AFI NEWS FOR FISS/CSCS CARD HOLDERS: CSCS TO WITHDRAW ‘GRANDFATHER RIGHTS’
Most people are familiar with the role of CSCS (Construction SkillsCertification Scheme) cards inconstruction. The process of certifying construction workers’training and qualificationsensures CSCS can play its part in improving standards and safety on UK construction sites. The Fence Installation sector has its own partnership organisation FISS/CSCS (Fencing Industry Skills Scheme). The Association of Fencing Industries (AFI)
was largely responsible for the establishing of this scheme (through its predecessor the Fencing Contractors Association) and through this scheme ensures that our industry remains outside the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) levy. The AFI still continues to take on a huge responsibility for the supervision and direction of this scheme
Since it was established, CSCS’s principle objective has been focussed on the achievement ofindustry recognised qualifications,achieved through strong support from many industry stakeholders.
In the initial stages of the scheme workers were allowed to obtain FISS/CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognisedqualification. This was known as‘Industry Accreditation’ (IA) also known as ‘Grandfather Rights’.
For several years the strategic direction of the Construction SkillsCertification Scheme (CSCS)
has focused on ensuring that
all applicants can demonstrate the achievement of a nationally recognised construction relatedqualification.
The practice of Industry Accreditation goes against the objective of workers achievingindustry recognised qualifications.Consequently this practice was closed to new applicants in 2010 but allowed the renewal of these cards for those already holding them.
CSCS has now announced that, from 1st January 2020, all cards renewed under Industry Accreditation will expire on 31st December 2024 and the cards will
cease to be issued from 30th June 2024. The withdrawal of IndustryAccreditation will be the final steptowards achieving the Construction Leadership Council’s objective
of ensuring cards are only issued to those who have achieved, or are in the process of achieving, a nationally recognised constructionrelated qualification.
What does this mean to Fencing installers?
• All Industry Accreditation FISS/
CSCS cards renewed from 1st January 2020 will expire on 1st December 2024 and will not be renewed.
• FISS/CSCS will cease renewing IA cards from 30th June 2024
What do you need to do?
What you need to do now depends on your occupation andany fencing qualification you mayalready hold. If you do not holdqualifications, you will be required toregister for the appropriate fencingqualification for your occupationbefore your cards expire in 2024.
Many IA cardholders mayalready hold the fencing qualificationneeded to move directly to a new FISS/CSCS card, while others who are now in non-construction related occupations will not require a card.
Please note: from 30th June 2024 IA card holders who do not take the necessary steps to replacetheir cards will find they will beunable to obtain another FISS/CSCS card.
The time to start working towards obtaining a suitablequalification is now
For those holding a Blue, Gold or Black Card via IA visit http://www.afiorg.uk/fiss-cscs-1/ and follow theinitial card route which will explainhow to register for your qualification.
Any AFI members who are unsure of what they need to do can contact us for advice at:- Association of Fencing Industries Tel: 020 8253 4516 or
Email: info@afiorg.uk
