by Clair Mooney | 2 Aug, 2018 | CSCS, Drylining, Main News Feed
FIS has introduced two offers to help drylining operatives upgrade to the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card, an essential replacement for the expired CRO cards which cannot be renewed.
20% discount
The first offer is a 20% discount off the full price of upgrading their current CRO card in the drylining trade to a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card for £995 + VAT. The old CRO cards are expiring and will not be renewed which means operatives need to upgrade to a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card in drylining. This will include registration, paperwork, onsite assessment and NVQ level 2 completion which will enable them to become qualified in drylining and invest in their future. The Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card is valid for five years.
Updgrade in two days for £300 + VAT
The second offer is a fast track route for experienced drylining finishers to upgrade from their current CRO card to a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card in two days for £300 + VAT. Operatives only spend one day away from site to gain their qualification and get the Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card. This an opportunity for operatives to turn their experience into a qualification so they can work on site.
This is a part of the Fit-out Futures programme which aims to get a carded workforce, this a brilliant opportunity for FIS members to get their operatives upgraded to the Blue Skilled Workers CSCS card and get them qualified and on site.
For more information click here or email CSCScards@thefis.org
by Clair Mooney | 1 Aug, 2018 | Main News Feed
James Brokenshire (Secretary of State for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) provides an update on the work the Government is undertaking in response to the Grenfell tragedy and broader building safety work.
Grenfell Update:Written statement – HCWS890
by Clair Mooney | 30 Jul, 2018 | Main News Feed
FIS has published a statement regarding what constitutes performance compliancy in drywall systems.
Click here to read the statement – Ensuring system compliancy in drywall systems
by Clair Mooney | 26 Jul, 2018 | Main News Feed
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is hosting a free CPD seminar aimed at improving awareness of passive fire protection on 4 September, between 08.30am – 1pm in London.
Understanding Passive Fire Protection, offers presentations on all aspects of passive fire protection, including the role of fire doors, frames and fire seals; door hardware maintenance and replacement; fire-resistant glazing; fire ducts and dampers; structural fire protection; compartment wall penetrations and firestopping. It also offers an insight into fire risk assessment and what to look for in relation to passive fire protection.
To reserve your delegate place visit http://asfp.org.uk/webdocs/courses.php complete the booking form and return to info@asfp.org.uk
Seminar Details
Tuesday 4 September 2018
8:30am – 1pm
Aviva Building
St Helens, 1 Undershaft
London, EC3P 3DQ
The event is suitable for anyone who is responsible for specifying or inspecting passive fire protection or those appointing trades that could cause damage to existing fire protection in the process of their work.
by Clair Mooney | 25 Jul, 2018 | Main News Feed
The government has clarified the fire safety guidance in Approved Document B following the recommendations made by Dame Judith Hackitt and is seeking views on these revisions.
To view the consultation documents please click here. It is preferred that responses to this consultation be made using the online survey http://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3HMPLWL. The closing date for this consultation is 11 October 2018.
Please note that when viewing the two redrafted volumes of AD B that:
- The presentation is no longer in the two column format which made life more difficult when viewing the ADs on line
- There has been a significant reconfiguration to the two volumes with the split now reflecting Dwellings and Non-dwellings
- Therefore, guidance on the design of blocks of flats has now moved from Volume 2 to Volume 1
- A clear differentiation is now made between external fire spread on the external walls and fire spread from one building to another
- The use of European classifications for fire resistance and reaction to fire within the main body of the document. Advice on British Standards is retained to allow for conversions, if needed
- Consolidation of guidance on fire dampers and ventilation systems into one place
- Moving guidance on the provision of information (regulation 38) and insulated core panels into the main body of the document
- Where possible specifying the period of fire resistance for a construction into the body of the text rather than on tables situated in the back of the AD.
Also note that MHCLG are not inviting responses to:
- Sections providing guidance on the use of combustible materials on wall systems of high-rise buildings
- Paragraphs A1-A4 of Appendix B of both volumes regarding desk top studies
As these are being dealt with in a separate consultations already released for comment.
CPA will be responding to this consultation and would appreciate seeing members responses so that we can submit a meaningful document reflecting the diverse range of opinions.
by Clair Mooney | 23 Jul, 2018 | Main News Feed
Chris Hobbs has been appointed as the new Vetting Manager for FIS and replaces Robert Barker who retired earlier this year.
As part of our membership criteria, contractors are asked to put forward a recently completed project, where the quality of the work can be assessed to ensure that it matches the high quality expected of members. This vetting is carried out before a company can join, then again, every three years as part of an ongoing vetting process (OGV).
