Consultations

Shaping the Future of the Fencing Industry

The Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) is the only association promoting and shaping the future of the UK fencing sector through active involvement in key consultations, standards development, and government-linked committees. Our presence, at AFI members request, ensures that the voice of fencing professionals is heard and that regulatory frameworks evolve in line with fencing industry needs.

Our Strategic Involvement Includes:

• British Standards Institute (BSI) Committee
  AFI proposes, drafts, and reviews British Standards that define the quality, durability, and safety of fencing products and installations across the UK. Our influence helps set the national benchmark for best practice.
• National Highways Sector Scheme Committees
  We contribute to the standards and specifications governing roadside infrastructure—including Vehicle Restraint Systems, Environmental Noise Barriers, and general roadside fencing—ensuring all adhere to evolving safety, training and performance requirements.
• FISS/CSCS Committee
  Our involvement in this committee ensures that card schemes and certification processes maintain high standards and continue to reflect the skills required by today’s fencing workforce, for construction site access and recognition as an individual skill in the UK building sector.
• CLC Super Sector 10: Framework for Fencing
  Following changes to the Building Safety Act post-Grenfell, the entire construction sector is re-evaluating competency and compliance. AFI represents the fencing industry in this initiative, helping shape new frameworks for skills, training, and site compliance. Inclusion in this self regulation is vital to stop fencing being restricted by Government enforced legislation.
• Independent Certified Contractors Scheme (CCS)
  AFI’s Certified Contractor Scheme provides members with an audited, formal pathway to demonstrate integrity, competency, and compliance, reinforcing public trust and sector-wide professionalism.
• Trailblazer Committee – Fencing Apprenticeship
  We are directly involved in defining and evolving apprenticeship standards, through members participation from the fencing industry, to ensure the apprenticeship meets current and future industry needs. This secures the fencing industry’s long-term skills pipeline.
• TrustMark Scheme Provider
  As an official TrustMark Scheme Provider for fencing, AFI offers government-endorsed quality assurance to members. This not only enhances trust with clients but also supports members in achieving recognition for professional standards.
• Build UK Member
  Through our partnership with Build UK, AFI contributes to sector-wide initiatives that focus on sustainable growth, productivity, and the recruitment and retention of talent.
• Common Assessment Standard (CAS)
  We support and influence the CAS initiative—designed to streamline pre-qualification processes in construction—making it easier for fencing contractors to prove their capabilities efficiently and consistently.
• Ongoing National and Sector Consultations
  AFI actively responds to consultations and legislative reviews affecting health and safety, environmental regulation, procurement, DEFRA grants and industry qualifications. Our members and the wider fencing industry’s interests are always at the centre of our responses.