Ad
Thursday, September 25, 2025
11.5 C
London

The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008  U.K. Edition

C.I.T.B cuts ties with the C.S.C.S

- Advertisement -

Move marks end of 16-year tie-up with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme

The future of the industry’s skills card scheme was thrown into question this week after the CITB revealed it is cutting its ties with the scheme.

CITB-ConstructionSkills – which administers the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), used by over 1.6 million workers – revealed it has put its contract on notice.

The move, prompted by commercial differences, ends an often turbulent 16-year partnership. Sources close to the situation claimed personality clashes and disputes over how income had been divided between between the two bodies had contributed to the schism.

The news has sparked fears that the CSCS card scheme will be damaged by the end of its association with the industry’s government-backed skills council.

CSCS cards are demanded as proof of occupational competence by most major clients and contractors on sites.

James Wates, chairman of CITB, admitted the relationship had been difficult but dismissed any suggestion of a recent falling out.

He said: “It’s been a challenging relationship because it’s been a difficult contract for both sides to work within. But I don’t think there’s been real dissonance.
“The [recent] disagreement was around detailed terms of the contract, which I won’t go into because they’re commercial.”

Mark Farrar, CITB chief executive, said: “CITB continues to fully support the scheme for the duration of our agreed contract.”

The notice period will last five years unless the two parties terminate the contract earlier by mutual agreement.

The CSCS indicated it will consult on how best to administer the scheme.

The falling out between two bodies has provoked dismay from the industry.

One source close to the CSCS said: “You’ve got to ask questions when two boards that are drawn from the same organisations can’t agree.”

Via: www.building.co.uk
- Advertisement -

Popular Categories

Latest Magazine

Most Read This Week

Scaffolding work pipeline shrinks as construction starts drop 22%

Construction project starts have collapsed 22% with contract awards...

AT-PAC accelerates European expansion with strategic German launch

Scaffolding specialist establishes key operations in Germany as part...

Scaffolding industry celebrates at Manchester awards night

The UK scaffolding and access industry gathered in Manchester...

ScaffEx25 sets new attendance record in Manchester

ScaffEx25 has smashed previous records, drawing nearly 2,400 visitors...

Scottish scaffolding apprentices to compete at ScaffChamp 2026

A team of young scaffolders from Scotland and Northern...

Related Articles

CITB Publishes Five-Year Workforce Outlook to Tackle Construction Skills Demand

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has released a major new forecast highlighting the scale of workforce needs facing the UK construction sector over the next five years. Published yesterday, the Construction Workforce Outlook...
- Advertisements -

Latest Topics

Scaffolders voted UK’s toughest trade

Scaffolders have been crowned the UK’s toughest trade by...

Company fined after worker dies in six-foot scaffold fall

A Lancashire sign-fitting company and its director have been...

ScaffEx25 sets new attendance record in Manchester

ScaffEx25 has smashed previous records, drawing nearly 2,400 visitors...

Scaffolding makes historic debut at WorldSkills Ireland 2025

Young scaffolders showcase their expertise as the trade is...
- Advertisement -