Notice Board
DHF’ s year in review …
» AS 2025 DRAWS TO A CLOSE, IT feels right to pause and reflect on a year that has seen DHF continue to grow and flourish. It has been a year defined by achievement and collaboration, and by a tireless commitment to the people and industries it serves. From achieving ISO 9001 certification, to publishing the longawaited Competence Framework and launching a pioneering new qualification, the Federation has continued to strengthen its foundations while looking confidently to the future.
The year began with a sense of excitement and possibility. In February, DHF hosted its first Members’ Conference at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, where more than 200 members and industry professionals gathered for a day of insight, discussion and connection. The event brought together a programme of workshops and speakers, including Dafydd Williams from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, who shared the government’ s response to Grenfell, and Gillian McAteer from Citation, who offered invaluable guidance on employment law. A moving moment came from Flight Lieutenant, John Nichol, whose keynote address about his experience as a British prisoner of war during the Gulf War was both humbling and inspiring. Alongside the talks, an exhibition hall filled with leading names from across the sector created opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of knowledge that will carry forward into the year ahead.
In April, the launch of the ABBE Level 3 Award in Compliance and Safety of Fire Resisting Roller Shutter Doors marked a major milestone. Developed by DHF to strengthen competence within this highly specialised area, the qualification has already seen remarkable uptake from companies determined to uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance. It reflects DHF’ s enduring mission to support professional growth and align industry practice with a focus on building safety and competence.
Another defining achievement came with the completion of the Construction Leadership Council’ s( CLC) Competence Framework for Doors, Gates and Shutters. Developed in close partnership with the Automatic Door Suppliers Association( ADSA) and guided by
the Sector Lead Group 10, the project represented eighteen months of careful collaboration and consultation. Led by DHF and ADSA, and supported by DHF’ s Senior Training and Compliance Officer, Steve Hill, the framework establishes clear, practical standards for competence across installation, maintenance and servicing. For DHF members, this work has real impact. More and more organisations, for example, Amazon and Heathrow Airport, are now requiring evidence of individual competence for both installation and maintenance. The framework and accompanying National Occupational Standards help ensure DHF members can demonstrate the professional skill and assurance expected of them.
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DECEMBER 2025
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