Learn what the difference is between statutory and mandatory training plus how to use your LMS to ensure compliance.

You’ve likely heard the phrases statutory and mandatory training, but what exactly are they and what is the difference? 

Both are compulsory for organisations, but how do you differentiate between the two? 

That’s where we come in. 

Keep reading to learn: 

• What is statutory training?
• What is mandatory training?
• What’s the difference between statutory and mandatory training?
• So, what’s compliance? 
• How to ensure compliance with your LMS

Let’s get started.

What is statutory training?

Statutory training refers to the essential training that an organisation is legally required to provide to its employees to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Depending on the industry and jurisdiction, it typically covers areas critical to workplace safety, health, and operational standards, such as fire safety, first aid, manual handling, or data protection.

This type of training isn’t just a box to tick, it ensures that employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills to work safely and responsibly while protecting themselves, their colleagues, and the organisation.

By meeting these legal obligations, companies can minimise risks, foster a safer work environment, and avoid potential legal or regulatory consequences.

And the impact of statutory training is clear.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, workplaces with proper health and safety training report significantly fewer accidents. 

In 2022, companies that implemented comprehensive health and safety training saw a 22% reduction in workplace injuries. 

What is mandatory training? 

Mandatory training refers to the essential learning and development activities that an organisation requires employees to complete to meet internal policies, standards, or operational needs.

Mandatory training ensures that employees can perform their roles effectively, align with company values, and maintain a consistent standard of practice across the workforce.

This training might include topics such as company-specific procedures, diversity and inclusion, customer service excellence, or IT security protocols.

While not always legally required, mandatory training is crucial for fostering professionalism, maintaining quality, and addressing specific business or industry needs.

It ensures that everyone is on the same page and equipped to contribute to the organization’s goals in a safe and competent manner.

According to a report by the Society for Human Resource Management, companies that invest in mandatory training programs see a 24% increase in employee productivity. 

By fostering a culture of continuous learning, organisations can maintain high standards and stay competitive in their respective fields.

What is the difference between statutory and mandatory training?

The difference between statutory and mandatory training might seem subtle at first, but it’s actually pretty straightforward when you break it down.

In short, statutory training is about what the law requires, while mandatory training is what your company requires to keep everything running smoothly.

Both are crucial, but they serve slightly different purposes!

Statutory training is all about meeting legal requirements.

It’s the training that organisations must provide because the law says so.

Think of it as the non-negotiable basics that ensure everyone’s safety and well-being at work.

For example, things like fire safety training or first aid are statutory because they’re required to keep workplaces safe and compliant with regulations.

Mandatory training, on the other hand, isn’t necessarily dictated by law but is required by the organisation itself to meet its specific needs.

It’s about making sure employees have the knowledge and skills to perform their jobs effectively and align with the company’s values and standards.

For instance, training on your company’s IT systems, internal policies, or equality and diversity might fall into this category.

So, what is compliance? 

Compliance in the workplace refers to the adherence to laws, regulations, standards, and ethical practices that govern an industry. 

It encompasses a wide range of requirements, from following labour laws and safety standards to adhering to company policies and procedures. 

Ensuring compliance means that a business and its employees operate within the legal frameworks set by regulatory bodies and follow internal guidelines designed to maintain a safe, fair, and efficient working environment.

L&D teams chase 100% compliance rates as not only does it mean that employees are fully equipped for their role, but it also means organisations won’t have to pay hefty fees for failing to comply. 

Related: What is a Talent Experience Platform?

For example, non-compliance with health and safety regulations can lead to workplace accidents, resulting in costly lawsuits and compensation claims. 

Businesses can save $4 to $6 for every dollar invested in safety by avoiding fines, medical costs, and productivity losses.

How to ensure compliance with an LMS

Encouraging your employees to complete statutory and mandatory training can be tricky, but your LMS is there to help. 

Related: How a Totara LMS can save you time and money

There are a number of ways you can leverage your LMS to ensure compliance in your organisation: 

1. Centralised training management

An LMS allows you to centralise all compliance-related training materials in one accessible location. 

This ensures that employees can easily access the necessary courses, documents, and resources required for compliance. 

You could upload health and safety training modules, data protection policies, and industry-specific regulatory guidelines. By making them available to all relevant employees, they have easy access at any time.

2. Automated reminders and notifications

To maintain compliance, it’s crucial that employees complete mandatory training within specific timeframes and undergo regular refresher courses. 

An LMS can automate reminders and notifications, ensuring that employees and managers are aware of upcoming training deadlines and renewal dates. 

This helps in keeping the workforce up-to-date with their compliance requirements without manual intervention.

3. Tracking and reporting

One of the key advantages of an LMS is its ability to track and report on training progress and completion rates. 

Detailed reports and analytics allow administrators to monitor who has completed required training and who hasn’t. This makes it easier to identify gaps and take corrective actions. 

For instance, compliance officers can generate compliance reports to demonstrate adherence to regulatory bodies during audits.

4. Customised learning paths

Different roles within an organization may have unique compliance requirements. 

An LMS enables the creation of customised learning paths tailored to the specific needs of various job functions. 

This ensures that each employee receives the appropriate training relevant to their position, thereby enhancing compliance across the board.

5. Assessment and certification

To verify understanding and retention of compliance training, an LMS can administer assessments and quizzes. 

Successful completion of these assessments can be linked to certifications, providing tangible proof of compliance. 

These certifications can be tracked and stored within the LMS, making it easy to produce evidence of compliance when required.

By effectively utilising these features of an LMS, you can ensure that all employees receive the necessary compliance training.

Plus, you can track their progress and accurately report on compliance to reduce the risk of non-compliance and enhance workplace safety.

6. Highlighted learning content 

You can often highlight particular learning content to ensure it stays front of mind for learners. 

Whether that’s custom dashboards, pulled content boxes or reminders and nudges, there are a range of options that you can make the most of to better engage learners. 

Wrapping up on statutory and mandatory training

Wanting to use an LMS to achieve and track compliance? Then you want to use the best option out there. 

BuildEmpire is a platinum partner of Totara.

But not only that.

We use Totara as a launchpad to create our own Edition.

This comes with all the key features you’ll find in Totara, plus extras that you won’t find anywhere else.

That includes gamification options, passkeys, plus tweaks to core Totara including more user-friendly features like tiles for courses and better video integration. 

Want to see it in action? Book a demo with our team to see the full suite of tools available and how you can use them to deliver better compliance. 

FAQs

What is statutory and mandatory training?

Statutory training is required by law to ensure employee safety and compliance (e.g. Health & Safety, Fire Safety).
Mandatory training is determined by the employer or sector regulators to ensure staff competence in specific roles (e.g. Manual Handling, Infection Control in healthcare).

Why is statutory and mandatory training important?

• Comply with legal obligations (avoiding fines or prosecution)
• Protect staff and service users from harm
• Ensure employees are competent in critical safety procedures
• Reduce risk and liability for the organisation

What are examples of statutory training?

• Health & Safety at Work
• Fire Safety Awareness
• Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

What are examples of mandatory training?

• Infection Prevention & Control (healthcare)
• Safeguarding (schools, care homes)
• Manual Handling
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion