by Clair Mooney | 23 Jun, 2023 | Health and Safety
in response to calls for a consistent framework for drug and alcohol testing across the industry, the CLC has shared Build UK’s template Drugs and Alcohol Policy.
Recognising that there are different legal limits across the nations and workplace environments, along with various ways of testing, the policy can be adopted by the whole construction supply chain to provide a consistent approach to the issue of drugs and alcohol, which will help the industry to eliminate unnecessary duplication and waste.
The template policy has been drafted so that companies can adopt it in its entirety or incorporate elements of it into their own policy to suit their business, and the June 2023 version has been updated with additional information on the consumption of alcohol as part of corporate hospitality for those companies that permit it
by Clair Mooney | 23 Jun, 2023 | Membership
To help support its members and to provide protection before a formal contract is issued, the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has launched a Client Order and Guidance Note that reflects the legislative and regulatory landscape in recent times.
Developed by FIS with the support of expert legal advisors at law firm Anderson Strathern, the new Client Order and Guidance Note for use in Scotland, England and Wales, is based on common issues and concerns that members have raised and is backed up by expert helplines. These new contracts will support FIS members working directly for clients and include a new and fresh set of standard terms that offer a fair share of risk and reflect the latest legislative and regulatory changes.
In an environment where the standard contract has become a misnomer, these contracts provide a mechanism to measure and benchmark onerous clauses that may have been introduced and offer more reasonable alternatives. In recent procurement research conducted by FIS, only 11% of contractors are routinely working on unamended “standard” contracts.
It is more common than might reasonably be expected for companies in the sector to start on site in the absence of a formal contract – 20% of respondents to research by the University of Reading indicate that they are required to start on site without a formal signed contract most of the time. The client order and guidance note will therefore provide a framework to support better training of members into some of the risks that are routinely being buried in contracts.
“The Guidance in particular gives FIS members key parameters to run and manage the commercial end of construction projects. Working in conjunction with the excellent construction solicitors, Karyn Watt and Gillian Green from Anderson Strathern, gave us the platform to marry legal and commercial advice to FIS members,” said Len Bunton FRICS FCIArb Hon FRIAS, Bunton Consulting Partnership.
“It is essential, particularly in today’s complex and challenging market, that members are aware of the risks they are taking on when entering into contracts and do what they can to mitigate them. The provisions in the Client Order and the Guide are there to highlight risks and to give members guidance as to how to best manage them. In a sector where recent changes can often be difficult to manage, the Client Order aims to address the most common issues the members are currently encountering in a pro-active and commercial manner,” added Karyn Watt, Partner at Anderson Strathern.
Commenting on the launch of the Client Order and Guidance Note, Iain McIlwee, CEO, Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) said:
“Contracts sit firmly at the heart of risk management. Developing these, whilst it isn’t a panacea to all the problems raised in our report produced with the University of Reading, it does start to focus efforts on managing the risk associated with the significant changes in the commercial and legislative landscape. They also build upon recent Best Practice Guidance that we produced with the CICV and the great work of the Conflict Avoidance Process to help individuals to better understand how we can improve overall understanding and management of the contractualisation of risk.”
In addition to this new Client Order and Guidance Note, FIS members can access a range of services to support them in managing the complexities of contracting and supplying products into the construction market. This includes template contracts, guidance on standard terms, support in dealing with disputes and a raft of best practice advice.
For further information or for any questions and comments, please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077.
by Clair Mooney | 22 Jun, 2023 | Skills
Funding is available to support individuals achieving a Level 3 Diploma in the following qualifications:
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction)
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations(Construction)
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Decorative Finishing – Painting and Decorating (Construction)
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations (Construction)
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Insulation and Building Treatments (Construction)
Candidates must be 19+ years old and resident in the Greater Manchester area. To be eligible the individual must not already hol da Level 3 Qualification
Don’t miss out on accessing this valuable funding. For more information contact Marie Flinter at FIS on 0121 707 0077 or email marieflinter@thefis.org
by Clair Mooney | 22 Jun, 2023 | Skills
To ensure businesses don’t miss out on up to £50,000 of support, the deadline to apply for CITB’s Leadership and Management Development Fund for large businesses, has been extended to 31 July, 2023.
The Leadership and Management Development Fund for large businesses enables large construction companies (with over to 250 directly employed staff) to invest in developing the leadership, management or supervisory skills of their workforce.
