Persimmon Partner with RoofCERT to Help Raise Standards

HOUSEBUILDER, Persimmon Homes, has become a partner with the roofing accreditation scheme, RoofCERT, to promote best practice in their supply chain.

The partnership is one of the first to come out of the ‘Persimmon Way’ strategy, which aims to ensure the highest build quality through collaboration with its suppliers.

RoofCERT accreditation, managed by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), demonstrates a roofer’s competency through a knowledge test, six mandatory health and safety awareness training courses, and either evidence of a vocational qualification or a one-day practical assessment.

Accreditations must then be updated every three years to demonstrate ongoing learning and development as legislation and regulations change. The demand for construction operatives to demonstrate competency is increasing.

RoofCERT Partner with Persimmon

Through its partnership with RoofCERT, Persimmon aims to use its market position to support roofing contractors, many of whom are small and medium-sized companies, to ensure their roofing operatives are RoofCERT accredited and can demonstrate their team’s competency.

It will allow experienced operatives who currently hold a CSCS Card through ‘grandfather rights’ to gain a new skilled worker card before the old system comes to an end in 2024.

RoofCERT’s Commercial Manager Matt Dawson said: “Now that we have agreed this partnership, I am looking forward to working proactively with Persimmon to drive the programme forward through various collaborative activities to help as many roofers working on Persimmon sites gain RoofCERT accreditation whilst there are still funded places available.”

Accreditation Funding

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has funding available for 2000 accreditations, but this funding is only available until April 2022. Roofers are being urged to sign-up to get their accreditation now, while it is free.

At a recent webinar with their roofing suppliers, Persimmon encouraged all of their roofing contractors to put their operatives through the accreditation process. It will not only help drive up industry standards but make them more attractive companies to work for.

Persimmon Group Construction Director, Andrew Fuller, said: “Being accredited to RoofCERT and by having a well-trained and industry accredited workforce, roofing companies will have independent verification to provide confidence to clients, main contractors and all stakeholders.

“By working with RoofCERT I am convinced that together we can improve industry standards in roofing across our sector and above all else, we can all take pride in the work we produce and the homes that together we build.”

>>Read more about RoofCERT in the news