It was previously possible to obtain and receive a CSCS card purely from the strength of an employer’s recommendation, as opposed to the traditional method of achieving a recognised qualification. Industry accreditation, also known as, Grandfather Rights, did just that.
Although, in 2010, CSCS terminated the route to attaining a card via Grandfather rights, they could still be renewed if the applicant was an existing cardholder. However, the latest change will enforce that all cardholders are legitimately qualified with a construction-related NVQ, from January 2020, all cards will begin to expire and not be renewed by December 2024 at the very latest.
The Grandfather Rights scheme will now see workers lose their CSCS cards if they are not qualified, affecting all cardholders from blue cards to red, green gold and black. It is estimated that around 60,000 site managers are set to lose their black CSCS cards due to the removal of the Grandfather Rights scheme.
“Industry Accreditation does not support industry’s desire for a fully qualified workforce and as such it will be withdrawn. […]
A lot of work has taken place to ensure those with cards issued under Industry Accreditation will be able to transition to other CSCS cards as simply as possible. […]
We are making this announcement early to ensure cardholders and their employers have enough time to make the necessary alternative arrangements.” – CSCS Chief Executive, Graham Wren
What does this mean for Industry Accreditation Card Holder?
- All cards from the Grandfather Rights Scheme renewed from the 1st January 2020 will have a fixed expiration date of 31st December 2024, and will not be renewed after that.
- CSCS will halt the renewal of cards on the premise of the Grandfather Rights scheme from 30th June 2024
What can you do?
If you did obtain a CSCS card via the industry accreditation route, you will now have to enrol in an NVQ qualification specific to your skillset. Understanding that this can be highly problematic, Think Construction Skills are here to offer support and help to those who will be affected by this. If you are unsure of your option, then you can call us directly on 01992 574 082 and our experts will provide you with the relevant advice and next steps that you can take.
How can you renew your CSCS Card?
If you fall into the category of not being able to renew your CSCS card due to the Grandfather Rights scheme ending, then we can help with your next steps. For those who have a Black CSCS card, you can view this list of recognised qualifications that you will need in order to keep it:
- Achieve a qualification in a relevant Construction Management/Technical related NVQ at level 5,6 or 7.
- Hold a pre-existing NVQ Level 4 in Construction Management
- Hold an SVG Level 4 in Construction Management/Technical
The end to this scheme will now mean you have to have a recognised and NVQ.
About our Level 6 NVQs in Management
You can view some of the many management NVQs that Think Construction Skills offer and pick the right one for you:
- Site Managers Construction Operations Management
- Site Managers Building & Civil Engineering
- Site Managers Residential Development
- Site Managers Highway & Maintenance Repair
- Site Managers Demolition
- Occupational Health & Safety Manager
These NVQs are an example of a competency-based qualification that is needed in order for you to keep your Black CSCS card and have it renewed. You can learn more about our NVQ Level 6 qualifications here.
