Plan for new cladding installer certification scheme

“Our scheme would initially involve assessment of operatives, whereby they would come to a test centre and work on a rainscreen cladding section so we can see how competent they are.”

The cladding certification scheme is based on the NFRC’s existing RoofCERT model, where successful candidates must demonstrate knowledge (through a test), competency (through an NVQ or by showing their experience on a one-day assessment), and through mandatory health and safety courses.

An independent auditor reviews each candidate and those who pass must renew their certification after three years.

Talman believes the RoofCERT model could be a template for accreditation of other specialist construction operatives.

The scheme has been praised by the chair of one of the 11 groups set up following the Hackitt review to develop competency frameworks.

Working group 2, which the NFRC sits on, is chaired by Build UK and Stanhope’s project executive for offices, Nick Jarman, who said: “The working group obviously welcomes a collaborative approach in improving installer competence which the NFRC is clearly focused on.”