Eligible businesses can access up to £50,000 to support a wide range of leadership and management development activities. These include external or in-house training programmes, recognised leadership qualifications, development of new content or improvements to existing bespoke leadership training resources.
All training or related activity must focus on the development of management, leadership, or supervisory skills. This should be aimed at those whose primary role is as a manager, leader, or supervisor, or someone being developed to step into that role in the near future.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said:
“The Leadership and Management Development Fund offers a flexible approach for large businesses to deliver training based on their specific needs.
“This could be to help improve an existing program, develop a new one, try a new delivery method, or repeat an existing training program to new cohorts.
“The fund is just one of the many ways that CITB helps support the construction industry to have a skilled, competent and inclusive workforce, now and in the future.”
Award-winning property maintenance company Novus Solutions are a recent recipient of CITB’s Leadership and Management funding.
Matt Pitt, People Director, Novus Solutions, said:
“Our strategy is to make Novus a great place to work and to enable our people to become a differentiator for our business. Our aim is to create an internal development pipeline for core roles, become great at attracting people and develop our employee offer across Inclusion and Wellbeing whilst equipping managers with the tools to succeed.
“The CITB grant will enable Novus to implement several leadership programmes to equip managers with the tools for today and tomorrow, with an ageing workforce and less people joining construction it is essential that we progress in this space. Key themes will include Inclusive leadership, people management best practice, resilience, mentoring and coaching.”
by Clair Mooney | 16 Jun, 2023 | Drylining, Skills
FIS, in partnership with e-Aptitude, is proud to announce the launch of its FIS STEPs Vocational Knowledge Programme for Drylining. This specialised technical education programme, which was produced by e-Aptitude with support from FIS, has been designed to support training providers in delivering apprenticeships and Vocational Qualifications (VQs) and candidates in achieving their qualifications in Drylining.
Divided into multiple modules, this online training resource provides:
- Access to clear, concise and accessible knowledge training to support candidates’ practical experience.
- Delivers consistent and up-to-date knowledge training.
- Resource for delivery of guided learning in group theory sessions.
- The facility to set tasks for self-learning and test retention of material.
- Tracks and monitors progress of candidates throughout the programme.
- Statistics and reporting data for management of trainees.
FIS Chief Executive Iain McIlwee said:
This is a learning resource that will support consistent delivery of the knowledge elements of both the apprenticeship and in support of those working towards assessment for a vocational qualification. As we move into the new era of competence, the sector must have a more consistent approach to instilling knowledge in anyone joining our workforce and this is a vital step forward for competency in the drylining sector.
Steve Halcrow, director of e-Aptitude, added:
The STEPs team is proud to be partnering with FIS on a project that is so vital for the future of our sector. High quality, consistent knowledge information is a key part of the training for a drylining apprentice and will be a powerful tool for employers and Training Providers delivering there apprenticeship.
FIS promotion of drylining training and our collaboration on this e-learning program, is a major step forward for our industry.
For further information or for any questions please email contact@stepsdigitalfis.co.uk or contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077.
by Clair Mooney | 15 Jun, 2023 | Building Safety Act
The lights are going out on fluorescents – so what should you do?
The UK Government plans to phase out of all types of fluorescent lamps under the Restriction of the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive by 2024.
For decades fluorescent lighting has been fundamental in illuminating installations such as offices, schools and factories. Throughout the years, these luminaires have evolved from the T12 fluorescent batten which incorporated switch start control gear, to the T8, T5 or Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) which are controlled by a high frequency electronic ballast.
The improvement in technology regarding the starting and controlling of fluorescent lamps with electronic gear reduced the consumers electricity bills and reduced the amount of heat energy emitted by the “thicker” T12 style lamp.
However, the last ten years have seen the gradual replacement of the fluorescent luminaire with the more efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) fitting. This will continue to be the case, as the UK Government has followed the European Union’s lead in recent years by implementing the RoHS legislation which has already seized the manufacture of the T12 type lamp and has a directive of stopping the production of the remaining styles of florescent lamps by 2024.
These lamps contain mercury gas, which has been banned in the manufacturing of products. However, an exemption was implemented for the production of the fluorescent lamp. These lamps will still be in circulation and available to purchase until the dates of September 2023 for the T8 and February 2024 for the T5 and CFLs, when the manufacturing of lamps will end.
Although the availability of the lamps may aid maintenance, manufacturers have slowed the production of electronic control gear and inverters as the demand for the LED luminaire has increased.
