by Clair Mooney | Jul 25, 2018 | Main News Feed
The government has clarified the fire safety guidance in Approved Document B following the recommendations made by Dame Judith Hackitt and is seeking views on these revisions.
To view the consultation documents please click here. It is preferred that responses to this consultation be made using the online survey http://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3HMPLWL. The closing date for this consultation is 11 October 2018.
Please note that when viewing the two redrafted volumes of AD B that:
- The presentation is no longer in the two column format which made life more difficult when viewing the ADs on line
- There has been a significant reconfiguration to the two volumes with the split now reflecting Dwellings and Non-dwellings
- Therefore, guidance on the design of blocks of flats has now moved from Volume 2 to Volume 1
- A clear differentiation is now made between external fire spread on the external walls and fire spread from one building to another
- The use of European classifications for fire resistance and reaction to fire within the main body of the document. Advice on British Standards is retained to allow for conversions, if needed
- Consolidation of guidance on fire dampers and ventilation systems into one place
- Moving guidance on the provision of information (regulation 38) and insulated core panels into the main body of the document
- Where possible specifying the period of fire resistance for a construction into the body of the text rather than on tables situated in the back of the AD.
Also note that MHCLG are not inviting responses to:
- Sections providing guidance on the use of combustible materials on wall systems of high-rise buildings
- Paragraphs A1-A4 of Appendix B of both volumes regarding desk top studies
As these are being dealt with in a separate consultations already released for comment.
CPA will be responding to this consultation and would appreciate seeing members responses so that we can submit a meaningful document reflecting the diverse range of opinions.
by Clair Mooney | Jul 23, 2018 | Main News Feed
Chris Hobbs has been appointed as the new Vetting Manager for FIS and replaces Robert Barker who retired earlier this year.
As part of our membership criteria, contractors are asked to put forward a recently completed project, where the quality of the work can be assessed to ensure that it matches the high quality expected of members. This vetting is carried out before a company can join, then again, every three years as part of an ongoing vetting process (OGV).
Chris has been involved in the sector for over 35 years and brings with him relevancy to this important process which help differentiate members from non-members.
by Clair Mooney | Jul 11, 2018 | Main News Feed
Scottish construction is set to benefit from new CITB research which – for the first time – will give a detailed five-year overview of skills, demand and supply at a regional level.
This report is the first-of-its-kind and will be renewed annually, alongside the existing research offer. The aim of the report is to help CITB work with industry and the education sector to address the challenges raised by the findings, and to create a series of regional skills action plans that are meaningful and direct future training needs.
With overall demand in 2018 estimated at 247,300 and an existing workforce of nearly 241,000, the overall workforce in Scotland is estimated to need nearly 6,400 workers. This represents a shortfall of 3% on current employment.
Headline findings from the report include:
- Construction skills pressures in areas such as the Highlands & Islands and South East;
- potential shortages in painting and decorating and plumbing trades;
- need for support staff who work in the supply chain – IT specialists, researchers, lawyers, procurement experts – further emphasising that construction is a career for everyone.
Further information is available from Amanda Scott, Sector Skills Engagement Manager
amadascott@thefis.org 
by Clair Mooney | Jul 11, 2018 | Main News Feed
The Gypsum Products Development Association (GPDA) which represents the drylining systems manufacturers, (Etex, British Gypsum and Knauf) recently reviewed and re-published an umbrella statement regarding the compatibility of materials between the manufacturers. Click here to read the statement.
The revised statement, published in April 2018, is a simplification of what was published before and updated over time, so aims to clarify issues regarding the mixing of products and assuring performance and meeting the terms of the individual manufacturer’s warranty/insurance.
It is important that advice is sought before installing drylining that all materials, stud, board, screws jointing materials and plaster finishing are compatible with the systems supplier’s warranty before placing any orders.
by Clair Mooney | Jul 10, 2018 | Main News Feed
A new consultation has been launched that seeks to obtain the views and opinions of stakeholders on a review of building and fire safety regulatory frameworks in order to help ensure the safety of people in and around Scotland’s buildings.
This consultation covers two main areas:
- The first part relates to the roles and responsibilities of people verifying, inspecting and certifying building work and strengthening enforcement of and compliance with building regulations.
- The second part of the consultation covers specific fire safety standards relating to external cladding and cavities, escape, the provision of sprinklers and finally, the proposal for a “central hub” for verifying complex fire engineered solutions.