Chris has been involved in the sector for over 35 years and brings with him relevancy to this important process which help differentiate members from non-members.
by Clair Mooney | 11 Jul, 2018 | Main News Feed
Scottish construction is set to benefit from new CITB research which – for the first time – will give a detailed five-year overview of skills, demand and supply at a regional level.
This report is the first-of-its-kind and will be renewed annually, alongside the existing research offer. The aim of the report is to help CITB work with industry and the education sector to address the challenges raised by the findings, and to create a series of regional skills action plans that are meaningful and direct future training needs.
With overall demand in 2018 estimated at 247,300 and an existing workforce of nearly 241,000, the overall workforce in Scotland is estimated to need nearly 6,400 workers. This represents a shortfall of 3% on current employment.
Headline findings from the report include:
- Construction skills pressures in areas such as the Highlands & Islands and South East;
- potential shortages in painting and decorating and plumbing trades;
- need for support staff who work in the supply chain – IT specialists, researchers, lawyers, procurement experts – further emphasising that construction is a career for everyone.
Further information is available from Amanda Scott, Sector Skills Engagement Manager
amadascott@thefis.org by Clair Mooney | 11 Jul, 2018 | Main News Feed
The Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA) which represents the drylining systems manufacturers, (Etex, British Gypsum and Knauf) recently reviewed and re-published an umbrella statement regarding the compatibility of materials between the manufacturers. Click here to read the statement.
The revised statement, published in April 2018, is a simplification of what was published before and updated over time, so aims to clarify issues regarding the mixing of products and assuring performance and meeting the terms of the individual manufacturer’s warranty/insurance.
It is important that advice is sought before installing drylining that all materials, stud, board, screws jointing materials and plaster finishing are compatible with the systems supplier’s warranty before placing any orders.
by Clair Mooney | 10 Jul, 2018 | Main News Feed
A new consultation has been launched that seeks to obtain the views and opinions of stakeholders on a review of building and fire safety regulatory frameworks in order to help ensure the safety of people in and around Scotland’s buildings.
This consultation covers two main areas:
- The first part relates to the roles and responsibilities of people verifying, inspecting and certifying building work and strengthening enforcement of and compliance with building regulations.
- The second part of the consultation covers specific fire safety standards relating to external cladding and cavities, escape, the provision of sprinklers and finally, the proposal for a “central hub” for verifying complex fire engineered solutions.
The proposed changes outlined in the consultation aim to:
- improve compliance with building standards during the design and construction of all buildings, with a particular focus on complex and high value public buildings, making them safer for occupants; and
- address fire safety related issues in relation to high rise domestic buildings and certain other residential buildings.
Following the findings within the report of the Independent Inquiry into the Construction of Edinburgh Schools and the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in London last June, two expert review panels were set up to review aspects of the Scottish building standards regulatory framework. The first panel’s remit was to review compliance and enforcement aspects of the building standards system and the second panel’s remit was to review building standards and Technical Handbook guidance primarily relating to fire safety in high rise domestic buildings, but also considering other building types where applicable. This consultation consolidates the outcomes and proposals of these two review panels.
The Scottish Government is now seeking the views of any organisation or individual with an interest in ensuring building standards legislation and associated Technical Handbook guidance fully address the issues raised in relation to:
- the level of detailing accompanying building warrant applications and completion certificates;
- the construction of buildings; and
- the safety of occupants in the event of a fire in dwellings, particularly those in high rise buildings.
Download the consultation paper
Begin consultation
by Clair Mooney | 6 Jul, 2018 | Main News Feed
In the first quarter of 2018 FIS and Stortford Interiors began working together to design a unique initiative, to support Stortford’s ongoing vision for increased skills success, social values, future sustainability and new entrant growth and to create a template that could be adopted by other FIS members in the future.
The board of directors at Stortford Interiors overwhelmingly approved the proposal. The move from proposal to live project development was swift and to support the vision, a new pipeline designed to attract the next generation of talent to the company was created.
Project Futures – The New Flagship Initiative
Project Futures’ primary objective is to engage, educate, empower and enable every new entrant, ensuring their place in a company where investment in all employees is continuous, advocates real progression and provides rewarding career opportunities.
A bespoke apprenticeship route was identified as the most sustainable vehicle for the development of new entrants to the business. Over the next three years Stortford Interiors will recruit and train 30 apprentices in drylining and carpentry. Project Futures’ wider component parts will see the implementation of a new digital skills matrix system across all Stortford Interiors sites and furthermore identify and respond to all future skills requirements company wide.