Specifiers, clients, duty holders and landlords etc should consider the above information when consulting with their electricians regarding the method of illumination that should be used in properties when existing fluorescent lighting is present, considering the problems that may arise for maintenance, in the future.
Source: https://select.org.uk/SELECT/Website/Professionals_News/2023/June/lights_going_out_fluorescents.aspx
by Clair Mooney | 15 Jun, 2023 | Skills
The Department for Education (DfE) will imminently be announcing its scheduled review into the role and effectiveness of both the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).
Last undertaken in 2017, the review will assess the extent to which each Arm’s Length Body (ALB) performs effectively and delivers services that meet the needs of industry. The review is a requirement set by the Cabinet Office for all public bodies to be reviewed periodically.
The review is part of a wider programme across government to ensure that ALBs remain effective into the future.
The review will consider the ongoing need for the Industry Training Boards (ITBs), the effectiveness of the levy process and how it is invested, so that they continue to deliver for the public and represent a responsible use of levy funds.
It will consider the ITBs’ operating models, governance, accountability models and impact.
CITB has said that it will work closely with the review team to make visible its present impact, and demonstrate its plans and industry collaboration to deliver skills and training for the challenges ahead.
The review will be led by an independent lead reviewer, Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast Consultancy. He will be supported by a team of civil servants from the DfE. The review will also access expertise from the respective industries that the ITBs support as well as from across Whitehall
The DfE will shortly announce a call for evidence from stakeholders on GOV.UK and would particularly welcome contributions from employers in scope of the existing CITB levy orders, as well as trade bodies and representative groups from the construction industry. The call for evidence will inform early recommendations to ministers in late summer.
The DfE will provide contact details for submissions of evidence in the near future.
FAQs
Why is the review of the CITB and ECITB taking place?
The review is a requirement set by the Cabinet Office for public bodies to be reviewed based on level of risk. It will assess the extent to which Arm’s Length Bodies (ALB) performs effectively and delivers services that meet the needs of industry. The last CITB review took place in 2017.
Who are the review team?
The review will be led by an independent lead reviewer, Mark Farmer, CEO of Cast Consultancy and co-chair of Constructing Excellence, supported by a small team within DfE.
How can we get involved in the review?
DfE will shortly be announcing a call for evidence from stakeholders on GOV.UK. DfE would particularly welcome contributions from employers in scope to CITB, as well as trade bodies and representative groups from the construction industry. The call for evidence will inform early recommendations to ministers in late summer.
The DfE will provide contact details for submissions of evidence in the near future.
What is the Review likely to consider?
The extent of the review will ultimately be decided by the Lead Reviewer, but this will be influenced by guidance provided by the Cabinet office. The overall purpose of an ALB review is to ensure there is still a need for the functions carried out by an ALB, that the ALB is the right vehicle to carry out those functions, to consider alternative approaches to deliver the functions, assess the impact the ALB has and to determine any ways of making the ALB more effective and efficient.
When will the outcome be announced?
A final report and recommendations are expected to be submitted to the Secretary of State for Education at the end of 2023. Ministers will then assess the recommendations and determine the Government’s response having taken CITB views on the recommendations into account.
Is this different to the Consensus process?
Yes. The ALB review is a fundamental review of the organisation, its impact and future need. Consensus on the other hand is a very specific process carried out (usually) every three years to assess the industry’s views on CITB’s (ECITB’s) proposals for raising Levy over the next three years and their plans for effective use of the Levy generated. The next CITB Consensus process is due to take place between February and April 2024.
by Clair Mooney | 15 Jun, 2023 | Main News Feed
Following the issue of PPN 03/23 earlier this year, which allows public sector bodies to use the Common Assessment Standard in place of PAS 91, Build UK will be publishing an updated version of the Common Assessment Standard on 1 July 2023.
Version 3.2 will include minor updates to the question set and associated guidance to reflect further legislative changes post‐Brexit and to provide additional clarity for companies being certified.
The Common Assessment Standard is reviewed every year to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the industry. It is anticipated that further changes may be required following the introduction of the Building Safety Act, which will be confirmed once the secondary legislation has been published later this year, and members can suggest other changes for inclusion in Version 4 by completing this online form.
