by Oscar Venus | 13 Nov, 2025 | Membership, Skills
FIS is encouraging members to get involved with the Go Construct STEM Ambassador Programme, a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of the Finishes and Interiors Sector and inspire the next generation of talent.
If you’re passionate about supporting young people and promoting careers in construction, this initiative offers the perfect way to make a real difference. By becoming a STEM Ambassador, you’ll have the chance to engage directly with schools, colleges, and communities to highlight the diverse and rewarding opportunities available across the industry.
To help you get started, Go Construct is hosting two upcoming webinars introducing the programme and showing how current ambassadors are already making an impact.
Upcoming Webinar Sessions
Monday 8 December, 11:00–12:00
Thursday 15 January 2026, 11:00
During these sessions, you’ll:
- Be introduced to the STEM Learning platform
- Receive a step-by-step guide to becoming an Ambassador
- Learn how to engage effectively with schools and career events
- Have the opportunity to sign up live and start your journey
Whether you’re completely new to outreach or already active in career engagement, becoming a STEM Ambassador is a great way to build confidence, develop presentation skills, and connect with young people exploring construction as a career.
To register for your preferred session, contact: Marie Flinter – marieflinter@thefis.org
Together, we can inspire the next generation and help secure a bright, skilled future for the finishes and interiors sector.
by Oscar Venus | 31 Oct, 2025 | Events, Skills
FIS is proud to be supporting this year’s SkillBuild National Final, taking place at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, on 19–20 November 2025, the UK’s largest multi-trade skills competition showcasing the next generation of construction talent.
Visitors to the event can watch top scoring competitors from across the UK compete across multiple trades including Drylining, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Painting and Decorating, Wall and Floor Tiling, and Joinery. As the competition unfolds, projects will transform from blank canvases into stunning displays of craftsmanship, skill, and precision.
Construction Showcase: Inspiring the Next Generation
FIS will be exhibiting as part of the Construction Showcase, an interactive experience hub packed with have-a-go activities and live demonstrations designed to inspire young people to explore careers in construction.
Construction Showcase Opening Times
- Wednesday 19 November: 09:00 – 16:00
- Thursday 20 November: 09:00 – 15:00
FIS is inviting members to get involved by supporting the stand with interactive activities or demonstrations that highlight the diversity of skills within the finishes and interiors sector.
If you’re able to contribute, please contact Beena Nana at beenanana@thefis.org by Friday 7 November.
Book your free visitor tickets here
by Oscar Venus | 31 Oct, 2025 | Labour, Skills
FIS is proud to be partnering with The Skills Centre to support a series of Skills Bootcamps and Employment Programmes at training facilities across the UK.
As part of this initiative, The Skills Centre will be delivering an ‘Introduction to Drylining and Insulation’ course designed to equip learners with the essential skills and knowledge needed to take their first steps into the finishes and interiors sector.
Training and Qualifications
Participants will gain a strong foundation in key areas, with courses including:
- Cskills Level 1 Health & Safety
- CITB CSCS Health & Safety Environment (Green Card)
- Level 2 Understanding Domestic Retrofit
- Level 2 Removing Non-Hazardous Waste in the Workplace (Blue Card)
- Environmental Awareness in the Construction Industry
- Introduction to Interior Systems
Introduction to Passive Fire
Note: The specific qualifications delivered may vary based on employer demand at the time of delivery.
This intensive training programme aims to provide practical, hands-on experience that prepares learners for real-world work environments and long-term careers in the interiors sector.
A Call to FIS Members
As part of our ongoing commitment to tackling the industry’s skills shortage and nurturing new talent, FIS is calling on members in the Greater London area to get involved.
Can your business offer work experience, employment opportunities, or apprenticeships to support these new entrants into the sector?
This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the next generation of fit-out professionals and strengthen the future workforce of our industry.
