Officers investigating suspected fraudulent activity at an independent testing centre in Winchester have carried out two warrants and made four arrests.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit has been conducting an investigation into suspicious activity at a test centre on Southgate Street, following a referral from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Internet Test Centres (ITCs) operate around the country to allow candidates to sit online exams for qualifications required to work within the construction industry. They are regulated by CITB. The centres operate from either Pearson test centres or private ITCs.
The CITB HSE test, or an approved alternative, alongside an approved trade-specific qualification are required for a CSCS card, which provides proof that individuals working on UK construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for their job.
Officers executed two warrants in Winchester and Southampton after receiving information that the independent test centre had allegedly been accepting payment to help people fraudulently pass these tests. This would then allow the person sitting the test to enter the industry without proper training.
Ongoing investigation
Following the execution of these warrants, officers made multiple seizures, including electronics and cash, and arrested four people as part of the investigation.
A 47-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property, while three men aged 25, 46 and 53 have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.
They have been released on bail until 15 May while enquiries continue.
Jamie Johnson, detective inspector from the Economic Crime Unit, said: “Helping people fraudulently pass these tests puts not only the subject themselves, but also those working around them, at serious risk of harm, as they are entering building sites without proper training and understanding of how to carry out work safely.
“To be knowingly involved in and profiting off of an operation that could, in the worst-case scenario, cause serious injury or even death through malpractice is something that we take incredibly seriously. We are working alongside the Construction Industry Training Board to ensure anyone involved in this criminal activity is brought to justice.”
Workforce competence
Chris Simpson, head of CITB’s Standard Setting Body, highlighted the importance of ensuring the construction workforce is well-trained and competent, which means ensuring testing methods are robust and everyone is completing tests to the standard expected.
“These arrests are part of our dedication to delivering a competent workforce and demonstrate our commitment to stamping out any kind of cheating or deception affecting our products and services,” Simpson said.
“Falsifying health and safety qualifications means that the holder has not demonstrated the professional competence and awareness of health and safety legislation that is required for them to work safely in the construction industry.
“We are committed to ensuring that colleagues and members of the public are kept safe, with an industry that they can rely on. CITB will be working with our colleagues at CSCS to ensure that fraudulent tests are revoked and that any CSCS cards that have been obtained fraudulently are also withdrawn.”
Addressing major risks
Marcus Mills, CSCS fraud prevention manager, added: “We welcome these arrests, as unqualified workers and those without the right health and safety training can put people at risk on site and endanger the wider public.
“CSCS works closely with awarding organisations, CITB, HMRC, the police, Trading Standards and other regulators to verify qualifications, investigate malpractice at training centres, and take action against anyone trying to deceive the industry.
“While CSCS does not own or operate tests or test centres, where we are alerted to fraud we will cancel cards retrospectively. We urge employers and principal contractors to check cards regularly using CSCS Smart Check, which helps identify counterfeit and revoked cards.”
Construction employers can use a range of services provided by awarding organisations and card schemes, including CITB card checker and CSCS Smart Check, to establish the legitimacy of any cards, certificates, and qualifications. Alternatively, any concerns can be reported confidentially via [email protected].
