Clarification on FISS/CSCS accreditation has come from Lantra in line with plans to phase out ‘grandfather rights.’
Various meetings were held after concerns that the industry was unprepared for the ‘rights’ scheme being brought to a halt.
Now Lantra, the accreditation body, has opted to allow a further two years for the scheme to be sorted out with various consultation procedures being undertaken as part of bringing FISS/CSCS into line with the requirements of the Construction Leadership Council.
Tim Drew, managing director of FaCT, the fencing industry’s major training body said:
‘In practice the decision of Lantra means that anyone renewing their FISS/CSCS card must complete the appropriate health and safety training course and the appropriate HS&E touchscreen test to renew their card. In the meantime and until 2020 anyone holding a FISS/CSCS card through industry accreditation can continue to renew their cards in accordance with the FISS/CSCS rules.
‘Over the next two years there will be a consultation period over the next two years to develop plans to move all industry accreditation cardholders to a recognised qualification to meet the requirements of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). Industry will have the opportunity to contribute to the development plan through the consultation.
The full statement from Lantra reads:
Most people are familiar with the role of FISS/CSCS cards in Fencing. The process of certifying fencing workers’ training and qualifications ensures FISS/CSCS can play its part in improving standards and safety on UK construction sites.
FISS/CSCS’s principle objective is focused on the achievement of industry recognised qualifications, achieved through strong support from many industry stakeholders.
FISS/CSCS commitment to a fully qualified workforce is underpinned by the Industrial Strategy for Construction. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC), responsible for delivering the Strategy, announced in 2015 that all card schemes should carry the CSCS logo and must operate with nationally recognised qualifications in place for all occupations relevant to their sector.
Since the announcement FISS/CSCS has developed a number of plans to meet the CLC’s requirements, including agreement on appropriate qualifications for each occupation, with the minimum standard for skilled occupations established by the CLC at Level 2.
To meet the requirements of the CLC we will, along with our partner schemes, develop plans to move all IA cardholders to a recognised qualification. This will require careful consideration and planning. How we achieve this within the necessary timescales will require extensive industry consultation prior to implementation. We expect this consultation and planning processes to take place over the next two years.
In the meantime, and until 2020 existing IA card holders can continue to renew their cards for a full 5 years in accordance with the FISS/CSCS scheme rules.
The withdrawal of Industry Accreditation will be the final step towards achieving the CLC’s requirement of ensuring nationally recognised qualifications are in place for all occupations.
