The Scaffolding Training Alliance (STA) has published a wide-ranging open letter to the UK scaffolding industry, calling for a halt to upcoming changes to the CISRS training scheme and raising serious concerns about governance, consultation, and transparency within the NASC and CISRS.
The 11-page letter, issued to Scaffmag today, challenges claims made in recent weeks and seeks to clarify the STA’s purpose, amid what it describes as a campaign of misinformation.
Contrary to some reports, the Alliance says it is not a breakaway group and does not seek to replace CISRS. Instead, it is identified as a “not-for-profit learner provider network” made up of existing CISRS-approved training centres.
It says it was formed in March 2025 in response to mounting concerns over what it describes as poorly consulted and “regressive” reforms to scaffolding training in the UK.
“The Alliance is not a closed group,” the letter states. “Membership is open to all CISRS scaffolding training providers… [and] has been formed by members who give up their own time in pursuit of protecting the integrity and quality of the CISRS scheme.”
Key concerns raised
The letter outlines a long list of grievances from training providers, including:
- A lack of robust and transparent governance at CISRS and NASC
- Poor communication and consultation with training providers
- Alleged degradation of training standards and specifications
- Imposed changes to training centre requirements without proper industry input
- Delays in customer service, card processing, and material updates
It also questions the creation of a new Quality Committee by CISRS, which the STA believes could undermine the role of the existing Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation (ASITO), which is traditionally responsible for providing balance and oversight in scaffolding training matters.
The STA further alleges that NASC and CISRS leadership are seeking to consolidate power through constitutional changes, diminishing the role of council representation and independent oversight.
Response to media commentary
In the letter, the Alliance says it felt compelled to respond due to “inaccuracies” in recent media reporting, as well as what it views as misrepresentations by NASC/CISRS officials.
It specifically challenges the NASC’s public characterisation of the STA as an unprofessional or potentially anti-competitive group. The Alliance confirms that it is not a registered company, nor does it plan to introduce an alternative scaffolder card scheme.
“We must dispel any rumours that the STA’s current goal is to set up an alternative Scaffolder card scheme. This is not the case,” the letter reads.
“The Alliance considers itself to be a Learner Provider Network… not a vehicle for an opposition or alternative card scheme.”
Disputed changes to training standards
Central to the Alliance’s frustration are centre specification changes set to take effect from 1 June 2025. These include a reduction in minimum scaffold height requirements and new auditing rules for outdoor centres.
The STA claims these changes have not been formally presented to ASITO members or shared widely for industry feedback.
It also criticises the imposition of new provider contracts, claiming that feedback on draft versions was ignored and that the final version was sent out with a “sign or lose approval” ultimatum.
“The perfunctory nature of consultation and engagement has also been evident in the approach taken by NASC/CISRS regarding the contracts they are seeking to impose on training providers.”
The Alliance says this reflects a “top-down directive” approach rather than collaborative policymaking.
Governance, ownership and transparency
A major part of the letter is dedicated to questioning the governance structures of CISRS and NASC, as well as the relationship between them.
The STA claims that the ownership of CISRS has become unclear and that stakeholders are no longer adequately represented in decision-making.
The letter also references the recent registration of company names “Scaffolding Training Alliance Ltd” and “Scaffolder Training Alliance Ltd” by NASC’s CEO, calling the move “confusing and unnecessary” and indicating the group may formally change its name to avoid further interference.
Call for immediate action
In its conclusion, the STA reiterates its support for the CISRS scheme and its commitment to improving scaffolding training standards. However, it calls on NASC and CISRS to:
- Pause the implementation of the proposed CISRS reforms
- Reopen meaningful dialogue with providers and stakeholders
- Restore transparent governance structures and representative oversight
“The Alliance fully embraces the principle of continual improvement… but proposed changes must be pursued through a genuinely collaborative and transparent process.”
The letter signals a growing divide within the industry over the direction and control of training and qualification standards. The STA maintains that it will continue to advocate for improvements and that the current governance model must evolve to ensure all stakeholders—training providers, employers, unions, and learners—have a meaningful voice in the future of scaffolding training in the UK.
Read the full open letter to the industry here
