The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), bringing together the UK and North America’s leading scaffold and access bodies in a formal agreement to advance safety, training, and standards worldwide.

Signed on 7 August 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas, the deal represents a significant step towards aligning international best practices in scaffolding.

A Transatlantic Alliance

Under the new partnership, NASC and SAIA will work closely on shared priorities, including:

• Exchanging technical expertise on scaffold and access equipment testing

• Sharing best practice in training and education

• Promoting safer, more efficient scaffold structures

• Exploring mutual recognition of training and membership standards

The agreement also introduces reciprocal membership benefits and access to events for senior representatives, creating opportunities for future joint ventures in certification and standardisation.

Clive Dickin, Group CEO of NASC, said: “This is an exciting partnership that will deliver huge benefits to NASC and SAIA members as well as the wider scaffolding and access sector.

Both organisations are committed to driving up quality and improving safety standards around the world.”

Mike Bredl, President of SAIA, added: “The partnership between SAIA and NASC represents far more than the pursuit of global standards — it’s a powerful commitment to the safety, education, and empowerment of the men and women working on jobsites around the world.”

Raising the Bar

NASC has represented the UK scaffold industry for over 80 years, providing guidance, support, and training for members while acting as the recognised authority on access and scaffolding standards.

SAIA plays a similar role in North America, widely respected for its training programmes, equipment testing, and technical resources.

Together, the organisations bring a wealth of expertise and infrastructure, positioning the partnership to make an immediate impact.

The MOU reflects a shared ambition to address global challenges through collaboration, standard-setting, and continuous improvement.

Scaffmag understands that discussions are already underway to begin rolling out the first initiatives under the agreement.