FIS has aligned its own ongoing vetting process to the CAS. Commenting on this, FIS Technical Manager James Parlour said:
Much of what we do in membership vetting depends on the existing accreditations of contractors, which is often already considered through various pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ). FIS is very keen to see more widespread adoption of mutual recognition in this environment and is pleased to support the common assessment standard and respect the work of our members by aligning our vetting criteria with it.
by Clair Mooney | 15 Jun, 2023 | Material Shortages
Statement from John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, co-chairs of the Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability working group.
Further to last month’s statement, once again there is good availability of most building materials across the UK, with the exception of rock mineral insulation, which is now on allocation, but is expected to normalise soon with increased production capacity.
While there are also some reports that plasterboard and roof tiles are on allocation, these appear to be either localised issues or restricted to a limited number of manufacturers, so do not seem to be creating significant problems in any sector. In addition, no major availability issues have been cited around either electrical components or timber, which in previous months were proving problematic.
At a macro level, construction output has risen by 2.7% since the start of the year despite adverse weather and various other factors such as strike action. The main area of growth over the past quarter has come from the repair and maintenance sector, but the commercial and civil engineering sectors have seen improvements as well. The associated retail trade has started to pick up with the return of warmer weather.
In the infrastructure sector there have been few reports of material shortages, but materials inflation still plays a major part in increasing project costs. The end of the Help to Buy scheme and continued uncertainty over interest rates, and its impact on mortgage availability, is constraining housebuilding. The consensus for sector forecasts is that year on year demand will be down this year before picking up in in 2024. More broadly and with a general election looming in 2024, positive stimulus by government in any of these sectors may boost fortunes for the industry.
Overall, ONS figures show that materials prices rose 8.4% in the first four months of the year, with inflation levels slowing to 4.7% in April. Looking ahead, however, although many larger manufacturers of energy intensive products have begun hedging their energy contracts into 2024, the costs of those products will likely remain elevated compared to the levels seen before the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
We are also monitoring the impact of drought conditions – including higher prices and delays to deliveries – affecting key logistic routes and shipping volumes from Asia and China and through the Panama Canal – though no firm data is yet available.
We are also aware that, with the availability and cost of financing options increasingly limited, commercial behaviour is likely to harden putting pressure on lower tiers and SME companies reducing cash-flow capacity and making liquidity a greater challenge. With the number of administrations in the construction sector at a very high level, this is another area we will continue to monitor.
Due to summer holidays, the Product Availability Group will meet next in September. There will be no reports published in July or August.
by Clair Mooney | 14 Jun, 2023 | Building Safety Act, Main News Feed
FIS is aware of a report raised through CROSS (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK) that highlights a potential gap in understanding around testing of fire-resistant glazed doors and screens. The particular issue concerns the construction of the threshold in the supporting construction and the incongruence with typical threshold constructions on sites with raised access floors.
The report can be viewed on the CROSS website HERE.
CROSS is a confidential reporting system which allows professionals working in the built environment to report on fire and structural safety issues. These are then published anonymously to share lessons learned, create positive change, and improve safety.
by Clair Mooney | 14 Jun, 2023 | Main News Feed
FIS has compiled a questionnaire to support a consolidated construction response to the latest HMRC consultation on the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).
It considers whether it would be appropriate to add VAT to the list of taxes HMRC must consider when undertaking the statutory compliance test for receiving or keeping Gross Payment Status (GPS). It seeks views on how adding VAT could be given effect and the consequences for those affected.
In addition, the consultation sets out two areas where stakeholders have told HMRC that the operation of the CIS is causing unnecessary administrative burdens: landlord/tenant payments; and multiple reporting requirements by some groups. It seeks views on the scope and impact of those burdens, and the government’s proposals for removing or reducing them.
by Clair Mooney | 9 Jun, 2023 | Main News Feed
FIS today celebrated the finishes and interiors sector with the announcement of the winners of the FIS 2023 Contractors Awards.
Members and their guests packed out the Nine Kings Suite at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London to see the winners in the 14 categories receive their prestigious awards.
Independent Awards Judges Tony Pieri and Colin Hunter, who visited all project entered said:
“As judges, we take our responsibilities very seriously as we fully understand the hard work and endeavour everyone has applied to the project they have entered for the awards process. We recognise the pride you feel in your work as that is fundamentally why you have entered your project in the first place.
“FIS contractor members continue to produce excellent work against the increasing pressure of tight budgets and challenging time constraints. That characterises the spirit of FIS members, who consistently demonstrate the resolve to do a good job on time and within budget. It has been a real pleasure for Colin and me to witness such outstanding and varied work.”