The objectives of Project Futures align perfectly with Stortford Interiors’ commitment to Section 106 obligations*. Including the continuous identification of its future operational skills and labour needs, coupled with its commitment to qualifying, upskilling and ensuring the continuous professional development of its existing workforce.
Project Futures is jointly managed by FIS Sector Skills Engagement Manager Amanda Scott and Stortford Interiors Operations Director Paul Leach, with a dedicated support team positioned at the head office and all Stortford Interiors sites.
Amanda Scott comments ‘For Stortford Interiors it’s all about the people. People are its most valuable asset and Project Futures strikes at the heart of Stortford Interiors’ core values. Stortford Interiors think collaboratively, forwardly and differently, it’s an inspiring and committed SME company response to the UK skills crisis’.
Paul Leach added, ‘We are proud of the people we employ, and this extends to the next generation of talent entering our company through Project Futures’.
Jim Nania remarks ‘Stortford Interiors and FIS have worked hard to ensure that our flagship programme ‘Project Futures’ is the best it can be, by paying fairly and reflectively to reduce apprenticeship poverty, giving great benefits, structured learning, mentoring and development, all this helps provide a valuable and exciting first role in our core business’.
Jim’s inspirational leadership continues to drive the Stortford Interiors skills agenda. When asked, why he is such a passionate advocate of Project Futures, for Jim the answer is simple ‘there is, undoubtedly, a skills gap in our markets, therefore this is a sensible, practical and exciting route to bring in new talent to the company, enabling young people to climb on the career ladder early and gain fantastic commercial experience’.
As the voice of the fit-out sector, representing the sector, FIS recognises the importance of in banishing misconceptions, to champion the profile of apprenticeships mapped to a contemporary working environment. Amanda Scott acknowledges, ‘attitudes still need to change across the country, to acknowledge just how valuable apprenticeships are to the future success of the sector, industry and whole UK economy. But at Stortford Interiors, they are already one-step ahead of the game’.
For further updates on Project Futures, please contact Paul Leach paul.leach@stortford-interiors.com or Amanda Scott amandascott@thefis.org
* Section 106 obligations – ensure that developments complement and benefit the local labour market and economy by raising skills and enabling local people to compete for the jobs generated.
by Clair Mooney | 3 Jul, 2018 | Main News Feed
In the July edition of SpecFinish, we take a look at the key points from the Hackitt Review and how the FIS PPP initiative can provide evidence of competency.
The skills feature provides an overview of our Further Education to Employment programme, which FIS is delivering within its ‘Fit-Out Futures’ initiative. This aims to bring in 1,500 new entrants into the setor every year by 2020.
The Legal hot topic discusses payment notices. Read these articles and more online here or the PDF version here.
by Clair Mooney | 1 Jul, 2018 | Main News Feed
Iain McIlwee has been appointed as the new chief executive of FIS, the trade body which represents the fit-out sector.
Iain will be responsible for the development and implementation of the Association’s long and short-term strategies to the benefit of members and industry, maintaining high profile representation and lobbying with key stakeholders both outside and within the membership.
He began his career as an engineering analyst, before moving on to the world of trade bodies in 1996. He has been chief executive officer of the British Woodworking Federation since 2011, where he implemented strategies that saw membership grow by 40% and retention levels soar to an all-time high. During his tenure, BWF launched the award-winning Fire Door Safety Week, an awareness campaign focussed on the legacy of neglect in the maintenance of fire doors. Iain is currently serving his second year as Vice Chairman of the Construction Products Association.
FIS President Andrew Smith said: `Iain really impressed our interview panel, and we were unanimous in our decision that he seemed an excellent fit to pick up the mantle from our previous chief executive David Frise, and drive FIS to new heights. He is a clear and confident communicator, has a wealth of trade body experience, and a proven track record in building membership communities – exactly what we were looking for. The FIS Board, staff team and I very much look forward to working with him over the coming years.’
Speaking about his new role Iain said: ‘It is an exciting time to be joining FIS. The construction industry is changing and not before time. The impact of Grenfell echoes through the sector and we need to take note, ensure that the hard lessons are learned and never repeated. The collapse of Carillion is also leading us to look at the contractual nature of the construction process. We have the Industrial Strategy and the Sector Deal for Construction emerging and creating opportunities and a radically reformed CITB to support a focus on skills and competence. As a sector we need to find better ways to collaborate to improve quality, safety and productivity, we need to balance on and off-site activity and truly embrace the digital revolution. I am looking forward to working with the FIS Board and team to ensure that the membership is well placed to benefit from all of these opportunities and to see the fit-out sector leading this change agenda.’
