CLC Card Schemes Recommendation

At its annual conference earlier this week, the CLC published an updated version of its recommendation on Industry Card Schemes following the introduction of the Building Safety Act and the increased focus on competence. The CLC recommendation has been adopted across the industry since it was first published in 2015, with the result that cards carrying the CSCS logo are specified and promoted for those undertaking recognised construction occupations. It confirms that CSCS Smart Check should be used to verify that individuals hold the correct card for their occupation and that cards should not be issued for non‐construction related occupations or those visiting sites.

Following the successful rollout of CSCS Smart Check, which enables cards across all 38 card schemes carrying the CSCS logo to be verified using the same platform, CSCS ‘Go Smart’ was turned off  Sunday 31 March. Cards will not be able to be checked using Go Smart after this date, so members should ensure they have fully switched over to CSCS Smart Check in time, and this recent CSCS webinar outlines the steps to take.

The CLC conference was chaired by Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol and included the Construction Minister in conversation with Mark Reynolds (Co‐Chair) and Richard Robinson (Deputy Co‐Chair) reflecting on the work of the CLC over the last 12 months. It also launched the CLC Bi‐Annual Review and Plan for 2024 which sets out the CLC’s key priorities for this year, including Building Safety, Net Zero and Biodiversity, Next Generation Delivery, and People and Skills

Contract Terms Recommendation

With inflation still above the Bank of England target of 2% and interest rates not expected to be cut until the summer, a new report has reiterated the importance of working collaboratively across the supply chain and managing contractual risks appropriately. Build UK’s contract terms recommendation identifies six contract terms, including fitness for purpose and uncapped liabilities, which should be avoided in order ensure a fair allocation of risk and realise better project outcomes. We have published comprehensive guidance to help implement the recommendation, explaining why each term should not be used and setting out ways to manage the underlying issues more effectively, with specific guidance for JCT and NEC contracts. The recommendation is non‐binding and Build UK members are free to negotiate their own contractual terms with their clients

Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month and the HSE has compiled a list of resources to help employers support the good mental health of their workforce through its Working Minds campaign. These include a template stress policy for employers to adopt, a practical guide for line managers, and a construction talking tool kit. AFI Members also have FREE access to Perennial, who can assist employers in managing stress within their teams – find out more about their services here