A final award was given for the Project of the Year, which was judged by guest architect Robert Fry, International and
Executive Director of Aukett Swanke Group plc. Robert selected the overall Project of the Year from the winning contracts across all categories.
Robert said:
“The very high quality of the award category winners made the selection of a single project for the ‘Best of the Best’ award a very challenging proposition given the excellence demonstrated by so many varied trades and skillsets brought to bear for clients in such a collaborative endeavour”.
About the FIS Contractors Awards
The FIS Contractors Awards are held annually to encourage and promote high levels of craftsmanship and design. Not only does the FIS member who installed the contract win an award, but so does the architect or interior designer of an award-winning project.
by Clair Mooney | 9 Jun, 2023 | Sustainability
The next in the series of newsletters from the Link Consortium is available here.
FIS taking a lead on driving product re-use and standardising deconstruction processes. The Link project is a key part of this work, looking at streamlining the strip-out process and using Artificial Intelligence to identify and prepare products for potential re-use and re-sale. This is a fundamental part of seamlessly aligning construction, building management and deconstruction/demolition to support better asset management and reduce the waste and carbon associated with our vital work.
The Link Consortium brings together experts in building materials reuse (including FIS) looking at how the sector can adopt latest artificial intelligence and object recognition technology to provide rapid listing software to help increase reuse of used construction materials and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
by Clair Mooney | 9 Jun, 2023 | Skills
Opportunity – for young people, employers and society – is central to the new Construction Leadership Council’s skills plan.
The plan shows how much Construction and built environment has to offer society and provides solutions to short and long-term challenges. Construction is a major engine of the UK economy employing 2.7m people, contributing 8% output to the economy. The plan recognises the great potential industry has on themes including:
- Innovation and creativity. Construction will be at the forefront of arguably the biggest challenge facing humankind – climate change – which makes our industry a career of meaning and value.
- Jobs. Industry offers high-skilled, well-paid jobs, the chance for workers to take modern, green skills across the globe.
- New entrants. Construction gives people a chance in life. As CITB Chief Executive Tim Balcon wrote recently: “Industry loves to see fresh talent which is why new entrants with a great attitude are welcomed with open arms.”
- Of course, our work on the plan did not blind us to the pressing issues construction and built environment faces.
Yes, there is a skills challenge.
Yes, the pace of diversity and modernising needs to increase.
And, yes, the record on mental health needs to improve rapidly. Industry is working on these issues day in, day out.
But it’s important to recognise the genuine change and opportunity our industry is undergoing and has to offer.
There’s a lot on the agenda, much to look forward to, here’s what we’re planning.
Aims
The aim of the plan is to offer solutions to short and long-term construction skills challenges in England.
These include how to:
- Meet employers’ demand for skilled workers.
- Train and retain people.
- Ensure the workforce is competent.
- Expand construction and built environment’s career appeal.
- Train experienced workers to become teachers.
The plan outlines how industry can deliver the workers industry needs through shared, aligned priorities. These priorities are: culture change; routes into construction and built environment; competence and future skills.
Working on those priorities won’t be easy, particularly in the short-term, given the economic outlook for the rest of the year.
However, the long term forecast for construction and built environment output is positive.
Recent headlines have been promising, too. CITB estimates an extra 225,000 workers will be required across the UK from 2023 – 2027.
Culture
The aims of last year’s plan were focussed on culture change and diversity. These themes will be important part of our work during in the year ahead.
CLC projects for 2023-24 include:
- A pilot to give schoolchildren a chance to learn about a career in construction
- The launch of a new competence approach to ensure there is an accepted, accredited definition of competence for all construction and built environment occupations.
- Expanding the new entrant apprenticeship brokerage service and introducing a new apprenticeship mentoring standard to increase apprenticeship starts, continuation and completions.
- The launch of Phase 1 of the Career Pathway Hub, an online portal aimed at defining high value career pathways for net zero, digitalisation, smart construction and repair maintenance and improvement.
To deliver this plan, partnering for skills is paramount. This means employers of all sizes investing in people, improving industry’s working culture and attracting new talent for future skills demand.
Multiplier
There are a variety of practical ways people across industry can support the plan.
These include:
We want to involve more small businesses in our work, to get a real multiplier effect on what we’re trying to achieve. For that to happen, collaboration is essential.
by Clair Mooney | 9 Jun, 2023 | Main News Feed, Sustainability
Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani MP joins industry leaders today to launch a plan to eliminate the use of diesel from most UK construction sites.
