Clearview National March 2020 - Issue 220 | Page 74
HARDWARE
Door and Hardware Federation
(DHF) reflects upon 2019 as one
of its most successful years
» TAMWORTH-BASED TRADE
association, the Door and Hardware
Federation (DHF), is reflecting on what has
been one of its most successful years to date.
In 2015, the pro-active federation had under
300 members on its books, but the past five
years in particular, has seen considerable
growth across every area of the organisation;
today, it has more than 500 members.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2019 INCLUDE:
A successful collaboration with Secured
by Design (SBD) and the Fire Industry
Association (FIA) in March, to publish a joint
document on fire safety. The publication: A
Guide for Selecting Flat Entrance Doorsets;
A publication for housing associations,
landlords, building owners and local
authorities in England, brings together the
best industry advice in one straightforward
document, highlighting the fundamental
issues of fire safety and security for those
selecting fire doorsets and enabling greater
clarity in an increasingly complex market. It
goes without saying that DHF’s voice has been
one of the most effective in its drive for third-
party certification of manufacture, installation,
maintenance and inspection of fire, smoke and
security doorsets.
78 » M AR 2020 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
Continuing to lead the industry through
training. In the past year alone, nearly 1000
people have been trained by DHF, with
more than 450 candidates attending the
two-day safety diploma courses and the same
number of learners opting for the Level 2
Award one-day safety training courses. In
2019, 100 inspection and installation of
metal or timber fire door courses were held
in conjunction with BRE Academy. More
than 3200 individuals have now completed
at least one of DHF’s safety training courses,
whether a diploma or Award course. In July,
it announced the launch of its first one-day
public Automated Gate Group Level 2 Award
Course in Ireland.
DHF ‘set the industry standard’ in July,
by becoming the very first UK organisation
to offer an official theory-based qualification
for three of the industries it serves. The
one-day ABBE-accredited Level 2 Award
for those working in the automated gate,
industrial door and domestic garage door
sectors, is approved and regulated by Ofqual,
the Government Office of Examination
Regulation. ABBE (Awarding Body of the
Built Environment) is the UK’s leading
awarding organisation providing qualifications
for the built environment. Qualifications
are offered through its network of assessment
centres, approved against a set of national
criteria, laid down by Ofqual, the regulator
of qualifications, tests and examinations in
England.
The launch of CSCS cards in November
in collaboration with the Automatic Door
Suppliers Association (ADSA). Whilst
not a legislative requirement, CSCS cards
provide evidence that individuals working on
construction sites have the relevant training
and qualifications for the job that they are
doing. The CSCS card offered by DHF is for
anyone who needs to access a construction
site to work specifically with industrial doors,
domestic garage doors, automated gates &
traffic barriers and metal or timber fire doors
and is an important step toward a safer and
more compliant industry.
Bob Perry,
CEO, DHF
“There is
little doubt
that DHF’s
accomplishments in
2019 have been achieved
as a result of its hands-on team, and the
expertise and efforts of the federation’s staff,”
says DHF’s CEO, Bob Perry. “In 2019, we
expanded the workforce to 13 employees
(plus five consultants) and raised our profile
in the industry and the press. In October,
we announced the arrival of two new team
members: Craig Wilde, who has joined as
the new Membership Manager, and new
Senior Training & Compliance Officer, Steve
Hill, taking the training and technical advice
team to three. A four-strong administration
team continues to support Commercial
Manager, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, General
Manager and Secretary, Michael Skelding and
Administration Manager, Kay Scattergood.”
“DHF continues to flourish year-on-year
and 2019 was no exception,” concludes Bob.
“A strong and highly skilled team, innovative
industry ‘firsts’, an enduring commitment
to training, and supporting our members
through challenging legislation has helped
to underpin our reputation as a centre of
excellence. Raising standards and promoting
best practice through training and compliance
will always be our number one priority. We
look forward to developing these initiatives
even further as 2020 progresses.”
DHF was formed in 1897 and was initially
named the ‘Brass Masters Association’. Its
earliest goals were to establish fair wages
and conditions. More than 120 years later,
DHF remains a leading independent voice
of authority in the following areas: locks
& building hardware, doorsets, industrial
doors & shutters, domestic garage doors and
automated gates.
www.dhfonline.org.uk