CISRS has today released a statement in response to the reaction the industry has felt over impending mandatory CPD course.

CISRS have also announced the creation of a webpage to help dispel myths and misinformation surrounding the course

The Statement

There has been quite a reaction on social media since it was announced that CPD courses for Scaffolders will be introduced from summer 2017. CISRS has now set up specific CPD page on it’s website in a response to some of misinformation being circulated around the sector.

The aim of the webpage is to provide background information surrounding the introduction of the new scheme, why CISRS has concluded that CPD is necessary, proposed course content whilst also answering some of the questions that have been raised by concerned scaffolders and employers. The Industry has had a mixed response to the announcement however there are many across the wider industry who have welcomed the idea.

Graham Wren Chief Executive Construction Skills Certification Scheme said:

“Following the publication of the Industrial Strategy for Construction in 2013, the construction industry has refocused its efforts on ensuring the workforce is appropriately qualified. Continuous professional development (CPD) is an effective method of ensuring all construction workers keep up to date with the latest developments and processes. CSCS welcomes the introduction of CPD as part of the renewal process for a CISRS card, further reinforcing the highly skilled reputation of UK scaffolders.”

Much of the initial opposition to the introduction of CPD appears to be cost and who will pay for the course, rather than the principle of CPD itself. CISRS are currently in discussions with CITB to see if any additional funding can be sourced to help offset the costs of the CPD programme. CPD for Scaffolders has not been driven by Training Providers and cannot be described as a “Knee Jerk” reaction. It is an agenda that has been pushed by wider industry for many years, particularly the HSE in the case of scaffolding. CISRS and ASITO have been convinced it is the right thing to do for our safety critical sector.

Ray Cooke Head of Construction Sector Safety Unit Health & Safety Executive said:

“‘HSE Inspectors sometimes come across scaffolders on site who are not up to date on current accepted practices with respect to safe erection and dismantling of scaffolding. This is an issue that is easily resolved through CPD and HSE welcomes the introduction of this into the CISRS scheme. This brings the scheme into line with many other construction trades and it will have a very positive effect, particularly for those who may not have received any formal training in many years. It should help employers demonstrate that their operatives have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to fulfil their duties under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.”

CISRS understands that there will always be a reaction to changes within a sector, but is hoping to dispel some of the myths that have emerged in recent weeks. The web page will be updated regularly and a Frequently Asked Questions section is currently being put together. Link to webpage http://cisrs.org.uk/cpd-2017/