by Clair Mooney | 6 Sep, 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.
by Clair Mooney | 14 Jul, 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Why is Industry Accreditation being withdrawn?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
by Clair Mooney | 13 Jul, 2022 | CSCS, Skills
Employers and the wider industry are being reminded of the importance of ensuring those on, or about to enter, apprenticeships are using the appropriate Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card – specifically the Apprentice card.
Feedback from the industry confirms many employers are either not aware of the Apprentice card or are put off applying for it by lengthy apprenticeship registration processes. This leads to many opting for the Labourer card instead.
In recognition of this issue, in advance of the new academic year, CSCS is simplifying the application process and removing the cost of Apprentice cards. From today, all Apprentice cards will be issued free of charge.
At the same time CSCS will be introducing a new process for anyone experiencing difficulties with their apprenticeship registration. In this scenario, the new entrant can apply for the Provisional Card (at £36), before moving onto the Apprentice card, free of charge.
This means employers and apprentices will apply for a Provisional card prior to completing the apprenticeship enrolment process.
George Swann Skills and Training Lead says
This is great news. Our own FIS BuildBack programme provides individuals who successfully complete the assessment day and two week introductory training with a CSCS provisional card free of charge to the supporting employer. This allows the employer six months to decide if the individual is capable of completing an apprenticeship. For details of the apprenticeships available to the sector please see:
If you would like to find out more please contact FIS on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org.
by Clair Mooney | 23 Jun, 2022 | CSCS
Reminder on accepting digital SICCS cards
CSCS is reminding industry of the need to be prepared for digital cards at site gates, which should always be accepted so long as they bear the CSCS logo. This follows reports that holders of SICCS cards have been turned away from site. Read more.
CIC launches new e-learning Health & Safety course
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has today launched a new cutting edge e-learning Health & Safety Certification course which on passing, has been agreed by CSCS as an acceptable alternative to the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. Read more.
Closure of Personal Fall Protection Installer Permanent Solutions courses
CSCS is to withdraw recognition of the Kee Safety and HCL Personal Fall Protection Installer Permanent Solution courses from Friday 30th June 2022. Read more.
by Clair Mooney | 15 Jun, 2022 | CSCS, Skills
Launched in April, the CSCS Smart Check app is already improving site safety and card checking procedures on UK construction sites. Developed by the 38 schemes displaying the CSCS logo, CSCS Smart Check allows those responsible for checking cards to verify all 2.1 million cards using one app on their smartphone or tablet. You can watch a short video here.
Having already improved card checking procedures at site gates, CSCS Smart Check now includes a number of additional card schemes that display the CSCS logo and an improved process for reporting cards that may have been obtained fraudulently.
Since its launch, CSCS Smart Check has been downloaded over 15,000 times and is primarily used by construction site managers and gatekeepers to ensure people are qualified and have the right training for the role they do on site. The app was designed and implemented to meet Construction Leadership Council requirements, which demand the development of a solution that uses smart technology to validate all cards displaying the CSCS logo.
Currently CSCS Smart Check functions as a standalone application, incompatible with existing site entry systems such as turnstiles and desktop card readers. There is no immediate impact on existing card checking operations and employers can continue to use these systems if required. Over the coming months, the app’s project team will reach out to employers and stakeholders to begin the process of enabling existing card checking systems to become compatible with CSCS Smart Check. The app is free and available to download from the App Store and Google Play. For more information visit www.cscs.uk.com/smartcheck.
by Clair Mooney | 11 Mar, 2022 | CSCS, Skills
The CLC stated that, “By 31 March 2022, all card schemes must use smart technology which has the capability to electronically check agreed information relevant to a cardholder, using a common interface, without the need to manually enter data.” In March 2021 the partner card forum (now CSCS Alliance) set-up a delivery group of representative members in order to deliver on the CLC objective.
The Delivery Group appointed technology consultancy firm StableLogic, to support them with the design and procurement of a new system to deliver on the CLCs requirement. Following a detailed investigation into existing technologies of partner schemes and procurement process, the Delivery Group and selected supplier are in the final stages of testing on the new application, to be known as CSCS Smart Check.
The proposed App covers more than 2 million CSCS and partner scheme cards across all 38 CSCS Partner Schemes. The collaborative process represents a blueprint and exemplar for what can be achieved with a shared objective and willingness to raise standards and work together across a complex digital environment.
Industry should be aware of key dates and times; this link will take you to the CSCS web page showing all details webinars will be hosted jointly by representatives from CSCS and the Smart Check Delivery Group.
CSCS is hosting a series of CSCS Smart Check webinars ahead of the app’s rollout in April which are intended to provide industry with an overview of the application, training and support materials, and any key updates which will need to be considered. Attendees can register for their preferred webinars via the link above.
George Swann FIS Skills and Training Lead said:
“Contractors, employers, site supervisors and managers are strongly advised to take advantage of this new App when its available in April, to ensure your organisation does not fall foul of legislation. It’s not just about an unqualified workforce fake credentials are often used in illegal activities including modern slavery”
