CSCS Alliance Partner

Industry Card Schemes

Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act, the Construction Leadership Council has updated this recommendation, which has been adopted across the industry as a consistent means of recognising that an individual has achieved the agreed standard of qualification and additional training, key elements of competence, for their occupation.

Commitment

1. The industry, including clients, contractors and trade associations, and the government, should specify and promote card schemes carrying the CSCS logo, with no equivalents accepted.

2. Cards are required by those undertaking recognised construction occupations on site and within the built environment.

3. CSCS Smart Check should be used to verify that individuals hold the correct card for the occupation they are undertaking.

4. Cards will not be issued for non-construction related occupations or those visiting sites.

Alliance Members

5. Cards carrying the CSCS logo are issued by CSCS Alliance Members, which will each have a licence agreement with CSCS that includes:

• Occupations to have an identified Sector Representative Organisation and Standard Setting Body.
• Procedures for tackling fraudulent cards and activities.
• A requirement to share agreed data.
• All cards to be Smart, displaying the CSCS logo, and be compatible with CSCS Smart Check without the need to manually enter data by 31 March 2025.
• The Alliance Member logo to be featured on both physical and virtual cards.

6. Additional scheme rules that do not compromise these requirements can be agreed between the Sector Representative Organisation and Standard Setting Body. CSCS must be notified of any changes.

7. Any new card schemes applying to CSCS to become an Alliance Member must occupy a distinct and separate footprint from those currently in operation and have the support of the Sector Representative Organisation, the Standard Setting Body and the wider industry.

Requirements for Cards Carrying the CSCS Logo

8. The minimum standard for a skilled occupation must be a relevant qualification or training and testing programme that is aligned to N/SVQ, IfATE Level 2 or SCQF Level 5, and independently verified.

9. The qualification(s) and additional training for each occupation must be agreed between the Sector Representative Organisation and the Standard Setting Body.

10. Nationally recognised apprenticeships in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland must also be accepted as meeting the minimum standard.

11. New entrants, labourers, and other workers in the process of obtaining relevant qualifications must be clearly and easily identifiable.

12. The process of obtaining the card must include a separate health and safety element that meets the current standard.

13. Expiry dates must be within five years from the date of issue of cards.

EUSR role

EUSR is the CSCS Alliance Partner for all utilities work on a construction site which includes power, gas, water, drainage, waste and telecoms. EUSR works with the Standard Setting Body for the energy and utilities sector (Energy & Utility Skills) and with employers from the sector through the Utilities Sector Representative Organisation (USRO) to determine appropriate qualification(s) and additional training for each occupation.

Frequently Asked Questions