To find out more or to express your interest, please contact Beena Nana or Marie Flinter at FIS.
by Oscar Venus | 31 Oct, 2025 | Skills
FIS is encouraging members across Scotland to take part in a national review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for plastering — a crucial step in ensuring training and qualifications reflect the skills, techniques, and technologies used in today’s industry.
Led by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), this consultation seeks input from employers and industry professionals to make sure the refreshed NOS and future apprenticeship framework truly align with the needs of the plastering sector.
Why Your Input Matters
Your expertise and insight are essential in shaping a framework that reflects real-world practices and supports a skilled, competent, and future-ready workforce.
By getting involved, you’ll help influence the content of training programmes, ensure new entrants are job-ready, and support long-term skills development across the Scottish construction sector.
How You Can Get Involved
SDS is inviting employers and stakeholders to:
- Review and comment on the draft NOS documents
- Attend virtual consultation sessions
- Share feedback on skills gaps, training needs, and industry trends
This work will directly inform the development of a refreshed plastering apprenticeship framework, helping to attract and prepare young people for successful careers within the industry.
To register your interest or find out more, contact:
Jim Johnstone, Development Manager (Construction)
Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Plastering in Scotland07929 814289 | jim.johnstone@sds.co.uk
FIS encourages all Scottish members involved in plastering and interior finishes to take this opportunity to contribute their knowledge and help shape the next generation of skilled professionals.
by Oscar Venus | 24 Oct, 2025 | Main News Feed
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced that EU-REACH registration fees will rise by 19.5% from 5 November 2025, in line with cumulative inflation rates from 2021 to 2023. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will continue to be exempt from these fee increases.
In addition, from 5 February 2027, ECHA will introduce a new advance SME verification process. Under the new system, companies claiming SME fee reductions must apply for official recognition at least two months before submitting their registration. ECHA’s verification decisions will remain valid for three years.
FIS members are advised to review their REACH compliance processes ahead of these deadlines to ensure smooth transition and avoid potential registration delays.
See full details here
by Oscar Venus | 24 Oct, 2025 | Labour, Skills
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has joined a coalition of leading construction and built environment organisations in signing an open letter to the Prime Minister, urging the Government to suspend proposed apprenticeship reforms that risk undermining skills, competence, and safety standards across the sector.
The letter, coordinated by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), expresses serious concern over plans by Skills England to shorten apprenticeship durations to as little as eight months and introduce new assessment methods that could weaken quality assurance and consistency. Industry leaders warn that these reforms could dismantle established routes to competence, erode employer confidence, and threaten the delivery of safe, high-quality construction at a time when the UK faces an ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes.
FIS Head of Skills Beena Nana, said:
“These reforms represent a race to the bottom at a time when our sector is working harder than ever to build competence, professionalism, and trust. Apprenticeships must be driven by industry – not diluted by process. If we are serious about quality, safety, and long-term productivity, we cannot afford to weaken the very foundation of skills development.”
The coalition is calling for the Government to:
- Suspend the implementation of the proposed apprenticeship reforms.
- Re-establish meaningful collaboration with industry trailblazer groups to ensure apprenticeship standards reflect real workplace competence.
- Align training and assessment approaches with the Building Safety Act and the work of the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG).
FIS continues to work closely with partners across construction to promote robust training and qualification pathways that ensure every individual entering the sector is equipped with the right skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours to build safely and competently.
Read the full letter to the Prime Minsiter here
by Oscar Venus | 23 Oct, 2025 | Employment, Labour, Skills
Significant changes to visa sponsorship were announced on 14 October 2025 which will impact on upcoming Skilled Worker visa applications. Please see below for a summary of the changes:
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) Increase – Effective 16 December 2025
The Immigration Skills Charge will increase by 32% from 16 December 2025. This means an increase for small and charitable companies of £364 a year to £480, and for medium and large companies an increase from £1,000 a year to £1,320.
The additional costs of future hires and extensions can be avoided by assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship before 16 December 2025.
