CSCS Archives

Reforms to the CSCS Card – your views are important

by Oscar Venus | Aug 8, 2024 | CSCS

FIS have been working closely with CSCS to review how competency is tracked and new requirements for re-accreditation should be managed. As part of discussions CSCS has sought FIS views on proposed changes to the Labourer, Trainee and Provisional cards.

Beyond the digitisation process, the reform looks at whether it is relevant to reduce the validity of the (green) Labourers Card to 2 years (from 5) with a view to providing the industry with greater accuracy on the number of active labourers in construction. The suggestion is that this also provides more frequent checks to ensure individuals continue to work in a labouring role and encourages their progression onto a Skilled card. Within the proposals CSCS are recommending that after the first renewal the 5 year period is restored.

Changes to the trainee card are also proposed with a view to ensuring those completing a college diploma (not entitled to a skilled worker card due to lack of site experience) are issued with a red trainee card to ensure that their journey to a (blue) skilled worker card is clear and to avoid further distortion of the(green) labourer card.

Final changes are proposed to the (red) provisional card available to individuals working through probationary periods while employers assess their suitability for further training and employment. It currently lasts for 6 months and is not renewable. Employers have indicated that the (green) Labourer card is currently favoured as it is a more cost-effective route to obtain than the provisional card, because it’s a longer duration card, even though the candidate has to complete a formal level 1 qualification. Proposals are to extend the Provisional card validity to enable more time to assess the suitability of a worker and enrol them on the correct occupational journey for their skills and abilities.

You can feed your views in via the short survey here. We need your response by close of play Wednesday 14^th August.

If you haven any questions about the card scheme and which cards you should be using for what or comments reference the above proposals, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the FIS Skills Team on 0121 707 0077.

You can visit the FIS Skills Hub here to access further guidance on recruitment, funding, competence and training support available.

Have you looked into how the FIS Competency Passport can support your business? It enhances the CSCS process with specific information that is relevant to employers in our sector.

Industry Accreditation Conclusion

by Oscar Venus | May 9, 2024 | CSCS

In accordance with the latest CLC recommendation regarding Industry Card Schemes, it is now mandatory for all cards bearing the CSCS logo for skilled occupations to be obtained through qualification. As of 30 June, Industry Accreditation cards will no longer be renewed, and all existing cards will expire on 31 December. The number of individuals holding Industry Accreditation cards has decreased to 25,000 from over 60,000, and CSCS has provided guidance on replacing Blue, Gold, or Black Industry Accreditation cards issued by the core scheme.

Companies need to determine the appropriate path for each worker to transition to the relevant card based on their occupation and qualifications. For workers requiring qualifications, plans should be put in place promptly. Currently, there are enhanced CITB grant rates for attaining specific S/NVQs when replacing Industry Accreditation cards. CSCS does not issue cards for non-construction roles, and individuals who do not regularly visit the site may not need a card.

CLC updates its recommendation on Industry Card Schemes

by Clair Mooney | Mar 28, 2024 | CSCS

The CLC has published an updated version of its recommendation on Industry Card Schemes following the introduction of the Building Safety Act and the increased focus on competence.

The CLC recommendation has been adopted across the industry since it was first published in 2015, with the result that cards carrying the CSCS logo are specified and promoted for those undertaking recognised construction occupations. It confirms that CSCS Smart Check should be used to verify that individuals hold the correct card for their occupation and that cards should not be issued for non‐construction related occupations or those visiting sites.

Following the successful rollout of CSCS Smart Check, which enables cards across all 38 card schemes carrying the CSCS logo to be verified using the same platform, CSCS ‘Go Smart’ will be turned off on Sunday 31 March. Cards will not be able to be checked using Go Smart after this date, so members should ensure they have fully switched over to CSCS Smart Check in time, and this recent CSCS webinar outlines the steps to take.

CLC has also launched its Bi‐Annual Review and Plan for 2024 which sets out the CLC’s key priorities for this year, including Building Safety, Net Zero and Biodiversity, Next Generation Delivery, and People and Skills

Card checking platform Go Smart to be withdrawn

by Clair Mooney | Jan 4, 2024 | CSCS

Following the successful rollout of CSCS Smart Check, which enables cards across all 38 card schemes carrying the CSCS logo to be verified using the same platform, CSCS has announced that its previous app ‐ ‘Go Smart’ ‐ will be turned off on 31 March 2024. CSCS Smart Check incorporates API technology allowing it to be installed directly into site access systems, which can help to improve site safety and tackle card fraud. Any members still using Go Smart should put in place plans now to move across to CSCS Smart Check as soon as possible, as cards will not be able to be checked using Go Smart after 31 March.

Build UK’s How to be a Smart Site guide explains how to check cards using CSCS Smart Check and make sure everyone has the right card for the job they are doing on site. Members are reminded that CSCS does not issue cards for non‐construction related occupations, and it is the responsibility of the site manager to induct and escort non‐construction workers arriving on site without a card so that they can carry out their work safely.

How to submit an employer application for a CSCS Card

by Clair Mooney | Sep 6, 2022 | CSCS

CSCS has updated its user guide for employers making applications on behalf of their workforce. Designed to make applications quicker and easier, the new guidance is available to download for free and includes information on registering applicants, uploading employee qualifications and adding CITB Health, safety and environment test details.

The guidance also includes the following:

Lost and replacement cards
Signing into your account
Types of application
Card dispatch addresses
Useful hints and tips to save you time and effort

Download the new updated guidance free via the CSCS website.

CSCS Industry Accreditation: common queries answered

by Clair Mooney | Jul 14, 2022 | CSCS, Skills

CSCS is aware of concerns raised by many within the construction industry regarding the decision to withdraw cards issued under Industry Accreditation (IA). They have published an article setting out some of the common areas of concern and information on how they can be resolved: Construction Skills Certification Scheme | Official CSCS Website – Industry Accreditation: Common queries answered

Here are some extracts that should be useful to FIS members:

What is Industry Accreditation?
Industry Accreditation (IA) was a mechanism by which workers could obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification. CSCS stopped issuing new cards under IA back in 2010, but if you previously held a card under IA the scheme rules allowed you to continue to renew.

Why is Industry Accreditation being withdrawn?
CSCS, together with their 37 partner card schemes, are bound by the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) requirement that all construction industry card schemes must operate with nationally recognised qualifications in place for all occupations. This requirement is particularly important when addressing the IA issue. To satisfy the Construction Leadership Council’s requirements CSCS announced plans to withdraw cards issued under IA, which include:

IA cards issued from 1 Jan 2020 will expire on 31 Dec 2024 and will not be renewed
CSCS will cease renewing IA cards from 30 June 2024.

What options are there to move off Industry Accreditation?

Vocational qualifications already achieved: cardholders who have achieved the qualifications for their occupation can renew their card for the full five-year term as normal.
Academically Qualified person card: This card is available to people who have completed certain construction related degrees, HNDs, HNCs, CIOB Certificates and NEBOSH diplomas. Further details can be viewed here.
Professionally Qualified person: This card is available to competence assessed members of CSCS approved Professional Bodies of which CIOB is one. Further details can be viewed here.
Not everyone needs a card: There will be IA card holders who no longer require their CSCS cards. For example, you may have moved into a management role, become a director, or rarely visit site. In these scenarios, you do not require a CSCS card.

Those unable to fit into these four scenarios will be required to register for the appropriate qualification for their occupation before their cards expire in 2024.

If you or your workforce need a qualification to show proof of competence contact FIS, we have negotiated offers and discounts in training and qualifications specifically for members. Call 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org or take a look at the FIS website: Member Benefits Training and Qualifications