I'm asked to do tasks I'm not trained for
Your employer must make sure you're trained and competent for every task, such as giving medication, PEG feeding or using a hoist. Doing tasks you aren't trained for puts you and the person you support at risk.
The interactive version is available in 6 languages and Easy Read. It includes a ready-made letter you can fill in.
Your rights
- Training and supervision before you carry out specialist or delegated healthcare tasks.
- A safe system of work, including enough staff and equipment for two-person tasks.
- To refuse to do something that puts you in serious and imminent danger, without being punished for it.
- To raise safety concerns without being victimised.
What to do next
- Tell your supervisor straight away, and follow up in writing (an email or text is fine).
- Ask for training and a competency check before you're asked again.
- If someone needs the task done urgently, ask your office to arrange trained staff or a nurse.
- If you're ignored, use the 'raise a concern' route. You can also contact the CQC or the HSE.
Say this
“I haven't been trained or signed off as competent for this task. I can't do it safely until I have been.”
The law behind it (England)
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974s.2 employer's duty of care, s.7 your duty to take care
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014Reg.12 safe care, Reg.18 trained staff
- Employment Rights Act 1996s.44 and s.100 health and safety protection
Elsewhere in the UK
- Scotland
- Health and safety law is the same. The Care Inspectorate regulates care services in Scotland.
- Wales
- Health and safety law is the same. Care Inspectorate Wales regulates care services in Wales.
- Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland has equivalent health and safety law. The RQIA regulates care services there.
Easy Read
What you need to know
- For example, giving medicine or using a hoist.
- Your boss must train you first.
- You can say no to something dangerous.
What you can do
- Tell your manager: “I have not been trained for this.”
- Put it in a text or email too.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. How we check our information.