Changes to the CPCS scheme
September 1st 2009

Trevor Gamble,Chair of the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) Management Committee, announces new changes to the scheme and explains some of the implications.

In August 2008, we announced changes to the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) to make sure that operators were being trained to the highest standards, and that employers were able to meet new obligations under the Construction (Design & Management) Approved Code of Practice (CDM ACoP).

These changes were not decided on overnight. We went through a robust consultation period with businesses, federations and health and safety experts before finalising which parts of the scheme would be modified. In total, over 44,000 representatives of the plant sector were represented in these consultations.

This year, the economic climate means that our industry is a very different place.

Projects have been mothballed, machines have been stood down and everyone has a closer eye on their bottom line.

For those reasons, and because CPCS wants to be responsive to the industry's needs, we felt it was right to look at our structure again and make sure that we can continue to provide the best service.

Following further consultation with the industry, we have agreed a number of additional upgrades to CPCS, to be implemented over the coming months:

Giving more authority to our network of monitors to deal with specific oneoff requests

Allowing overlaps between testing and training for some specialist categories Issuing logbooks at the first red card stage, indicating the support they have from the industry and the HSE Reviewing the CPCS renewals process Adding more guidance notes and training materials - details to be made available on the CPCS website

We have also updated, some parts of the red card system itself. This includes: subject to certain conditions, introducing the opportunity for individuals to apply for a further red card (with a two-year life); extending all 'grace periods' to 12 months; lengthening the extension period for candidates who appeal from six to 12 months to allow time to complete S/NVQs; and adding information about the VQ requirement to the red card itself.

We think that these changes will mean plant employers can get their staff accredited in a more flexible way, without losing any of the quality that has always been associated with CPCS.

Since its introduction in 2003, we have worked with the sector to ensure CPCS enables operators to demonstrate competency, supports the qualifying the workforce drive and helps us all in our efforts to reach the goal of zero fatalities on site.

Run by the industry

Policy and direction for CPCS is set by the Management Committee, which comprises organisations from across the plant sector, and the scheme is managed by ConstructionSkills.

The Management Committee includes: the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA); the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI); National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC); the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA); the Rail Plant Association and the Unite Union, among others.

Meets CDM ACoP obligations

The CDM ACoP regulations introduced by the Government in 2007 were an important step for firms in the construction industry, to make sure that health and safety was integrated into all stages of every contract, and to reduce employer liability for claims of corporate manslaughter.

The changes that were made to CPCS last year mean that it is the only plant card scheme that helps employers meet these new obligations, keeping you on the right side of the law.

Accepted on all construction sites CPCS is accepted on all major construction sites making it a good way to make sure your team can work on any project.

Financial support on offer

For employers who have paid the annual ConstructionSkills Levy, financial help is available to cover CPCS costs. For example, you can claim Grant of up to £90 for the Theory Test and £652 for the Technical Test (depending on category).

Covers all plant categories

Plant is a varied and diverse part of the construction industry and there are more than 66 different categories. CPCS covers many categories, even for some very specialised equipment.

We understand that you don't have a lot of spare time, so we make sure all the vital information about the CPCS process is readily available for those who need it.

For background information, test questions, guidance notes, and to search for Test Centres: www.cskills.org/cpcs

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