Following significant consultation with members of the professional bodies that are represented by the CIC, the process of applying for CSCS cards has become much simpler with two developments that will be introduced in early 2010; with a linked information event with drinks at RIBA.
Firstly, all competence-assessed members of those professional bodies who have met CSCS criteria, once they have passed the Managerial and Professionals health and safety test, can qualify to apply for the CSCS Professionally Qualified Persons (PQP) card, regardless of their current occupational role.
Construction professionals who achieve S/NVQ Level 4 or 5 (these will become NVQ Diplomas in the new Qualifications & Credit framework in England and Wales with different level allocations during 2010) in a relevant occupation can, on also passing the Managerial and Professionals (MAP) health and safety test, apply for a CSCS black card. The platinum CSCS card will be withdrawn simultaneously.
Professional body members who hold an existing platinum or black card will be able to renew it as a black card when it expires.
Gold cards for supervisors/technical level occupations based on achieve S/NVQ Level 3, remain unchanged.
Graham Watts, chief executive of the Construction Industry Council says: “Since CSCS cards for professionals were introduced, members of CIC’s professional bodies have been keen to demonstrate leadership in health and safety on site through ownership of CSCS Cards. I welcome these developments to the Scheme because they will make the process of applying for the appropriate cards less time consuming and much more straightforward.”
On the 25 March, following the CIC Council meeting at RIBA, CSCS will be sponsoring a drinks reception to provide more information on changes to the Scheme and to answer any questions.
