Decode the notice
We read the notice, the schedule and the inspector's reasoning in full, then explain in plain English exactly what's being required of you, by when, and what happens if it isn't met.
Service
A notice on the desk? Stay calm — call us first.
An improvement notice, a prohibition notice, a Fee for Intervention invoice or a knock at the door from the HSE or your local authority is a stressful moment — but it's a manageable one. Safepippin steps in as your Chartered (CMIOSH) voice: we read the notice properly, deal with the inspector on your behalf, and turn a frightening letter into a clear, defensible plan of action.
HSWA s.21–22Improvement & prohibition notices
What you're facing
Know exactly what landed — before you react.
Enforcement under the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 takes several forms, and each carries different deadlines and consequences. Acting on the wrong assumption — or missing a date — makes a difficult situation worse. The first thing we do is tell you precisely where you stand.
Improvement notices (s.21) require you to fix a contravention within a set period — usually at least 21 days. Prohibition notices (s.22) stop a dangerous activity immediately or after a short period, and can shut a job down on the spot. Fee for Intervention (FFI) means that where the HSE finds a material breach, you are invoiced for their time at an hourly rate that quickly mounts up. Each of these can be the prelude to prosecution if it's ignored or handled badly.
There is also a right of appeal to the Employment Tribunal — generally within 21 days of a notice being served. Whether or not appealing is the right move is a judgement call, and it's one you shouldn't have to make alone. We give you a straight, experienced read on your options and the realistic outcome of each.
How we help
From the letter on the desk to a closed-out action.
We take the weight off you and deal with the regulator professionally — so the relationship stays constructive and the problem gets genuinely fixed, not just papered over.
Liaise with the inspector
We deal with the HSE or local-authority inspector on your behalf — calmly, credibly and in their language — keeping the dialogue professional and protecting your position.
Build the corrective plan
A prioritised, evidenced action plan that demonstrably closes the contravention — risk assessments, controls, training and records mapped to what the notice actually demands.
Compile the evidence pack
We assemble the photographs, records and sign-offs that prove compliance, so when you respond to the inspector the case for closing the notice is complete and unarguable.
Appeal & FFI guidance
A frank view on whether to appeal to the Tribunal or query a Fee for Intervention invoice — including where to push back on disputed time and where it's wiser to comply and move on.
Prevent the next one
Once the fire's out, we close the gaps that let it start — embedding proportionate systems so the same finding can't come back, and so you're inspection-ready next time.
21 daysTypical appeal window
When to call
The sooner we're involved, the better the outcome.
Enforcement support isn't only for the moment a notice arrives. The most valuable conversations often start the instant an inspector makes contact — long before anything is in writing.
You've been served a notice
An improvement or prohibition notice has landed, the clock is running, and you need to respond correctly and on time. We take it from here and make sure nothing is missed.
An inspector is on the way
You've had notice of an inspection, or one followed an incident or complaint. We help you prepare, attend with you if needed, and keep the visit calm and constructive.
How it works
A clear path out of it.
There's a calm, methodical way through enforcement. We walk it with you from the first phone call to a notice closed off and signed away.
01Step 01
Triage
We talk the same day, establish exactly what's been served and what the deadlines are, and stop you from making any rushed move that could harm your position.
02Step 02
Respond & remedy
We engage the inspector, agree a sensible route to compliance, and put the corrective actions and evidence in place to satisfy the notice within its timeframe.
03Step 03
Close & protect
The notice is closed out, the breach is genuinely fixed, and we leave you with proportionate systems that keep the regulator at arm's length for good.
An enforcement notice feels like the end of the world at 9am. By the time we've read it together and agreed a plan, it's just a list of things to fix — with a deadline and a route. That's the whole job: turning panic into a plan.Dominic Gibbons CMIOSH · Safepippin Compliance
Works hand in hand
Often paired with
Dealing with enforcement is far easier — and far rarer — when these are already in place. We can put them right alongside resolving the notice.
01
Competent Person
A Chartered professional on call all year — so the next inspector finds a business that already has its house in order.
Learn more 02Accident Investigation
Root-cause investigation and RIDDOR 2013 reporting — vital when a notice follows an incident on site.
Learn more 03Compliance Gap Surveys
Find and fix the weaknesses an inspector would seize on — before they ever get the chance to.
Learn more
Got a notice or an inspection coming?
Don't face the regulator alone.
Send us the notice or tell us what's happening and we'll give you a clear, calm read on exactly what to do next — quickly, and without the jargon.