by Clair Mooney | 28 Jun, 2018 | Main News Feed
RICS is updating the SKA rating for offices scheme to ensure it reflects current best practice as well as incentivises clients and industry to improve standards in interior fit-out and refurbishment projects. Currently, the following workshops, themes and dates are available. To attend, RSVP with the workshop(s) you wish to attend by emailing dsaunders@rics.org
Workshop 1: Materials & Waste
Date: Monday 2 July
Time: 2-5pm
Location: Overbury plc, 77 Newman Street, London W1T 3EW
Workshop 2: Materials, Waste & Circular Design/Economy
Date: Wednesday 11 July
Time: 2-5pm
Location: Derwent London, 25 Savile Row London W1S 2ER
Workshop 3: Water, Wellbeing & Ecology
Date: Thursday 19 July
Time: 2-5pm
Location: Derwent London, 25 Savile Row London W1S 2ER
Workshop 4: Project Delivery & Transport
Date: Wednesday 25 July
Time: 2-5pm
Location: Overbury plc, 77 Newman Street, London W1T 3EW
Workshop 5: Energy & Pollution
Date: Tuesday 31 July
Time: 2-5pm
Location: Derwent London, 25 Savile Row London W1S 2ER
Workshop 6: all issues in scheme
Date: Wednesday 19 September
Time: 10.30-2.00pm
Location: Overbury plc, The Zenith Building, 26 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 1AB
Workshop 7: all issues in scheme
Date: September
Time: 11-2.30pm
Location: RICS, Birmingham
by Clair Mooney | 26 Jun, 2018 | Main News Feed
Peter Caplehorn, CPA Deputy Chief Executive and Policy Director, will host a Skype conference call with members on Wednesday 25 July from 11am-12pm to discuss the impact of the Hackitt Review’s recommendations on the work of marketing and communications professionals within our industry. The Review highlighted, for example, the need for greater clarity in marketing language and labelling, particularly in relation to how products have been tested and certified for use and performance. If you are interested please contact mary.economidou@constructionproducts.org.uk
by Clair Mooney | 26 Jun, 2018 | Main News Feed
This is your last opportunity to claim Training and Development Plan Grant for the 2017/2018 Grants Scheme.
The deadline to submit all Grant claims for this period is Saturday 30 June 2018. Any claims that are submitted after this date will not be processed.
Please submit your completed claims to the relevant email address below:
Training Plans – Customer.ServicesTP@citb.co.uk
2017/18 Grant Scheme – grant.claimforms@citb.co.uk
by Clair Mooney | 21 Jun, 2018 | Main News Feed
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling that an individual who had worked solely for London-based Pimlico Plumbers for six years, was entitled to full workers’ rights despite being VAT-registered and paying self-employed tax, our tax adviser Liz Bridge provides her comments on the case…
“Everyone in Construction has long known that a worker who claims to be self employed may be an NIC and employment rights time bomb waiting to go off.
This is particularly true if many of the contractual terms in the contract he works under are ‘sham’ –if he didn’t turn up for work he would he ever be required to come again, the only substitutes he could send were other workers from the same firm, etc. It is also true that if the worker does not actually ever work for others and works for the same employer for a substantial length of time, any court will have considerable doubt about self employed status.
In the case of Pimlico Plumbers, the worker concerned wore a uniform, drove a company van, and had a contract that referred to wages, gross misconduct and dismissal. He also had a restrictive covenant which restricted him competing in London should the Pimlico engagement contract cease.
If your firm is to be safe you should review your self employed workers at least once a year and you should be truthful to yourself. It is no good being confident that your employment contracts will protect you if you know in your heart that they cover an arrangement that is really employment. Do not think that the challenge will always come from HMRC.
Could your contracts of engagement be seen as artificial if the worker told a court what was actually expected of him and how he was controlled? The challenge for Pimlico Plumbers came from a worker who wanted his rights acknowledged, not from a Government department.
The atmosphere surrounding employment is changing and the courts are supporting ‘employment’ decisions more and more. There is also a major proposal to change the IR35 rules to support more PAYE. This Pimlico Plumbers decision from the Supreme Court only tells us all what we have known for some time: taking on self employed workers is risky unless they are genuinely self employed.
When I say ‘genuinely self employed’ I mean that the worker brings with them any specialist materials needed, or that they pay other workers, or they bring in specialist kit. Beware the man who arrives with his hands in his pockets asking what you want him to do with your materials and your kit. He is your risk area.”
Liz Bridge
Secretary, Joint Taxation Committee
by Clair Mooney | 21 Jun, 2018 | Main News Feed
FIS is seeking a membership manager to join its growing team. We are looking for a proactive and enthusiastic person with a strong sales and marketing background to retain and increase the organisations members.