Over the last year, representatives from across the industry have collaborated on the development of Zero Diesel Sites Route Map, a key element of the Construction Leadership Council’s CO2nstruct Zero programme to decarbonise the industry.
The launch took place on HS2’s Old Oak Common Station construction site, which is progressing towards cleaner construction as part of HS2’s target for all its sites to be diesel-free by 2029.
Following consultation on a draft plan late last year, today’s Route Map confirms the industry will:
• Put in place support to roll out hydrogen, electricity and other cleaner power sources;
• Promote early wins by boosting efficiency and cutting diesel use by existing plant, and asking companies to reduce the use of diesel generators;
• Helping businesses to develop their own company’s diesel reduction plans;
• Engaging with clients to secure commitments that ban diesel use and
• Tracking data on industry diesel consumption to confirm progress over time.
There are currently an estimated 300,000 items of Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) used by the UK construction sector. Typically, such plant is powered by diesel consuming 2.5 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe), generating significant carbon emissions.
The Zero Diesel Sites Route Map sets out practical measures to reduce this volume by 78 per cent by 2035, in line with the UK’s Sixth Carbon Budget published in 2021.
Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said:
“Cutting carbon emissions in construction is vital to achieving our net zero ambitions by 2050. That’s why I’m pleased to see the leadership the sector is showing by publishing this new Route Map, helping us move forward towards a cleaner, greener industrial future.”
Neil Wait, Head of Environmental Delivery at HS2 Ltd and Chair of the Zero Diesel Route Map Working Group, said:
“The carbon challenge we face is significant and can only be overcome if we show real determination in a push for change. HS2 Ltd has played a key role in the development of the Route Map and is already making great progress with 19 diesel-free construction sites on the project. Today’s launch is a tangible demonstration of the industry’s shared commitment to radically cut our reliance on diesel. I would encourage companies to get involved and support the move towards cleaner, greener construction.”
Matt Palmer, CO2nstruct Zero Programme Sponsor and Executive Director, Lower Thames Crossing said:
“One of the strengths of the Construction Leadership Council is its ability to bring the industry together to identify and commit to actions that will change our sector for the better. The Zero Diesel Route Map is a perfect example of this, setting a clear mission that everyone can sign up to support.
by Clair Mooney | 26 May, 2023 | Skills
Funding is available to support individuals achieving a Level 2 NVQ in Drylining (London based) and a Level 3 NVQ in Occupational Working Supervision (London and Birmingham based only).
Candidates must be 19+ years old and if the employer is CITB registered and up to date with its levy return, there are substantial grants available to cover the cost of the training. Full details below.
London ONLY
Level 2 NVQ in Drylining – heavily discounted and if you are CITB registered and up to date with your levy you may receive £600 grant cover plus cash back.
200 places remaining.
Level 3 NVQs in Occupational Working Supervision – FREE and you will be able to claim back £600pp if you are CITB registered and up to date with your levy return.
70 places remaining.
Birmingham – ONLY
Level 3 NVQs in Occupational Working Supervision – FREE and you will be able to claim back £600pp if you are CITB registered and up to date with your levy return.
10 spaces remaining.
Don’t miss out on accessing this valuable funding. For more information contact Marie Flinter at FIS on 0121 707 0077 or email marieflinter@thefis.org
by Clair Mooney | 26 May, 2023 | Building Safety Act
Build UK has updated its comprehensive guide to the building safety regime to reflect the latest secondary legislation and guidance that has been published. Changes in the May 2023 version include:
- Updated guidance on the Safety Case which must be prepared by the Principal Accountable Person
- The latest information on the new building control system, including the Operational Standards Rules for Building Control Bodies and competence framework for Building Inspectors
- A link to the Independent Review of the Construction Products Testing Regime led by Paul Morrell OBE, Testing for a Safer Future
- A link to the guide on safety‐critical elements published by the CIOB in partnership with RIBA.
Build UK has also published a timeline showing when key changes are taking effect to support the implementation of the Building Safety Act. There will be further changes over the next 12 months, including the introduction of new regulations, and the timeline will be regularly updated alongside the guide to help provide clarity for members.
by Clair Mooney | 25 May, 2023 | Sustainability
The Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment has been updated to Issue 3.0 May 2023. The Code provides a mechanism that enables individual organisations to publicise their annual decarbonisation progress, and thereby collaborate and share best practice on their journey to Net Zero with the intention of accelerating progress across the industry.
