Common Assessment Standard Update
The Common Assessment Standard is reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it remains relevant and up to date, and this process is overseen by the Common Assessment Standard Review Group, which is currently finalising the proposed changes for Version 6 to be published later this year.
The Building Safety section has been mandatory for all companies that carry out design and building work under the Building Safety Act since the current version of the Common Assessment Standard was published on 1 July 2025. Based on feedback from both members and the Recognised Assessment Bodies, companies will have to ‘opt out’ of completing the Building Safety section and provide a statement confirming that they do not carry out work under the Act. The competence‐based questions within this section will also be moved to the Quality section, and there will be additional guidance for suppliers on completing both these and the building safety questions. Other changes will reflect updated legislation and guidance, including fraud prevention and information security.
There is a growing list of organisations across both the public and private sectors using the Common Assessment Standard to demonstrate the organisational capability of their supply chains. Once certified by a Recognised Assessment Body, a company does not need to obtain certification again from any others. Instead, they can agree to share their data at no cost with the other Recognised Assessment Bodies so it is visible to more Contractors and Clients. Certified companies can use the Common Assessment Standard logo on their website and other communications, and members should contact their Recognised Assessment Body for the latest version.
Supplier of the Year – Get Your Customers Voting
The Supplier of the Year Award is back for the 2026 UK Fencing Awards — and it’s your opportunity to be recognised by the people who matter most: your customers.
This award is decided by contractor nominations, meaning the more your customers back you, the stronger your chance of taking home the title.
How to get involved
We’re encouraging all suppliers to actively promote the award and ask their customers to put them forward.
Whether it’s through your depot, invoices, email signatures or social media, a simple prompt can make all the difference.
Encourage your customers to nominate you: www.afiorg.uk
Why it matters
- Recognition from your customer base
- Increased visibility across the industry
- A chance to stand out as a trusted supplier
If you haven’t started promoting yet — now’s the time.
Fleet Safety Focus
This month’s Fleet Safety Focus continues to provide practical guidance and resources to support organisations managing occupational road risk.
Our topic this month is Mental Health & Driver Wellbeing.
It’s fundamental that as an organisation and as a manager or owner you are aware of your drivers’ mental health and wellbeing, as well as their physical health, because mental health problems can affect driving performance. Stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues can affect a driver’s driving style, judgement and reaction times.
Driving for Better Business have also launched a brand-new ‘Mythbusters’ resource, tackling some of the most common misconceptions around driver safety, compliance and road risk management. This is an engaging resource with a twist and we’d really encourage you to take a look and share with your networks and customers where relevant: DfBB Mythbusters
Managing Competence
The Industry Competence Committee has published ‘Setting Expectations on Competence Management’, which sets out core principles for how organisations should manage the competence of those working for them. It is supported by guidance on putting the principles into practice developed by a cross‐industry task group. Members can access both documents by registering on the Built Environment Competence Hub.
2026 UK Fencing Awards – Your Chance to Be Recognised
Entries are now open for the 2026 UK Fencing Awards, taking place on 12th November at Old Trafford — and this year’s event is set to be bigger than ever.
From outstanding contractor projects to individual achievement, the awards recognise the people and businesses driving standards across the fencing industry.
Categories include:
- Contractor categories across all sectors
- Project of the Year
- Apprentice of the Year
- NEW: Women in Fencing
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Whether you’re showcasing a standout project, recognising a rising star, or highlighting someone who has made a lasting impact on the industry, this is your opportunity to be recognised.
Enter now: www.afiorg.uk
Lifetime Achievement nominations: info@theafi.co.uk
A night to remember
This year’s awards will take place at the iconic Old Trafford, with a very special guest speaker set to be announced soon.
It’s shaping up to be a standout evening — and one you won’t want to miss.
Get your entries in and be part of it.
Making the Most of Your AFI Membership
Being part of the Association of Fencing Industries means much more than holding a recognised industry accreditation — it gives members access to a wide range of practical support, professional services, discounts and business benefits designed specifically for the fencing sector.
Whether you’re looking to reduce costs, improve compliance, support staff wellbeing or access expert advice, AFI membership delivers real value throughout the year.
Accreditation
- TrustMark registration
- Certified Contractor Scheme
These reinforce and demonstrate your competence to your customers.
Expert Advice & Legal Support
Members can access free and discounted professional advice across several areas of business, including:
- One hour of FREE construction law advice for members in England & Wales through Wedlake Bell
- One hour of FREE construction law advice in Scotland through Anderson Strathern
- 10% reduction on contract advice fees through BFR Contract & Legal Services
- FREE advice on employment issues, including discipline, redundancy and ill health
- FREE health and safety advice
These services help members deal with complex issues quickly and confidently while reducing the cost of specialist support.
Discounts & Savings
AFI membership also helps businesses save money through a range of exclusive offers:
- 30% off BSI orders
- 30% off Construction Health & Safety Manuals and Environmental Manuals
- FREE unlimited credit checks
- 15% off Risk Management Insurance
- 20% off CHAS membership and 10% off renewals
- 4 pence per litre off diesel through UK Fuels
Members also benefit from bespoke van and truck deals through Crusader Vans.
Resources & Industry Updates
Membership also includes:
- FREE copies of Fencing News
- Weekly industry news emails
- Access to the members’ area of the AFI website, including templates and documents such as:
- Risk Assessments
- Method Statements
- Customer Care Policies
- and other practical business resources
Wellbeing Support
AFI members also have access to FREE confidential wellbeing advice through Perennial Partner, helping support both business owners and employees.
WorXflo
WorXflo brings all your key business functions into one place, including CRM, HR, job and project management, accounts, inventory, document management and helpdesk support. By centralising everything on a single platform, it gives you a clear, joined-up view of your operations and helps eliminate duplicated effort.