LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Incident and Investigation

In today’s complex and high-risk work environments, effective incident investigation is critical for ensuring safety, compliance, and operational excellence. The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Incident and Investigation is a globally recognized qualification designed to equip professionals with the essential knowledge, analytical skills, and systematic techniques needed to manage and investigate workplace incidents effectively.

This diploma-level course is ideal for health and safety officers, supervisors, operations managers, and compliance professionals responsible for maintaining safety standards and learning from failures. It offers a structured approach to identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and preventing the recurrence of incidents across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, oil and gas, and more.

The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Incident and Investigation goes beyond basic reporting. It develops critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to support a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. applicants will gain insights into regulatory requirements, risk management frameworks, evidence gathering, interviewing techniques, and the application of internationally accepted investigation models.

Completing this diploma empowers professionals to lead thorough investigations that not only meet legal obligations but also drive positive change within organizations. It enhances career progression and supports the development of safer, more resilient workplaces worldwide.

The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Incident and Investigation offers an in-depth curriculum focused on understanding, managing, and learning from workplace incidents. The course begins with a detailed introduction to incident types, classifications, and the importance of structured investigations in reducing risks and improving performance.

Applicants are trained to approach incident scenes methodically, starting with immediate actions to secure the site, protect evidence, and ensure the safety of personnel. They will explore various investigation tools and models such as the Root Cause Analysis (RCA), the 5 Whys Technique, Fault Tree Analysis, and the Swiss Cheese Model—helping them identify not just what went wrong, but why it happened.

applicants will also gain hands-on experience in evidence collection, witness interviewing, and documentation. The course emphasizes legal considerations, including compliance with occupational health and safety laws and standards such as ISO 45001, ensuring applicants can conduct defensible investigations that stand up to internal and external scrutiny.

An important component of the course is developing and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions. applicants will understand how to generate actionable insights from investigations and communicate findings in a way that fosters a proactive safety culture. Real-life case studies and simulation exercises are used to reinforce practical application and strategic thinking.

The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Incident and Investigation is designed for professionals aiming to strengthen workplace safety, minimize liability, and enhance operational efficiency. By earning this diploma, applicants position themselves as key players in organizational safety and risk management, contributing to sustainable improvements and long-term success.

Course Overview


Qualification Title

LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Incident and Investigation


Total Units

6

Total Credits

60

GLH

240

Qualification #

LICQ2200405


Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Incident and Investigation applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
  • Educational Requirements: A minimum of a Level 2 qualification or equivalent is recommended. Applicants with a background in health and safety, management, or related fields will benefit from this foundation but it is not a strict prerequisite.
  • Experience: Ideally, applicants should have experience working in operational, health and safety, or risk management roles where incident management and investigation may be part of their responsibilities. This course is suitable for individuals seeking to formalize or enhance their incident management skills.
  • English Language Proficiency: A good understanding of written and spoken English is required to ensure successful completion of the course. Non-native English speakers should have at least a CEFR Level B1 or equivalent to comprehend the course materials, participate in discussions, and produce written reports.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200405-1

Principles of Incident Investigation 

10

40

LICQ2200405-2

Legal and Regulatory Framework 

10

40

LICQ2200405-3

Incident Reporting and Documentation 

10

40

LICQ2200405-4

Evidence Collection and Analysis 

10

40

LICQ2200405-5

Root Cause Analysis

10

40

LICQ2200405-6

Corrective and Preventive Actions 

10

40

By the end of this course, applicants will be able to:

  1. Principles of Incident Investigation
    • Understand the key principles and methodologies used in effective incident investigation.
    • Demonstrate the ability to manage the investigation process from initial reporting to final resolution.
  2. Legal and Regulatory Framework
    • Recognize and understand the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks that govern incident investigations and safety standards.
    • Apply legal considerations when conducting investigations, ensuring compliance with industry standards and legislation.
  3. Incident Reporting and Documentation
    • Understand the importance of accurate incident reporting and documentation for legal, safety, and organizational purposes.
    • Develop and implement a systematic approach to recording and documenting incident details, ensuring clarity and completeness.
  4. Evidence Collection and Analysis
    • Identify, collect, and preserve evidence during an incident investigation in accordance with best practices.
    • Analyze evidence effectively to draw meaningful conclusions and establish facts surrounding the incident.
  5. Root Cause Analysis
    • Apply various root cause analysis techniques to determine the underlying causes of incidents.
    • Conduct thorough investigations that go beyond immediate causes to identify systemic issues that may have contributed to the incident.
  6. Corrective and Preventive Actions
    • Recommend corrective actions to address identified root causes and prevent recurrence of similar incidents.
    • Develop and implement preventive measures to improve safety protocols and minimize future risks.

This diploma is ideal for:

  • Professionals working in health and safety, risk management, or operational roles who are responsible for incident investigation and safety management.
  • Supervisors, managers, and team leaders who want to enhance their skills in investigating workplace incidents and implementing corrective actions.
  • Health and safety officers seeking to formalize their expertise in incident reporting, documentation, and legal compliance.
  • Individuals interested in specializing in root cause analysis and improving incident response strategies.
  • Those working in high-risk industries (construction, manufacturing, healthcare, etc.) who need to develop strong incident management skills to ensure compliance and reduce future risks.
  • Workers or professionals looking to advance their careers in safety, risk management, and operational risk assessment through comprehensive incident investigation training.
  • Anyone looking to gain a formal qualification in incident investigation and improve their ability to handle and resolve incidents effectively within their organization.

Assessment and Verification

All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that applicants meet all specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, applicants must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the applicants has successfully met the required standards.

Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.