The Cabinet Office has published updated guidance through Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 022: Procuring Steel in Government Contracts, setting out how central government departments should approach the procurement of steel in public contracts.

The updated guidance applies to all central government departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies where steel is procured either directly or indirectly as part of goods, services or works contracts. It aligns procurement practices with the Procurement Act 2023 and places greater emphasis on considering whole-life value, sustainability, resilience of supply chains and national security when sourcing steel.

Among the changes, contracting authorities are encouraged to engage with UK Steel’s Digital Catalogue to better understand the capability of UK steel producers and are expected to collect and report data on the origin of steel used in qualifying projects.

For the construction supply chain, the updated PPN reinforces the importance of transparent procurement processes and early engagement with suppliers, while supporting the government’s wider industrial strategy to maximise opportunities for UK steel manufacturers in publicly funded projects.

The Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 022: Procuring Steel in Government Contracts can be accessed here.

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The FIS SFS Working Group met in April 2026 for a wide‑ranging discussion covering workforce competence, regulatory reform and key technical challenges facing the sector.

A major focus of the meeting was progress on the new SFS installer qualification, developed in response to the Building Safety Act and growing requirements to evidence competence on site. Members were updated on a CITB‑funded pilot for experienced installers, due to launch in May/June, which will provide a clear Level 2 competence route aligned to CSCS. The group strongly supported the pilot, recognising the immediate value this will bring to both members and their clients.

The group also reviewed anticipated developments in construction product regulation, including the government’s Construction Products Reform White Paper and proposals for a new General Safety Requirement covering products and kits not subject to designated standards. Discussion highlighted concerns around the definition of “kits”, the role of economic operators, and the potential for unintended liability within the supply chain. PAS 2000 was noted as an important emerging reference for product risk assessment, and further member engagement is planned ahead of the consultation deadline.

On the technical front, members discussed challenges around fixing external insulation to SFS, particularly where increasing insulation thicknesses exceed available fixing lengths or rely on sheathing boards. Rather than issuing prescriptive guidance, the group agreed to raise awareness of the issue and reinforce the importance of early design coordination, while continuing to develop clearer supporting guidance.

The meeting welcomed a substantial new SFS Safe Working Practices Guide, consolidating best‑practice health and safety advice across all common SFS applications. Members praised the guide’s practical focus and agreed it should be published and supported through toolbox talks and short learning modules.

Further updates were provided on industry‑funded research into rotational movement of fixings and emerging considerations around fire resistance of loadbearing SFS, reinforcing the value of collaboration and evidence‑led guidance.

The meeting closed with updates on FIS’s expanding e‑learning offer, proposals to develop an SFS design competence standard, and opportunities for members to contribute to the Approved Document B consultation.