Scaffolding Association Issues a Plea to Industry to Get Involved With Setting Standards

THE SCAFFOLDING ASSOCIATION is making a strong plea to the industry to fully participate in the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) consultation on reviewing current National Occupational Standards for the scaffolding industry.

Time is short – all offers to participate need to be registered on the CITB website by Friday 20^th September. Companies who want a say in defining the new industry standards, or who have views about the current standards and how they might be improved should complete a brief form saying how they wish to be involved in the process.

The Scaffolding Association’s Head of External Affairs, Stacey Underhill says, “This consultation process is vital for our industry sector. For those who don’t believe the current standards are fit for purpose, this is their chance to refocus, redefine and upgrade the standards that underpin our sector.

“If industry don’t take part, they cannot complain if the outcome of these consultations results in standards that we all feel are too low, poorly targeted and likely to give rise to more problems and on-going issues within the sector,” Stacey added.

The standards are set by the CITB to judge training and competency in the sector. The consultation process involves both online responses and steering groups that will meet and discuss the issues raised through the consultation.

Plea to get involved

Rob Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, is keen to see as many businesses in the industry as possible on the steering groups to ensure their voices are heard: “Of course being involved in this process will require some time and effort, but it would be criminal if we do not share our views as a sector, argue for what we want to see changed and continue to raise industry standards.

“There are a number of options for people in the industry to get involved and I am issuing a plea to everyone in the industry to take advantage of this opportunity to make things better for the sector. We need to have a range of individuals from the sector willing to stand up for the changes we need to see, including individuals that may not have been involved in this kind of process before. It’s so important that it’s not just the usual voices that we hear. This is the time for everyone to make themselves heard,” says Rob.