CSCS Alliance Partner
EUSR is the CSCS Alliance Partner for the Utilities sector
Only EUSR issues CSCS cards for the utilities sector.
EUSR CSCS cards verify that individuals have the training and qualifications they need to safely carry out the job they do on a construction site.
All individuals working on construction sites carrying out utilities related activities, must have the right EUSR CSCS card for the job they do.
Utilities work includes all upstream work in the gas, power, water, telecommunications, drainage and sewers and waste management industries, i.e. all work outside the building.
EUSR CSCS Card Changes
The construction sector is tightening how competence is verified on construction sites.
The CSCS card an individual holds must verify their competence to safely carry out the job they do on a construction site – Right card, Right job.
From 1 July 2026, SHEA will no longer be automatically issued on an EUSR CSCS Green Labourer card.
Labourers will be able to apply for the new EUSR CSCS Green Utilities Labourer card.
Skilled Workers, Supervisors, Managers etc will need to hold the right EUSR CSCS card for their role.
For more information about these changes, we are hosting a webinar for Trainers and Providers on Wednesday 23 March. Register Here.
We are also hosting a webinar for Employers on Thursday 16 April. Register Here.
Labourers
Labourers will apply for the new EUSR CSCS Green Utilities Labourer card. A valid SHEA registration is required to receive this.
A Green Labourer Card is for unskilled workers only, and demonstrates the individual is not on a recognised training pathway. Individuals that are in a skilled occupation or on a training pathway should not apply for this card.
Other Skilled Workers
Other Skilled Workers will apply for the CSCS card that matches their job role.
They will also need:
Trainees and experienced workers
People working toward a qualification, or those with experience but not yet fully qualified, will move to the appropriate Trainee or Experienced Worker CSCS card. They must also hold a current SHEA registration.
Why these changes are happening:
Stronger safety legislation through the Building Safety Act 2022, following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, requires clearer proof of competence for every individual on a construction site.
This means checking that individuals working on a construction site hold the right CSCS card for the role they carry out. To date SHEA cards have automatically been printed onto a CSCS Green Labourer card, which means that some non-Labourers have been entering construction sites with the wrong CSCS card.
This new approach ensures Labourers, other skilled workers, trainees, and experienced workers are clearly distinguished and correctly qualified.
Starting 1 July, here’s what it means for you:
If you are a Labourer:
When your current SHEA expires, you must apply for the new EUSR CSCS Green Utilities Labourer card.
Make sure you hold a valid SHEA registration.
If you are not a Labourer:
When your current SHEA expires, you must apply for the right skilled CSCS card (Blue, Gold, Trainee, or Experienced Worker).
You will need a valid SHEA registration.
For training providers and employers:
Ensure individuals and employees understand that SHEA is no longer a CSCS Green Labourer card.
Support individuals to hold to the right skilled CSCS card for their role.
Continue delivering SHEA as the mandatory health and safety requirement for all EUSR CSCS cards.
CSCS Cards
Cards and products available to apply for online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessing Construction Sites
Can I still access a construction site with my current SHEA card?
If you are a Labourer, your existing SHEA card will continue to be accepted until it expires. From 1 July 2026, on renewal of your SHEA Labourers will need to also apply for the new EUSR CSCS Green Utilities Labourer card. If you are not a Labourer, you will need the right skilled CSCS card for your job role.
Do I need a CSCS card to work on a construction site?
Anyone carrying out utilities work on a construction site must hold the right CSCS card for their job role. Some roles are exempt; these are listed on the CSCS website.
I work in utilities but my role isn’t construction-related. Do I still need a CSCS card?
If your work requires you to enter a construction site, you must hold the right CSCS card unless your role is listed as exempt.
Qualifications and Competence
Do I need a qualification to work as a skilled worker on a construction site?
Yes. Skilled workers must hold a Level 2 qualification or above, or an equivalent competence requirement set by the Utilities Sector Representative Organisation (USRO). Some roles may accept non‑regulated qualifications if approved by the USRO.
Who decides what qualifications are needed for utilities roles?
The Utilities Sector Representative Organisation (USRO) sets the competence requirements for each utilities role.
I have an NCO Level 2 qualification. Can I access a site with just that?
No. A qualification alone is not enough. You must apply for the right EUSR CSCS card for your job role and hold a valid SHEA registration.
What if I can’t find my old qualification certificate?
Contact EUSR Support. They can help confirm what evidence you may be able to provide for your CSCS card application.
Can my employer vouch for my experience instead of a qualification?
No. Industry Accreditation (employer endorsement) ended in December 2024.
SHEA and the Green Labourer Card
Why is SHEA losing its CSCS Green Labourer status?
Individuals need to hold the right CSCS card for the job they do. Many non- Labourers were using SHEA as a Labourer card, which is no longer acceptable.
Will existing SHEA cards lose the CSCS logo?
No. SHEA cards issued before 30 June 2026 will keep the CSCS logo until they expire.
This includes if you lose your plastic smart card and you apply for a replacement card, the same card will be issued as a replacement .
Do Labourers still need SHEA?
Yes. SHEA remains the health and safety requirement for all EUSR CSCS cards, including the new Utilities Labourer card.
Do I need both a SHEA card and an EUSR CSCS card?
Yes. SHEA is your health and safety requirement; the EUSR CSCS card is your competence card for your job role.
Applying for CSCS Cards
How do I get the right CSCS card for my job?
Apply through the EUSR website. Each card type lists the evidence you need to provide.
How much does an additional CSCS card cost?
£20 + VAT.
Can I use a CITB Health & Safety test instead of SHEA?
Only for the EUSR CSCS Apprentice card. All other EUSR CSCS cards require an valid SHEA registration.
Do I apply to CSCS or EUSR?
If you work in utilities, you must apply to EUSR, the CSCS Alliance Partner for the utilities sector.
Applying for CSCS Cards
Will my cards appear in the virtual card app?
Yes. Both SHEA and EUSR CSCS cards will be visible.
Specific Roles and Scenarios
I work across different utilities (e.g., Gas and Water). Do I need multiple cards?
Yes. You need the correct CSCS card for each job role you perform.
I’m a Grab Driver or plant operator. Why isn’t there an EUSR card for me?
These roles fall under other CSCS Alliance Partners such as NPORS or CPCS. You must apply to them.
What about new recruits with no experience?
- Labourers can apply for the new Utilities Labourer card with a valid SHEA.
- Skilled roles require either a Trainee, Apprentice, or Experienced Worker CSCS card, depending on the individual’s training status.
What counts as ‘utilities work’?
Work in gas, power, water, waste, telecoms, drainage, and sewers—specifically upstream, outside the building and beyond the emergency cut‑off point.
Timing and Transition
Is there a ‘go live’ date?
There is no single switch‑over date. However, more construction sites are checking cards every month, and the industry is moving rapidly toward full compliance.
My SHEA doesn’t expire for two years. Do I need to do anything now?
If you are a Labourer, you can continue using it until expiry. If you are not a Labourer, you may be refused entry if you don’t hold the correct skilled CSCS card—so you may wish to apply sooner.
Contact Us
If you still have any questions about the upcoming CSCS card changes, please fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
Contact Us - CSCS
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