Sponsors should check now that they have an available allocation of Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship and consider their sponsorship plans in light of these increases.
English Language Requirement Increase – Effective 8 January 2026
From 8 January 2026, the required English language level for Skilled Worker visa applicants will rise from B1 to B2 under the CEFR scale. We advise that applicants intending to join the Skilled Worker route submit their applications before 8 January 2026 to avoid being impacted by this change. Please note that current Skilled Worker visa holders will not be affected and will not be required to take a new test.
Visa processing Delays and Holiday Travel
Visa processing times have lengthened significantly due to a surge in applications following earlier rule changes in July 2025. UKVI is currently experiencing a substantial backlog, and we are seeing many standard applications take the full 8 weeks or longer to receive a decision.
If applicants need to travel over the Christmas period, we strongly advise using the Priority Service (£500 additional fee) to receive a decision within 5 working days of submission or biometric enrolment (depending on application type).
UKVI anticipates another spike in applications due to the upcoming ISC and English language changes, which may further impact processing times.
Sponsor Management Reporting and Compliance
UKVI is increasingly focusing on compliance checks relating to changes in salary and using intelligence provided by HMRC. Sponsors are being warned to ensure that all payments, including periods of unpaid leave, maternity leave, or other absences, are properly reported on the Sponsor Management System. Failure to do so may trigger a compliance audit, as UKVI is targeting sponsors who delay payments for months and then make large lump-sum payments.
Additionally, the right-to-work checks are expected to move entirely digital in the future, reducing or eliminating in-person verification. Employers should be prepared for these changes and ensure their processes and staff training are updated accordingly.
If you require advice on how these changes may affect your business or have any upcoming applications to process, please contact us – we are here to help.
by Oscar Venus | 21 Oct, 2025 | Main News Feed
If your business operates in the low and mid-rise housing sector, this is an important opportunity to make your voice heard.
In response to concerns raised by members, the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) has commissioned the University of Reading and Barbour ABI to carry out research into how current supply chain management practices are affecting investment, productivity, and mental health across the sector.
The study will explore how procurement, contracting, and delivery methods impact productivity and skills development within the supply chain – vital insights to inform government as it works towards delivering 1.5 million new homes.
As part of this work, we are asking businesses to complete a short anonymous survey covering:
The survey is open until 5pm, Monday 3 November 2025.
Take the questionnaire
Please complete the survey yourself or share it with the most relevant person in your organisation. We also encourage you to pass it on to other specialist contractors – the more responses we gather, the stronger and more valuable the research will be.
If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
by Oscar Venus | 16 Oct, 2025 | Main News Feed
It’s World Menopause Day this Saturday 18 October which aims to raise awareness of the menopause and the support available for women going through it. Employees of menopausal age are the fastest growing workplace demographic in the UK, and Build UK’s template Menopause Policy, produced by Citation, can be used by members to help provide an inclusive and supportive working environment for employees experiencing menopausal symptoms and their colleagues.
Members can get involved this #WorldMenopauseDay by reviewing their policy and the support they provide, as well as sharing information on social media.
by Oscar Venus | 16 Oct, 2025 | Main News Feed
FIS was proud to attend the official opening of The Skills Centre Essex in Horndon Industrial Estate, Brentwood, on Friday 10 October, a significant milestone in strengthening skills development across the construction sector.
The new Essex facility marks the 10th Skills Centre in the UK and will deliver high-quality, employer-led construction training, including Level 1 pre-employment programmes designed to equip local people with the practical skills needed to start a career in the industry.
Representing FIS at the opening, Chief Executive Iain McIlwee joined Measom Dryline and Councillor Louise McKinlay to celebrate the launch and show support for initiatives that help attract new entrants and raise competence across the finishes and interiors sector.
