For some time the FMB has been flagging the new criteria for those who hold a CSR card or its UK-wide equivalent, the CSCS card.
If you have a card issued for this industry accreditation it will expire on 31 December 2024, and you will not be able to automatically renew it. Information on this can be seen on the Construction Industry Training Board Northern Ireland (CITBNI) website.
We know that quality is important to our members, and that the FMB badge of quality is the reason many builders want to join. You don’t need to have a CSR card to work in construction, however, if you are working on a larger site, or involved in some aspects of commercial or public procurement you may be asked to acquire one.
We know some FMB members will be working for larger clients in this way, and therefore be more familiar with the CSR system and it’s requirements, for many FMB members it’s unlikely that you will be asked to produce a CSR card to work.
What should I do if I or my staff are affected?
The FMB’s Northern Ireland director along with our National Board member, Mark Gribben, have been working with CITBNI, CEF, the CSR scheme provider, and several training companies in NI who provide the relevant NVQ qualification.
We have been told that this will avoid a “going back to school” process for those who need NVQ’s to upgrade their qualifications.
Grant funding is available from CITB NI, but this is limited and capped. So we strongly suggest even if you don’t need this until later in the year, get your application in soon to start that process and secure the assistance financially. Don’t delay is our message to members!
What about the training companies?
We are currently working with a number of these on their terms and conditions. In the meantime, if you need a steer on a local provider close to you consult the information available on the Construction Employers’ Federation website.
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