Health and Safety Executive Health and Safety Executive Competence in Construction An Update Russell Adfield, HSE Construction Sector

Background July 2013 – Government launched the UK Industrial Strategy for Construction Pye Tait research report, ‘Competence in Construction’ published in September Recommendations included; agree an industry-wide Framework for Competence by the UK construction industry; and establish a new Construction Competence Council, to development the framework.

Industry response A “framework” for competence appears to have support in the sector (with some caveats). The need for a Construction Competence Council was not widely accepted. Construction Leadership Council suggested that industry decide upon and make the case for a competence framework

Regulatory response – CDM 2015 Components of competence included in the new Regs Individuals –Skills, knowledge, experience and training Body corporate –Organisational capability A clearer and more flexible approach

2015 Developments Industry competence conference in Dec 2014 generally supported development of a framework CLC February 2015 encouraged industry to make the case for a framework once the issue of the Competence Council was set aside Important to appreciate that competence is more than health and safety (skills etc)

2015 Developments Purdah, election and a new Government Skills, resources, productivity and growth is the focus Government wants industry to determine its priority issues and lead improvements Clarity on direction of travel and the institutions to deliver yet to be confirmed

Why support a framework? Set out the principles which will help construction managers make judgements of an individuals competence Ensure consistency of approach across sectors, and work activities, Help SME’s identify the right training to match their work/risk profile Drive further the inclusion of situational awareness, self awareness, risk awareness and communication skills in training and qualifications

An all industry approach is needed Buy in is needed from the widest range of stakeholders Leadership needs to be determined with the sign up of all industry sectors Development of a competence framework should take account of the wider skills and productivity agenda The CLC door remains open to proposals on the Framework that show a clear mandate from the industry The CLC view this as separate however to the decision, supported by the Strategic Forum, that the CSCS logo is the preferred industry recognised logo for construction card schemes.