EUSR Approved Provider Conference 2026: Key Highlights from the Day

As demand for skilled, competent individuals continues to grow across the energy and utilities sector, training providers have an increasingly important role to play. But what do the latest industry developments mean for them? On 20 October, we welcomed over 100 delegates to our Approved Provider Conference to explore exactly that. From changes to our Quality Framework to new schemes, qualifications and CSCS requirements, the day provided practical guidance, important updates and opportunities for discussion to help providers prepare for what’s ahead.

Supporting Quality and Continuous Improvement

Making the auditing process more straightforward for providers is one of the key aims of Version 4 of our Quality Framework, which was introduced at the conference. Our Quality team outlined how the updated framework aims to make quality assurance clearer, more consistent and proportionate. By removing duplication, combining related criteria and providing greater clarity around evidence requirements, the changes are designed to make the auditing process more straightforward for providers.

Attendees also received practical guidance on preparing for ongoing monitoring activities. This included maintaining accurate records, reviewing internal quality assurance processes and understanding risk ratings

Developing Our Schemes and Qualifications

The conference also provided an opportunity to share updates on our product development priorities. Attendees heard about new schemes, including Water Hygiene for Health Care, SHEA Heat and Single Phase House Service Cut Out Fuse Upgrade, alongside the ongoing review of our Basic Electrical Safety Competence (BESC) scheme.

We also introduced our proposed streamlined approval process, designed to simplify how organisations gain approval to deliver our products. Further discussions explored our expanding qualifications offer, including opportunities to complement existing EUSR schemes and support the development of technical competence across the sector.

Reflecting on the partnership with EUSR and Energy & Environment Awards, Daryll Garavan, Programme Manager at RelyOn, said:

“We deliver various programmes with EUSR. We have trainers who deliver several endorsed training programmes and apprenticeships, as well as qualifications such as NCO with Energy & Environment Awards. We really enjoy our working partnership, which ultimately allows us to provide a fantastic training experience for our learners. It helps to upskill and reskill them, while keeping them and everyone else safe.”

Understanding the Latest CSCS Changes

Understanding the latest CSCS changes is important for providers supporting individuals who require access to construction sites. During the conference, our Managing Director, Rachel Thomas, outlined our role as a CSCS Alliance Partner and explained what the changes mean for the sector. A key focus was ensuring individuals hold the right card for the work they do, including the introduction of new occupation-specific card schemes.

The session also clarified recent changes to SHEA registrations. Since 1 October 2026, EUSR CSCS Green Labourer cards are no longer automatically issued with SHEA registrations. Attendees were guided through what this means in practice, including the different routes available for applying for EUSR CSCS cards.

Preparing for Growth in Electricity Networks

The conference concluded with a session exploring the Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan, highlighting the scale of investment and skills demand expected across the sector. With £181 billion of investment anticipated through to 2035, employment could rise from 90,000 to between 117,000 and 124,000 by 2035, creating up to 34,000 additional jobs. These projections highlight the growing importance of training providers in developing the skills and competence needed to support the sector’s future growth.

Read Energy & Utility Skills’ overview here.

David Morgan, Head of Business Development, Sales and Marketing, said,

“Our Approved Providers play a vital role in helping the energy and utilities sector develop the skills and competence it needs, both now and in the future. Events like this give us an opportunity to share important developments, listen to feedback and understand how we can better support our providers. As the sector continues to evolve, working closely with our providers will be essential to ensuring training keeps pace with industry needs.”

Thank You to Our Training Providers

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Your continued commitment to delivering high-quality training plays an important role in supporting safety, competence and skills development across the energy and utilities sector. We look forward to continuing to work together as we develop our services and respond to the sector’s changing needs.

Want to learn more about our schemes, qualifications or becoming an EUSR Approved Provider? Speak to our team to find out more about our services and find out how we can support your organisation.