NASC has thrown its support behind the first International Scaffolding and Access Day, as the UK industry prepares to join a new annual campaign aimed at raising the profile of the profession worldwide.
The event will take place on 14 May 2026 and has been established by the International Access and Scaffolding Association, better known as IASA, as a yearly day of recognition for the scaffolding and access sector. NASC said the initiative reflects many of the same issues already facing firms and training bodies in the UK, including recruitment, standards, innovation and compliance.
This year’s theme is “Recognising the industry. Supporting its people. Shaping its future.” According to IASA, the day will focus on five long-term priorities, improving the image of scaffolding, developing global talent, driving innovation, strengthening compliance and standardising training.
Those themes closely mirror the work already being pushed by NASC and CISRS in the UK as the sector continues to respond to skills shortages and growing demands around competence and safety.
The move also underlines the growing international reach of IASA, which was formally launched in September 2025. The body now says it has 10 member organisations representing 11 countries, with a combined population of more than 2 billion people and a combined GDP of more than $65tn. It has also written to presidents and prime ministers around the world to highlight the contribution scaffolding and access makes to construction, infrastructure, safety and economic development.
David Brown, chairman of IASA and chairman and president of NASC, said the new day marked an important moment for the sector.
He said: “Scaffolding and Access professionals across the world have a dedicated day to stand together, celebrate and promote what they do and look ahead to the future they are building.”
Brown took over as IASA chairman earlier this year following the death of former chair Wayne Connolly.
NASC is now encouraging members, operatives and suppliers across the UK to mark 14 May by sharing stories, images and messages on social media that show pride in the industry.
