CSCS published its Annual Review in December 2020 containing ‘Highlights and Accomplishments’ and ‘Priorities for 2021’, for full details please visit CSCS_Annual_Review_2020_final.pdf Here is a summary of the areas we feel are applicable to FIS members.
Industrial Accreditation (Grandfather Rights)
From 1 January 2020 all cards renewed under Industrial Accreditation, also known as Grandfather Rights, will expire on 31 December 2024 and CSCS will stop issuing renewal cards under Industrial Accreditation from 30 June 2024. What each Industrial Accreditation card holder needs to do next depends on their occupation and any qualifications they may already hold.
Registration checks at site entrances
Through 2021 CSCS is developing a system that aims to ensure all cards can be electronically checked at the site gates using one system that is compatible with all cards displaying the CSCS logo. In addition automated qualification checks will be a major development for the scheme, not only speeding up the application service but also preventing fraudulent certificates from passing the application process.
Online application
To improve the service to industry, online card registrations went live in December 2019. Applying for a card online is considerably quicker and more convenient than any other means of application. The service is now open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round
Continuing Professional Development
The recommendations set by the Grenfell Competence Steering Group and the final report Setting the Bar include the introduction of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and ensuring the workforce hold the correct qualifications for the job they do on site. As detailed in this Annual Review, change, designed to keep everyone safe by making it easy to identify competence through qualification achievement, is coming.
For the Finishes and Interiors Sector these changes to CSCS may reduce the size of the available labour pool in the short term until individuals have the necessary qualifications to register for the a card that will ensure the criteria of specific contracts and social responsibility can be met. To support employers FIS has a network of Approved Training Providers and access to offers and discounts on training and qualifications for FIS members. To access this network and available support click here.
Everyone working in construction is aware of CSCS and the need to register individuals, but did you know CSCS is owned by the construction industry for the construction industry? CSCS is managed by a board of non-executive directors, a chairman and nine members. The Board also works with other card schemes and organisations not represented on the CSCS Board to share ideas that help drive the scheme forward to meet the wider needs of industry. If you would like FIS to bring any points, comments or observations to the attention of the CSCS please send us the details and we will ensure these get presented through the appropriate channel.