The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has launched a programme of reforms aimed at modernising training provision and expanding opportunities for young people entering the scaffolding trade.
The not-for-profit organisation, which is overseen by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), said the reforms followed an in-depth governance review and were intended to ensure the scheme remained relevant and resilient.
Key measures include the creation of a new Quality Committee to oversee standards, expand training capacity and review approved centres. This body will include representatives from employers, educators and training providers and will be chaired by an independent specialist.
A revised centre specification will be introduced on 1 June 2025, making it easier for providers to offer flexible, enclosed training. The changes will also reduce minimum height requirements for training rigs, which CISRS said would improve accessibility, especially in urban and rural locations with space or cost constraints.
Digital reforms will include improved data collection, support for course marketing and enhanced engagement tracking for learners, including those who struggle or fail assessments. A moratorium on new open-air centres in mainland UK will remain in place for 18 months from June to give existing providers time to adjust.
CISRS said the reforms would help align the training network with wider efforts to expand apprenticeship pathways and attract new entrants to the trade. Further support measures will be confirmed later this year.
CISRS chair Wayne Connolly said the initiative would help address sector-wide skills shortages and widen participation. “We are focused on building a modern, responsive training network that meets real-world needs while maintaining the high standards of safety and competence the sector demands,” he said in a statement yesterday (12 May),.
Connolly added that an independent survey had identified low customer satisfaction as a priority for improvement, and this would be incorporated into key performance indicators for centres and trainers.
Source: CISRS press release