In a move set to reshape the future of scaffolding training, the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has exclusively confirmed to ScaffMag the launch of a sweeping reform programme aimed at modernising its framework, expanding apprenticeship opportunities, and improving access for young people entering the sector.
Set to be announced today, the reforms follow an in-depth governance review and an independent industry perception survey, and mark the beginning of what CISRS Chair Wayne Connolly describes as a “progressive programme of change”.
“The scaffolding sector needs a training system that is robust, inclusive and capable of delivering the skilled workforce of tomorrow,” Mr Connolly told ScaffMag. “We are focused on building a modern, responsive training network that meets real-world needs while maintaining the high standards of safety and competence the sector demands.”
The changes will see the introduction of a new Quality Committee reporting directly to the CISRS Board. This body will be responsible for overseeing training standards, course content, and centre performance, and will include employer and educational representatives, chaired by an independent specialist.
According to CISRS, one of the key drivers for reform was the need to improve customer satisfaction levels across training centres, which were highlighted in recent survey data. Future Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will now incorporate satisfaction metrics for centres and individual trainers.
From 1 June 2025, a revised Centre Specification will also come into effect, designed to make it easier for providers to deliver flexible, high-quality learning. It includes a reduction in minimum height requirements for training areas — a move expected to boost training capacity in cities like London and in rural parts of the UK.
The changes will also encourage enclosed, all-weather learning environments, set clearer expectations for customer service, and — for the first time — mandate installing CCTV systems across all CISRS-approved centres to enhance safety, security, and training oversight.
In addition, CISRS is entering a new digital era. Training records will be digitised, and data collection across courses will be enhanced to track learner outcomes, including those who face challenges or fail, so that content can be better tailored and improved.
As part of the initial phase of change, an 18-month moratorium will be placed on the approval of new Open-Air Craft Centres across mainland UK, giving existing centres time to adapt to the new standards.
CISRS, which operates as a not-for-profit owned by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), believes the reforms will position the scheme at the forefront of vocational training nationally and internationally.
Clive Dickin, Group Chief Executive of NASC and CISRS, told ScaffMag:
“The skills and talent shortage have been widely reported for many years within the scaffolding and access sector. The announcement today by the CISRS chair is the start of a sustained programme that will increase quality, accessibility, and capacity within the scaffolding and access education and training system.
The UK sector has a negligible 16-17 education systems and an exceptionally low capacity for apprentice programmes given the current workforce requirements. With these changes, we are also planning further course content, digitisation, train the trainer programmes and changes to the overseas programme, which is becoming larger than the UK operation.
We also must acknowledge that scaffolding is not just within the construction sector, the industrial, events, utilities, oil, gas and transport sectors to name but a few all must be served with a more rounded global proposition that aligns with the UK model.”
The organisation says more details and support for training providers will be announced in the months ahead as it begins implementing what it calls a “future-ready training system”.
NASC & CISRS has also confirmed it will be speaking at great length on the new reforms, on a well-known industry podcast that will be published in the near future.
