ASSOCIATIONS & ORGANISATIONS
4 . Construction Product competence White Paper
A new white paper has been published that sets out how the entire built environment sector can unite behind a single , agreed standard to determine , demonstrate and recognise construction product competence ( CPC ).
The white paper ‘ Built environment – proposed construction product competence standard – white paper ’ has been developed by Competence Steering Group ( CSG ) Working Group 12 . Led by the Construction Products Association ( CPA ), the CSG was tasked with responding to the competence issues raised in Dame Judith Hackitt ’ s report ‘ Building a Safer Future ’ and the subsequent requirements set out in the Building Safety Act .
5 . Steering groups set up to increase competence
Several steering groups have been set up as a direct result of the Hackitt Review , one of the most influential is the Competence Steering Group ( CSG ), of which GAI is a member . This group was set up to improve the competence of those procuring , designing , constructing , inspecting , assessing , managing , and maintaining buildings . It was responsible for the publication of two key industry publications “ Raising the Bar ” and “ Setting the Bar ”, which provide a blueprint for increasing competence levels across the entire industry . The GAI is directly involved in two of the Working Groups within CSG ; WG7 for designers and architects where it acts as the voice of the construction products industry , and WG12 which oversees competence in the construction products industry and is co-chaired by GAI technical manager Douglas Masterson . One of its current functions is the development of a new Construction Product Competence Framework which will be further developed for the ironmongery industry . GAI are also interacting with several other Groups to help maintain continuity with regards to construction products .
The Interim Industry Competence Committee ( IICC ) has been set up by HSE to provide strategic leadership and oversight of the industry ’ s work to facilitate improvement of competence in the built environment industry . The GAI has recently been appointed to a sub-committee of the IICC , formed to establish a baseline for competence through research of existing industry schemes which will provide a gap analysis thereof to the Government .
The GAI is proud to support the sector with increasing its competency awareness and offers a portfolio of qualifications , catering for all abilities and stages of an individual ’ s career . This includes introductory level through Foundation in Hardware , in-depth product knowledge from the Certificate in Hardware , right through to the specification of fully compliant ironmongery products on to a project by achieving DipGAI status .
In addition , the GAI recently released three new qualifications in the field of : access control and electric hardware ( DipAC ); Doors as Systems ( DipDS ) and Standards and Regulations ( CertSR ). Beyond this the RegAI Continuing Professional Development CPD programme , ensures product knowledge is maintained and participants are up to date with industry standards and the latest developments .
‘ it will not be sufficient to state that you are competent to perform a task ’
As industry professionals ’ levels of competence can all be increased through the development of skills , knowledge , experience , and behaviour ; a key part of this is through formal training or by undertaking individual CPD . Under the new regime it will not be sufficient to state that you are competent to perform a task , the onus will be on demonstration of this competence . Being trained in your industry will proved a sound demonstration of both your abilities and your competence .
www . gai . org . uk
NOV / DEC 2022
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