FIS continues to work closely with training providers and employers to ensure that skills programmes reflect the real needs of the sector and help build a sustainable pipeline of talent for the future.
by Oscar Venus | 16 Oct, 2025 | Payments
From 6 April 2026, HMRC’s new Making Tax Digital for Income Tax service will come into effect, marking a major change in how self-employed individuals, including many working within the finishes and interiors sector, manage their tax.
The move is part of HMRC’s plan to modernise the tax system and reduce errors. It will be phased in over the next three years, starting with those earning over £50,000.
- Under the new system, self-employed individuals will be required to:
- Use HMRC-recognised software to record income and expenses
- Submit quarterly updates to HMRC, helping to estimate tax bills throughout the year
- Pay a single annual tax bill by 31 January
Those affected will need to check their eligibility and register in advance, as HMRC will not automatically enrol individuals in the new system.
FIS encourages members and sole traders within the sector to prepare early and review the HMRC guidance and FAQs to understand how the changes may affect them.
by Oscar Venus | 16 Oct, 2025 | Labour, Skills
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published the first stage of its review of the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), which sets out occupations that may qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa under the recent changes to the UK’s Points-Based Immigration System.
With the threshold for Skilled Worker Visas now raised to RQF Level 6, the TSL provides a critical route for occupations at RQF Levels 3–5 to remain eligible, many of which are vital to the finishes and interiors sector.
The MAC’s initial list identifies 82 occupations considered potentially crucial to delivering the UK’s 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy. These include key trades relevant to our community such as plasterers, painters and decorators, floorers, wall tilers, and construction supervisors. The list will be refined following an industry-wide call for evidence, and FIS will continue to work with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and Build UK to ensure the sector’s needs are represented.
The MAC has also proposed that occupations on the TSL be reviewed every three years and that no salary discounts be applied against the standard Skilled Worker Visa threshold. The Stage 2 report, including final recommendations, is expected in July 2026, with final decisions to follow from the Home Secretary.
Build UK’s flowchart providing an overview of the process of employing a worker from outside the UK is being regularly updated in line with changes to the immigration system, together with our detailed guidance on How to Get a Sponsor Licence and How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
FIS will keep members updated and contribute evidence on behalf of the sector to ensure the critical skills needed across the finishes and interiors community are recognised within immigration policy.
by Oscar Venus | 10 Oct, 2025 | Main News Feed
The Industry Competence Committee (ICC) has published new draft guidance, Setting Expectations on Competence Management, now open for consultation via the HSE Citizen Space from 25 September to 6 November 2025.
This guidance outlines the ICC’s expectations for how organisations should manage and demonstrate competence within their workforce, setting out clear principles and common elements to support consistent best practice across the built environment.
The document builds on feedback from earlier consultations and aims to help organisations develop practical and effective competence management systems. Following this consultation, the ICC plans to publish further case studies and examples to support industry implementation.
Beena Nana, Head of Skills at FIS, commented:
“Finally we are starting to see more explicit guidance coming out from the Regulator that will support firms in implementing competency requirements and ensuring that they can demonstrate Organisational Capability. FIS has had input into the process so far, but we encourage members to have a read through and let us know if there are any concerns or confusion. This is important guidance — it will be how we are judged moving forwards if things go wrong.”
FIS is encouraging all members to review the draft and share their feedback.
Access the document and consultation here
by Oscar Venus | 19 Sep, 2025 | Skills
The Skills Centre is launching it’s new training centre in Essex on Friday 10 October.
This new training hub is all about helping people across the region kickstart their careers in the finishes and interiors sector. With a focus on Interior Systems and Dry Lining, it’s set to be a key spot for skill development in Essex’s construction world.
What’s Happening on the Day:
- Take a tour of our brand-new facilities and see live training in action
- Hear from learners who are already on their way to a great career with us
- Meet the team and our partners who are driving skills and jobs across Essex
- Enjoy some light refreshments and network with other guests and industry leaders
Who Should Come?