The proposed changes outlined in the consultation aim to:
- improve compliance with building standards during the design and construction of all buildings, with a particular focus on complex and high value public buildings, making them safer for occupants; and
- address fire safety related issues in relation to high rise domestic buildings and certain other residential buildings.
Following the findings within the report of the Independent Inquiry into the Construction of Edinburgh Schools and the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in London last June, two expert review panels were set up to review aspects of the Scottish building standards regulatory framework. The first panel’s remit was to review compliance and enforcement aspects of the building standards system and the second panel’s remit was to review building standards and Technical Handbook guidance primarily relating to fire safety in high rise domestic buildings, but also considering other building types where applicable. This consultation consolidates the outcomes and proposals of these two review panels.
The Scottish Government is now seeking the views of any organisation or individual with an interest in ensuring building standards legislation and associated Technical Handbook guidance fully address the issues raised in relation to:
- the level of detailing accompanying building warrant applications and completion certificates;
- the construction of buildings; and
- the safety of occupants in the event of a fire in dwellings, particularly those in high rise buildings.
Download the consultation paper
Begin consultation
by Clair Mooney | Jul 6, 2018 | Main News Feed
In the first quarter of 2018 FIS and Stortford Interiors began working together to design a unique initiative, to support Stortford’s ongoing vision for increased skills success, social values, future sustainability and new entrant growth and to create a template that could be adopted by other FIS members in the future.
The board of directors at Stortford Interiors overwhelmingly approved the proposal. The move from proposal to live project development was swift and to support the vision, a new pipeline designed to attract the next generation of talent to the company was created.
Project Futures – The New Flagship Initiative
Project Futures’ primary objective is to engage, educate, empower and enable every new entrant, ensuring their place in a company where investment in all employees is continuous, advocates real progression and provides rewarding career opportunities.
A bespoke apprenticeship route was identified as the most sustainable vehicle for the development of new entrants to the business. Over the next three years Stortford Interiors will recruit and train 30 apprentices in drylining and carpentry. Project Futures’ wider component parts will see the implementation of a new digital skills matrix system across all Stortford Interiors sites and furthermore identify and respond to all future skills requirements company wide.
The objectives of Project Futures align perfectly with Stortford Interiors’ commitment to Section 106 obligations*. Including the continuous identification of its future operational skills and labour needs, coupled with its commitment to qualifying, upskilling and ensuring the continuous professional development of its existing workforce.
Project Futures is jointly managed by FIS Sector Skills Engagement Manager Amanda Scott and Stortford Interiors Operations Director Paul Leach, with a dedicated support team positioned at the head office and all Stortford Interiors sites.
Amanda Scott comments ‘For Stortford Interiors it’s all about the people. People are its most valuable asset and Project Futures strikes at the heart of Stortford Interiors’ core values. Stortford Interiors think collaboratively, forwardly and differently, it’s an inspiring and committed SME company response to the UK skills crisis’.
Paul Leach added, ‘We are proud of the people we employ, and this extends to the next generation of talent entering our company through Project Futures’.
Jim Nania remarks ‘Stortford Interiors and FIS have worked hard to ensure that our flagship programme ‘Project Futures’ is the best it can be, by paying fairly and reflectively to reduce apprenticeship poverty, giving great benefits, structured learning, mentoring and development, all this helps provide a valuable and exciting first role in our core business’.
Jim’s inspirational leadership continues to drive the Stortford Interiors skills agenda. When asked, why he is such a passionate advocate of Project Futures, for Jim the answer is simple ‘there is, undoubtedly, a skills gap in our markets, therefore this is a sensible, practical and exciting route to bring in new talent to the company, enabling young people to climb on the career ladder early and gain fantastic commercial experience’.
As the voice of the fit-out sector, representing the sector, FIS recognises the importance of in banishing misconceptions, to champion the profile of apprenticeships mapped to a contemporary working environment. Amanda Scott acknowledges, ‘attitudes still need to change across the country, to acknowledge just how valuable apprenticeships are to the future success of the sector, industry and whole UK economy. But at Stortford Interiors, they are already one-step ahead of the game’.
For further updates on Project Futures, please contact Paul Leach paul.leach@stortford-interiors.com or Amanda Scott amandascott@thefis.org
* Section 106 obligations – ensure that developments complement and benefit the local labour market and economy by raising skills and enabling local people to compete for the jobs generated.
