by Clair Mooney | Jun 15, 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 | Mar 11, 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”
by Clair Mooney | Sep 6, 2021 | CSCS, Skills
The Industry Placement card is to be made available by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and a number of other partner schemes on 1 September 2021, in time for the new academic year.
Initially announced back in June, the card is for learners aged sixteen or above on qualification or training programmes requiring a minimum of 30 days’ work placement, which is intended to ultimately lead to a job in construction and the built environment.
The card is designed to support learners transitioning from the classroom to the workplace and mirrors changes to educational policy in the UK, which have seen an increased focus on vocational education.
This includes the introduction of the Traineeship Skills Development Programme and T Level qualifications, with these new pathways into construction involving a mixture of classroom learning and extensive on-the-job experience.
Initially the following four card schemes will make the card available from 1 September 2021:
All card schemes are keen to highlight the importance of applying to the card scheme relevant to the learner’s chosen construction pathway. For example, a learner undertaking a T Level in Building Services Engineering with a specialist pathway in Protection Systems Engineering should apply to the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme.
The introduction of the Industry Placement card follows extensive engagement with the industry including engagement with the Construction Leadership Council and the Department for Education, alongside feedback from an industry-wide consultation carried out in early 2021.
Visit the Industry Placement card page for further information and application requirements.
by Clair Mooney | Aug 26, 2021 | CSCS
CSCS and Build UK have published a six-page guidance document on ‘How to be a Smart Site’ to help realise the benefits of using Smart Technology to check cards carrying the CSCS logo. It covers how to check cards that are already using Smart Technology, how to identify those which are not yet smart, and what to do in the event of finding a fraudulent card. There is also a handy poster for use on site.
The guidance follows the update to the CLC Industry Card Schemes Recommendation in December 2020 to include a requirement that all cards displaying the CSCS logo must use Smart Technology by 31 March 2022, in order to provide the industry with a consistent means of recognising that individuals working on construction sites have the required qualifications and training for their occupation.
George Swann FIS Skills and Training Lead said:
“The use of smart technology supports the governments demand for proof of competence at all levels. Don’t leave it to late get your workforce qualified and registered, we know a proportion of the sector are working without qualifications or card registration or are using the wrong cards. Times are changing it will be embarrassing to have operative turned away at site gates. FIS Approved Training Providers have a number of free of charge and discounted offers, take a look at: https://www.thefis.org/membership-hub/memberbenefits/member-benefits-training/ or give us a call on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org”.
by Clair Mooney | Aug 6, 2021 | CSCS, Skills
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is to formally recognise the NEBOSH Health & Safety Management for Construction (UK) qualification for its Academically Qualified Person (AQP) card, effective immediately. CSCS, the UK’s leading skills certification scheme within the construction industry, will accept the qualification alongside a range of already recognised NEBOSH courses, with applicants required to supply a copy of their qualification while also passing the CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment Test.
The course will replace the NEBOSH Construction Certificate, although both will run in tandem until 21 July 2023 to allow existing learners to complete their final assessment. The new course is primarily intended for construction site managers, contract managers, site workers with health and safety responsibilities and construction health and safety advisors. It centres on areas including workplace injuries and illness, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, employee wellbeing and demonstrating, as well as strengthening, health and safety culture.
Applicants can apply for their AQP card online via CSCS’s online service, with the card valid for five years from issue. The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) is a leading global organisation, which provides health, safety and environmental qualifications. Their internationally recognised qualifications help to raise the competence of safety and environmental professionals as well as individuals at all levels in the workplace.
by Clair Mooney | Mar 11, 2021 | CSCS, Skills
Following the introduction of T Levels and a request from the Department for Education (DfE) for employers to recognise formal work experience, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has asked CSCS to carry out a consultation exercise on how students on industry placements should be consistently recognised by card schemes carrying the CSCS logo. FIS encourage members to complete this survey which may lead to the introduction of a new easily identifiable card based on either the existing Trainee or Work Experience cards already used by a number of card schemes.
