Remaining at the forefront of digital system development

REMAINING AT THE FOREFRONT OF DIGITAL SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

Andy Reakes, Head of Growth for the Joint Industry Board, discusses some of the new digital systems aimed at improving customer experience and raising industry standards.

CSCS Smart Check represents a major step forward For over 50 years the Joint Industry Board (JIB) has verified applicants’ qualifications, experience, identity, training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in order to issue them with a registration and grading. This is now the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) and covers more than 175,000 individuals across the electrotechnical industry.

The JIB administers ECS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while in Scotland it is administered by the Scottish JIB. ECS is a partner of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), covering electrotechnical occupations as well as specialised industries such as audio-visual, building controls and network infrastructure.

ECS is often a requirement for construction sites but is also recognised as the personnel certification scheme of choice across the built environment, with a number of public and private sector clients such as councils, NHS trusts, universities, government departments, internet service providers, house builders and social housing organisations, and many more.

Throughout the last few years, ECS has been working on a number of system improvements and new digital systems to enhance value for individuals and employers alike, including: • MyCPD – a new Continuing Professional

Development digital system, allowing all

ECS card holders to record and evidence their CPD directly into their online records in MyECS. • ECS Check for Clients and the Supply

Chain – a smart digital platform giving visibility through supply chains of the electrotechnical workforce and a Licence to Practise System in Northern Ireland. • Remote Invigilation – advanced biometric mapping and monitoring software to allow greater flexibility with online assessments. • CSCS Smart Check – an industry initiative to develop one app which can verify cards from all the CSCS

Partner Schemes.

CSCS Smart Check was developed through the CSCS Alliance; the forum of 38 Partner Card Schemes displaying the CSCS logo and Andy was tasked with Chairing the Delivery Group which was set up to oversee this project considering different vendors and proposals, ensuring that the delivered output was one that worked for all; a cost-effective, secure solution compatible with multiple technology platforms and systems, and one which can be quickly and easily used at project entry.

Major step forward

CSCS Smart Check represents a major step forward as, for the first time, all 2.1 million cards displaying the CSCS logo can be electronically verified using a single app.

Sites should require everyone working in a construction occupation to hold a card displaying the CSCS logo and they should be checking those cards regularly to ensure they are genuine and in date.

However, with 38 schemes offering CSCS logoed cards and many using their own (often incompatible) card checking systems, the process can be complicated. This places an unrealistic expectation on site management teams to know every scheme and every type of card available together with the different verification systems used.

With CSCS Smart Check, sites and projects of all sizes have a quick and simple way to check that any operative working in construction and the built environment is who they say they are, are suitably qualified for the job they are being engaged to do and have kept up to date with the latest requirements for health and safety, technical qualifications or CPD.

The app will allow options for scanning contactless cards (chips or through near-field communication), scanning QR codes (both those printed on cards and within virtual card apps), and a manual entry system for those currently without smart technology.

CSCS Smart Check will also help the industry in the battle against fraudulent cards – alerting site managers and CSCS to such cards in order to cancel them and alert authorities where necessary.

The roll-out of the app begins in April 2022 and will be free to use and available for Apple iOS and Android devices. Having one app to electronically check all cards at the site gates will make life easier for those responsible. It doesn’t matter what card turns up at the site gates – from asbestos to welding, if it displays a CSCS logo it will be compatible with the CSCS Smart Check app.

Existing systems will also remain in place as both a back-up if needed and for access to services from each scheme, such as CPD recording platforms, card application and renewal processes.

ECS is committed to remaining at the forefront of digital system development to improve value for card holders and employers, work collaboratively to raise standards and promote the benefits of a skilled and qualified workforce.

“ECS has been working on a number of system improvements and new digital systems to enhance value for individuals and employers alike”

Joint Industry Board, jib.org.uk ecscard.org.uk