d9fba5325700">Key dates, results and qualification recognition</h2>If you’re planning your studies, these are the dates that matter:<ul><li>Teaching of the new syllabus begins: 2 February 2026</li><li>First exams under the new GNC / GIC titles: 4 March 2026</li><li>Results release: Both Unit 1 and Unit 2 results will be issued together, 60 working days after the Unit 1 exam</li></ul>Importantly, the status and recognition of the qualification remain unchanged. The NEBOSH General Certificate:<ul><li>Maintains eligibility for IOSH membership (TechIOSH)</li><li>Remains recognised by IIRSM and employers worldwide</li></ul><h2 id="b7a2d172-3643-4fbf-b5c1-fd19520119a1" data-toc-id="b7a2d172-3643-4fbf-b5c1-fd19520119a1">What if you’re already studying?</h2><ul><li>NEBOSH has confirmed transition arrangements to ensure learners are not disadvantaged.</li><li>Learners who have attempted but not yet passed Unit 2 under the old syllabus will remain on the existing specification, with time to complete it.</li><li>Learners who have not yet submitted Unit 2 will transition to the new GNC2 or GIC2 assessment.</li><li>New starters from 2026 will study the updated GNC or GIC syllabus in full.</li><li>This phased approach ensures continuity while allowing learners to benefit from the improved assessment model.</li></ul><h2 id="bfd69685-b144-49b9-a06c-634e541d78fa" data-toc-id="bfd69685-b144-49b9-a06c-634e541d78fa">A positive step forward for learners</h2>Overall, these updates represent a positive evolution of the NEBOSH General Certificate. The revised practical assessment is fairer, more transparent, and better reflects real-world health and safety practice, while the qualification itself retains its strong reputation and professional value.Training providers are already aligning course materials, learner support, and assessment guidance with the updated syllabus to ensure a smooth transition.If you’re unsure which version of the qualification applies to you, or you’re considering enrolling and want advice, a learning advisor can confirm the best route and help you plan your next steps with confidence.To discuss your organisation’s training requirements, visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="http://www.ssg.co.uk">www.ssg.co.uk</a> or contact the SSG team today on 01752 206161.

NEBOSH is retiring the NGC and IGC syllabus codes and introducing clearer qualification names in their place.