This event is perfect for:
- Employers and contractors in the finishes and interiors sector
- Local authorities, councillors, and GLA reps
- Skills and education providers
- Community leaders, referral partners, and industry contacts
- Policy-makers, funders, and anyone interested in the sector
If you would like to come along, please register using this link Launch of The Skills Centre Essex Tickets, Fri, Oct 10, 2025 at 12:30 PM | Eventbrite
For more information please contact Beena Nana or Marie Flinter
by Oscar Venus | 19 Sep, 2025 | Skills
CITB has commissioned BMG research to carry out its workforce mobility and skills research throughout the construction industry in the UK.
The research is undertaken every 2 to 3 years and aims to gather information from around 3,500 manual or semi-skilled construction workers at sites around the UK to update CITB on how far site-workers travel to work and the training and qualifications they hold.
CITB want to use this work to improve their understanding of occupational and geographic movement across the industry.
Workers are asked to provide information about their employment history, skills, training and qualifications achieved, interest in changing trade/occupation (and whether training would be required), miles travelled to work daily, and distance from main/permanent home if living away for work. All responses remain anonymous and are not shared with their employer.
There is a survey link available which can be shared with individuals to enable them to participate in their own time and at their own pace.
To access the link they just need to type: CITBsurvey.co.uk into their internet browser, on their smart phone, tablet or laptop
BMG Research always observes the Market Research Society Code of Conduct. You can find out more information about our surveys and what we do with the information we collect in our Privacy Notice which is available here: https://www.bmgresearch.co.uk/privacy
If you have any queries about this research or would like some more information, please contact the team at BMG at citb@bmgresearch.com or call on 0121 333 6006
by Oscar Venus | 4 Sep, 2025 | Drylining, Skills
FIS and its members have collaborated with the National House Building Council (NHBC) and HBF to launch a new series of drylining masterclasses aimed at improving skills, quality, and compliance within the construction industry.
These Dry Lining Masterclasses are designed to deliver practical skills and knowledge on the most common dry lining issues found by our inspection teams.
Developed to support both new entrants and experienced professionals, these practical training sessions will be delivered at NHBC’s network of training hubs. The programme is designed to raise standards across the drylining trade, a critical element of modern building interiors that often lacks structured training opportunities.
The Dry Lining Masterclass content has been tailored to cover the following key areas:
- defect statistics
- when dry lining and plasterboard can start
- plasterboard fixings
- dry lining
- fire safety
- sound insulation
- consistent approach to finishes.
This joint initiative supports wider efforts to address the growing skills shortage in the construction sector and reflects a shared commitment to driving up standards across UK housing and commercial developments.
By enhancing knowledge and practical capability in drylining, the training aims to improve quality, boost productivity, and help build a more competent workforce.
To access/book onto the courses or to find out more click on the following links
Dry Lining Masterclass – NHBC
Dry Lining Masterclass open course – NHBC
by Oscar Venus | 29 Aug, 2025 | Technical
BS EN ISO 9001 (quality management systems, requirements) is currently under review by BSI and has been circulated for public comment.
Members can use the link below to login to the BSI portal or create a free BSI account, download a copy of the draft revised standard and submit comments through the portal.
British Standards Institution – Project
Key proposed updates include:
- Changes to requirements
- Clearer structure and terminology for improved usability
- Clarification of requirements in Annex A (informative)
The consultation is open until 20th October 2025 and we are encouraging all our members to either comment directly or engage with the FIS team if they have questions about the standard and would like to inform an FIS response.
FIS hosts regular meetings with an organisational capability working group comprised of members who will discuss this review alongside other subjects and members are welcome to get involved with this work.
Please contact jamesparlour@thefis.org or greggreves@thefis.org if you have questions of would like to get involved in any of the above.
by Oscar Venus | 29 Aug, 2025 | Skills
FIS has submitted a formal response to Ofqual’s consultation on proposed reforms to apprenticeship end-point assessment (EPA), raising concerns over the potential risks to assessment quality, consistency, and the readiness of the sector to adapt.