You should be able to demonstrate outstanding communication, questioning, listening, writing and presentation skills, excellent organisational skills, the ability to prioritise work load and work under pressure. A proven capability of working with a wide range of external stakeholders is essential.
For full details on the vacancy and to apply visit www.thefis.org/jobs/membership-manager/
by Clair Mooney | 8 Jun, 2018 | Main News Feed
A year on from the tragic fire at Grenfell tower Dame Judith Hackitt’s report Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety has been published but what does this mean for our sector and what is FIS proposing so members can meet the recommendations going forward?
To find out join us on Monday 25 June in London.
For details and to register your interest to attend email dancook@thefis.org
Spaces will be limited on a first come basis.
by Clair Mooney | 7 Jun, 2018 | Main News Feed
The FIS Awards Lunch took place on Tuesday 5 June 2018 at The Dorchester Hotel in London and was attended by more than 460 members and guests. Industry joined together to celebrate the winners of this year’s Contractors Awards.
Representatives from our nominated charity CALM raised nearly £4,000 thanks to the generous donations of our members.
We were treated to an amusing after-dinner speech by Miles Jupp, who then went on to announce the winners of the awards. See who won below:
Operable Walls Silver – Style Moveable Partition Specialists for its contract at Adobe in London
Operable Walls Gold – Ezyglide for its installation at The Ivy, London
Specialist Joinery Silver – Stortford Interiors (UK) for its installation at Quadrant 4 in London
Specialist Joinery Gold – Laser Essex for its contract at The Office Group’s White Collar Factory in London
Heritage Silver – Hayles and Howe for its contract at Piccadilly Theatre in London
Heritage Gold – Ornate Interiors for its installation at Oldham Town Hall in Lancashire
Fibrous and GRG new build Silver – Hayles and Howe for its project at Leathersellers Hall in London
Fibrous and GRG new build Gold – Simplicity Abutments for its contract at Bloomberg, London
Steel Framed Systems Gold – Atkin Trade Specialists for its installation at the Apartments in Schooner Way, Cardiff
Plastering Gold – Taylor Hart for its contract at the University of Birmingham
Drywall Construction Residential Silver – Ridge Interiors for its project at Mayfair House in London
Drywall Construction Residential Gold – Measom Dryline for its contract at Rathbone Square, London
Drywall Construction Commercial Silver – Mansell Finishes for its installation at Birmingham Conservatoire
Drywall Construction Commercial Gold – Stortford Interiors for its contract at Which in London
Suspended Ceilings Silver – BPC Interiors for its ceilings installation at Falcon, London
Suspended Ceilings Gold – Brian Hendry Interiors for its contract at Hawkhead Care Home in Renfrew
Partitioning category Silver – Lusso Interiors for its contract at the University of West England in Bristol
Partitioning category Gold – Optima Contracting for its partitioning installation at Bloomberg in London
Interior Fit-Out under £1M Silver – DSP Interiors for its contract at Robinson Structures in Derby
Interior Fit-Out under £1M Gold – Paragon Interiors Group for its project at PKF Cooper Parry in Solihull
Interior Fit-Out over £1M Silver – Worksmart Contracts for its fit out at Scotland House in London
Interior Fit-Out over £1M Gold – Veitchi Interiors for its project at Anderson High School and Halls of Residence in the Shetland Isles
Project of the Year was awarded to Ornate Interiors for its contract at Oldham Town Hall in Lancashire
All winners are featured in the June edition of FIS Focus. The full magazine can be viewed here.
We would like to thank all entrants and sponsors of the 2018 awards; entries for the 2019 FIS Contractors Awards will open in July.
by Clair Mooney | 24 May, 2018 | Main News Feed
Training Plans ceased on 31 March 2018. Employers have until the end of June to submit a final claim for any outstanding training that hasn’t already been claimed for Grant year 2017/18: https://www.citb.co.uk/grant/grants-for-training/
All short duration training from April 2018 will require employers to only claim courses that meet CITB’s short duration standard or those of a recognised accreditation body eg PASMA. But internal or external courses that do not meet CITB’s requirements (such as first aid, non-construction courses, customer service, toolbox talks etc) will not be claimable: https://www.citb.co.uk/grant/changes-grants-scheme-from-1-april-2018/
Employers will have the ability to bulk upload any training course that matches the new criteria for courses, they can do this on: https://my.citb.co.uk/en-US/
A short video guide is available at https://www.youtube.com/user/ConstructionSkills/videos?view=0&sort=dd&flow=grid
For assistance during this transition period email skills@thefis.org
