English Heritage Helps the Drive for a Safe and Qualified Built Heritage Sector Workforce

English Heritage is requiring that all contractors undertaking conservation, repair and maintenance on its 400-plus properties and sites encourage their craftspeople to hold or be working towards the CSCS Heritage Skills card. The intention is that this will become a requirement as soon as the number of cardholders reaches a viable level.

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is a card registration scheme introduced in 1995, for construction operatives, supervisors and managers, which shows competency to do the job and displays health and safety awareness. There are currently over 1.4million CSCS cards covering 352 occupations.

CSCS is working with the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG) on the validation process for the Heritage Skills card. Endorsement is granted by three possible routes:

1. Managed Industry Accreditation: Practitioners supply evidence of their relevant work experience supported by endorsement from an external referee and their employer’s confirmation that they continue to carry out this kind of work to a high standard. It is envisaged that this route will be available until September 2010.
2. Approved Apprenticeship and Conservation Qualification: Demonstrating achievement of a recognised craft qualification and a recognised conservation qualification. 
3. Heritage Skills NVQ: Achievement of the Heritage Skills NVQ Level 3.

Craft occupations covered by this card are bricklaying; carpentry and joinery; craft masonry; earth walling; painting and decorating; roof slating and tiling; thatching; stonemasonry; stone carving; wall and floor tiling.

The scheme also includes a Professionally Qualified Persons Card for architects, engineers, surveyors and other professionals who attend site (but are not site-based) and who need to be aware of their responsibilities for safety.

The quickest and easiest way to apply for a CSCS card is to use the SkillsDirect service by calling: 0844 248 5262, or you can organise it yourself and download an application form at www.cscs.uk.com