The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) is set to unveil its highly anticipated Common Assessment Standard (CAS) at this year’s ScaffEx24, marking a significant shift in how scaffolding contractors handle prequalification requirements.
This major initiative is designed to simplify the complex and time-consuming accreditation process that many scaffolding firms face when bidding for larger contracts.
Currently, scaffolding contractors are often required to undergo multiple assessments from various bodies such as Achilles, CHAS, and Construction Line to meet industry standards. This can involve completing a wide range of prequalification questionnaires, adding significant administrative burden and cost to the tendering process.
However, with the introduction of the CAS, NASC members will now be able to streamline these requirements into a single, unified process that is all managed through the NASC audit.
Members of the NASC who already hold multiple accreditations will face no additional questions beyond those in the NASC audit, seamlessly incorporating the CAS requirements.
This shift is expected to reduce significantly the need for engagement with third-party assessment bodies and allow contractors to focus more on delivering quality services rather than navigating administrative hurdles.
Adding further credibility to this move, the NASC has recently attained ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications. This achievement positions the NASC to be officially recognised as an Assessment Body by the second quarter of 2025, allowing it to provide CAS certification directly to its members.
The Common Assessment Standard, backed by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), replaces the PAS91 scheme, which was phased out in March 2023 for government procurement.
The CLC’s endorsement ensures that scaffolding firms holding the CAS will meet all necessary prequalification criteria without needing to maintain multiple, overlapping certifications.
A letter from the CLC is available for those accredited with CAS, confirming that a single accreditation is sufficient to meet government requirements.
The official launch of this game-changing initiative will take place at ScaffEx24. NASC members attending the event will be offered a special introductory deal, and scaffolding professionals will have the chance to explore how the CAS can help improve efficiency and reduce costs for businesses across the UK.
