In a previous message I spoke about our connection with CSCS, Construction Skills Certification Scheme and that the system is changing.
Over the last 12 months CSCS have been gathering information for our industry and many others, this has been called, and still is, the big data gathering exercise. We have been supplying information every 6 months along with the other 37 schemes as to what cards are being used and are some of them being used incorrectly. Our cards have been in full compliance since their introduction. The most recent information was given during February/March.
Our cards are changing, this does not make existing cards invalid. They will remain valid, until one needs replacing. We are soon entering into an agreement with CSCS that has already been signed, where our computer system will be aligned with theirs for card production. The new card information is being created for us by one of the CSCS partners, Stable Logic. This will give us a conforming brand-new system going forward for years to come.
Our cards will still have the CSCS logo on them, as well as a prominent ICATS logo. The cards themselves are changing colour. Some will still be white, but the colour selection will be representative of the current card colours used by the CSCS for applicators, supervisors etc. As of writing this report myself and 2nd senior trainer Robert Hurley are soon travelling to Northampton to meet the CSCS and Stable Logic teams. Where we will be finalising cards and matching our data with theirs.
As you might expect this is a costly exercise for us, but one that needs to be done to remain compliant for the future.