The consultation, which closed on 27 August 2025, outlines a new regulatory framework intended to modernise apprenticeship assessment by moving away from the traditional EPA model. The proposed system places greater emphasis on flexibility, streamlined assessment plans, and increased involvement from employers and training providers.
Earlier in the year, DfE brought in several apprenticeship reforms. The reforms were meant to “slash red tape” and introduce shorter and more flexible apprenticeships. Most reforms are understandable, but the reforms to the assessment process is causing industry-wide concerns.
A set of 5 pilots were run by Skills England with the intention of proposing assessment reforms and taking on feedback. Occupations from healthcare, IT, construction and others were selected, with Site Carpentry & Joinery installers identified for construction. Whilst this sector group is part of the pilot, these changes will impact all of the trades and installer occupations and will likely impact other occupations across the country.
While the key issues are outlined below, the way the pilots have been conducted, a poor consultation process, and the potential negative impact on apprenticeships, raises serious concerns.
Key impacts:
- An impact on the Construction Skills Mission Board to deliver against all priorities
- Apprenticeships will not meet the competence requirements set out in the Building Safety Act 22 which may result in a very real reduction of competent people in our industry.
- The construction sector will be increasingly unable to deliver essential skills through apprenticeships. Industry will likely remove apprenticeships from existing frameworks altogether, including potential calls to decouple CSCS cards from apprenticeship pathways. Without immediate intervention, apprenticeship uptake for construction is at serious risk of collapsing entirely
The perceived issues:
- Assessment bodies are likely to be Awarding Organisations (AO’s) or training providers:
- Assessment organisations will be able to create the assessment based on their own thinking.
- The level of detail in the assessments is now going to be set by the assessment organisations.
- If there are multiple assessment organisations, this will create varying levels of assessment, based on the organisation.
- We believe this will reduce the level of competence validation of those going through the assessment.
- Under the reforms, the New Assessment Plans have a different purpose to the current End Point Assessment Plan. The new proposed assessment plan will:
- Digital assessments will be prioritised. With a practical trade like Installers, where they physically have to demonstrate competence (stairs, fire door install), digital assessments will not work.
With regards to the pilot consultation sessions:
- Invites to the pilot meeting were issued 2 days before the meeting, with non-attendance resulting in feedback not being taken on board
- Information for the meeting being issued less than 24 hours before the meeting, with no time to review and comment
We understand that Skills England have been asked to implement these principles within the boundaries of the apprenticeship reforms.
If you have any feedback or queries, please contact beenanana@thefis.org
by Oscar Venus | 29 Aug, 2025 | Events, Health and Safety
Learning for Everyone
The Lighthouse Wellbeing Academy provides a flexible, accessible approach to learning designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in the construction industry.
Their Courses include self-paced eLearning, live online Wellbeing Exclusives led by expert tutors, and accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses.
Whether you’re a site operative, project manager, or office-based professional, there’s a course tailored to your needs. From soft skills development to industry-recognised MHFA qualifications, the Academy will support your journey toward better mental health.
Best of all, most of the training is completely free, because positive cultural change starts with accessible education.
For more information, please see the link below or contact Marie Flinter at FIS:
Wellbeing Academy – Lighthouse Charity
by Oscar Venus | 28 Aug, 2025 | Technical
The Government has updated its guidance under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, clarifying expectations around fire doors in residential and multi-occupied buildings.
The revised guidance, published in August, reinforces that fire doors do not necessarily need to be replaced if they met the requirements of Building Regulations at the time of installation and have since been appropriately inspected and maintained.
This update is intended to provide reassurance for building owners, managers, and residents, while underlining the importance of regular checks to ensure that fire doors remain in good working order.
FIS is reminding members that compliance is not just about product selection, but also about inspection, maintenance and record-keeping. Routine checks should be carried out in line with the regulations, and residents provided with clear information on the role of fire doors in maintaining building safety.
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