Part of the Construction Leadership Council’s Construct Zero initiative, the Code brings together and aligns the plethora of sector wide initiatives. It is referenced in key documents such as the UK Construction Playbook, September 2022, the UKGBC Roadmap, and the UK Government Guidance Note Promoting Net Zero Carbon and Sustainability in Construction, September 2022. The new version of the Code and the sign-up process are available on the CSIC website.
Who is the Code for, and what makes it different?
The Code is designed for clients, contractors and supply chain members working in the built environment. In order to enable wide participation, organisations may join at a global, national or regional level as well as at a major project level.
The Code is also not prescriptive, but instead asks organisations to report their progress year on year, to keep their accreditation, setting it apart from standards. It is also designed to be collaborative, with the ability to influence the onward supply chain.
What do organisations need to do to comply with the Code?
The Code offers three levels of commitment:
- Core commitments for all organisations;
- Core commitments for client organisations and further commitments to facilitate the transition to Net Zero;
- Core commitments for supply chain organisations and further commitments to facilitate the transition to Net Zero.
All organisations must be in accordance with the minimum entry level of compliance to attain Pledger status. This means agreeing to the core commitments of setting out plans to meet net zero by 2045, including annual targets, and publishing these and the progress made against them every year. Pledger levels also requires setting an interim target to reduce net direct and indirect carbon emissions for 2030, which aligns with or exceeds government strategy. Signatory level requires signing up to additional core commitments relevant to the organisation – be it client or supply chain, and Champion level sees commitments to more ambitious collaborative progress.
What has changed since the last issue?
A complete list of changes from the last issue of the Code are listed in the Code FAQs. A key addition is that of a third core commitment – Commitment 1.3 – which requires organisations to provide clarity on which carbon-offsetting schemes they are using if any. Current Code compliant organisations should also consult the Code FAQs, which explain the version of the Code with which organisations would need to comply at renewal.
How do organisations sign up to the Code?
The Code signup form is available on the on the CSIC website. The form is accompanied by a downloadable Excel spreadsheet listing all the information required to make the sign-up process easy to complete. There is no cost to signing up to the Code.
Dr Jennifer Schooling OBE, Director of CSIC, states:
“The Code recognises that we must start making meaningful change, and we have to start making it today. Not tomorrow, not next week and certainly not next year. I urge you to visit the CSIC website to read this new issue of the Code to understand what is required and sign up. By working together towards a greater good we all make progress. Collaboration and commitment will be key to success, and with alignment of ambition across all parties we can progress towards net-zero carbon at the pace required. The Code provides an encouraging, supportive and collaborative approach to reducing carbon. It is essential that our industry reduces carbon emissions and the more organisations that sign up to the Code, the more we will achieve.”
by Clair Mooney | 25 May, 2023 | Main News Feed, Market data
Surveys from across the construction supply chain showed a more encouraging performance in the first quarter of the year after the uncertainty-filled end to 2022. Looking back to what preceded the opening three months of 2023, the failed Mini Budget from the short-lived Truss government resulted in financial market turmoil, consecutive interest rate rises from the Bank of England, a collapse in housing market demand and widespread reticence to start new projects. As conditions became somewhat more settled in the new year, product manufacturers’ sales, and SME contractors’, civil engineering contractors’ and chartered surveyors’ workloads indicate that there has been an improvement in conditions for construction. However, this is from a low point and net balances remain muted which, in turn, points to only a cautious pickup as the economy still struggles to gain momentum in the light of high rates of inflation and limited growth. Certainly, cost inflation across inputs within construction are still reported as being historically high, exerting downward pressure on margins and likely adding to client hesitation in signing off new work. Forward-looking indicators such as enquiries and new orders point to weakness lingering in new house building, commercial and industrial, but demand strengthening in public non-housing, RM&I and, in particular, infrastructure work linked to energy generation or storage.
by Clair Mooney | 18 May, 2023 | Main News Feed
Following the decision by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) earlier this year to fine 10 demolition and asbestos removal firms almost £60 million for colluding to rig bids for contracts, Build UK has updated its guidance on preventing anti‐competitive behaviour in construction.
The guidance, which is available to FIS members here, has been written by Wedlake Bell LLP and explains common violations of competition law, such as cartel activities and cover pricing, with the latest CMA decision now included as a case study. It is designed to help businesses and directors comply with their legal obligations by explaining the risks and the steps they should take.
