CSCS Alliance Welcomes Updated CLC Recommendation on Industry Card Schemes

Published: April 2, 2024

At the beginning of 2015, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) announced that industry should specify and promote card schemes carrying the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) logo with no equivalents accepted. This move remains widely popular as it places the achievement of recognised qualifications at the heart of Construction and the Built Environment.

To display the CSCS logo all 38 card schemes (2.1 million cards) that make up the CSCS Alliance, are required to meet a number of recommendations set out by the CLC. These include agreeing appropriate qualifications for each occupation and setting a minimum standard for skilled occupations.

The original CLC recommendations played a significant role in driving up standards by ensuring hundreds of thousands of previously unqualified workers achieved a recognised qualification. Following the success of the CLC’s 2015 decision and its adoption across the industry, the CSCS Alliance have taken a proactive approach to collaborate and work with the CLC to update the recommendations to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

Carolyn Uphill, Chair of CSCS said: “As the owner and licensor of the CSCS logo, the CSCS Board welcome this timely update from the CLC. It ensures the card schemes displaying the CSCS logo are well placed to deliver the expectations of the Building Safety Act and continue to play a central role in the verification of workers skills and training.”

Other areas strengthened within the recommendations include the need to verify and record additional training, key elements of competence and reinforcing the message that not everyone needs a card to gain access to site as cards. This marks the end of 100% carded workforce polices adopted by many in the industry as cards are only issued to those working in construction and Built Environment related occupations.

Jay Parmar, Chair of the CSCS Alliance and member of the Industry Competence Committee said: “Central to the new building safety framework is a focus on workforce competency. It’s not just about having qualifications anymore; now, it’s about showing a culture to learning and growing skills as part of necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours. This change reflects a proactive move towards safer practices.

“As the industry advances on standards for competency, 38 Alliance members stand ready to certify this to provide the industry assurance showing that a person has the right card for the right job. CSCS Smart Check software will electronically verify these elements of competence, providing digital assurance on projects of all sizes.”

Since 2015, 38 card schemes operating in construction and the Built Environment have committed to the CLC’s recommendations and are now displaying the CSCS logo on their 2.1 million cards. Cards displaying the CSCS logo provide proof that individuals hold the appropriate skills, training and competence for the job they do on site.

Download the CLC’s updated recommendations here.