2021 marks the 20th year of operation of GQA Qualifications . During the past twenty years , the organisation has been humbled and honoured to find its influence growing amongst a broad range of key stakeholders and decision-makers . Today , the number of committees , initiatives and collaborations to which GQA has been welcomed has never been higher .

The links between GQA and Building Our Skills are firmly established with GQA ’ s Chief Executive Officer , Mick Clayton , being on the Board of this initiative to help make fenestration a career of choice . However , perhaps less wellknown are some of the other organisations with which GQA

is helping to shape future decision-making . For example , GQA Chairman , Mike Morris , is part of a Parliamentary Review Group , and GQA has featured in the ‘ Parliamentary Review ’ talking about the importance of qualifications . This is a guide to political and industry best practice in management is sent to over 500,000 leading business executives .

Mike Morris and Mick Clayton are representing GQA on The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , which is chaired by Lord Blunkett . The Council brings together the influential industry figures from across the country .

In addition , GQA staff are to be found on the following committees and groups :

• The RISA Board . RISA is a UKAS accredited inspection body for the fenestration and construction industries .

• BEABF , a committee of the Awarding Bodies that work in construction

• The CAB Training Committee . CAB is the Council for Aluminium in Building .

• The GGF Health and Safety Committee and GGF Members meetings .

• The Steering Group for PAS 2030 + A1 / PAS 2035 + A1 - Retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency .

• The official review of BSAu242 - Windscreen Repair Standards .

• The committee reviewing BS10125 - Vehicle Repair Standards .

• The Sector Advisory Group for Vehicle Repair and Automotive Glazing . This is a group set up to identify and advise the industries on competence solutions and approved CPD .

• The CITB Competence and Skills Group . This is a working party representing all CSCS card schemes to develop

a competence framework , including a review of the CSCS card renewal process .

GQA ’ s Chief Executive Officer , Mick Clayton says :

“ It ’ s so gratifying that GQA staff are able to help and support so many industry committees . To have a seat at the table when the decisions are being taken that will mould the future of the industries in which we operate is a true honour . Having acquired PAAVQ-SET , the awarding body for the polymer , engineering , chemical , pharmaceutical and nuclear industries , we are also keen to build on the strong links that this organisation has in its sectors . Going forwards , we also intend to look for more opportunities for collaborative working in the areas of print and construction .”

The fenestration industry ’ s leading awarding and qualifications-writing body is working closely with Novus to deliver training programmes that raise the aspirations of offenders , increase their employability skills and opportunities to find sustainable employment , and help them to build positive futures for themselves , their families and communities . For almost 30 years Novus has been helping men , women and children of all ages and abilities , in custodial and community settings across England and Wales , to take new directions .

Novus works in partnership with the Ministry of Justice , Her Majesty ’ s Prison and Probation Service ( HMPPS ), Youth Custody Service , HMPPS Wales , G4S , charities and employers to help individuals turn their lives around .

GQA is now working with Novus at 14 of its sites , and expects this number to rise over the coming months . The pandemic has

greatly affected how training can be delivered , and both GQA and Novus have had to adapt swiftly to online methods and in-cell learning . So far , all participating learners have been working towards an NVQ Level 1 in Health & Safety . Before the pandemic , learners in two prisons had additionally been able to benefit from practical training resulting in an NVQ Level 1 in The Principles of Window & Door Installation . At the time of writing , it is anticipated that GQA approved centres will shortly be able to restart practical courses inside custodial settings . In addition to achieving NVQ qualifications , learners can also benefit from the fact that GQA is the sole issuer of CSCS cards for the fenestration industry . For ex-offenders to be able to leave prison with a CSCS card to present to site managers is an additional step on the road to employment .

Commenting on its relationship with GQA , Novus ’ s Awarding Organisations and Compliance Lead , Karen Rose says :

“ One of the main attractions of working with GQA is its unique ability to provide a combination of qualifications plus CSCS cards . We are extremely pleased with the level of support GQA is providing , and look forward to working with the organisation to develop its involvement with more of our centres in prisons around the UK .”

Simon Smith , who heads up the support programme with Novus for GQA added :

“ We ’ ve seen substantial uptake in training from learners at all 14 prison locations , and I ’ m pleased to be able to say that we anticipate this not just continuing but increasing quickly . It ’ s extremely gratifying to be involved in such a worthwhile initiative . I feel that not only are we making a difference for ex-offenders , but we are also really helping to address the industry ’ s skills shortages too . I ’ m proud that GQA can be part of this whole rehabilitation process .”

More information on GQA is available at www . gqaqualifications . com