How CSCS Smart Check is transforming construction compliance

Searn Kearns, CSCS group chief executive

The construction industry currently stands at a crossroads. Recent legislative changes and sector-wide calls for reform have brought the urgency of compliance, safety and transparency sharply into focus. The introduction of the new Failure to Prevent Fraud Law and the implementation of the Building Safety Act (BSA) have collectively signalled that the time for robust action is now. With an increased spotlight on safety and regulatory compliance, construction companies can and should be using CSCS Smart Check to easily prove they are meeting industry requirements.

As the Construction Skills Certification Scheme’s (CSCS) group chief executive, I witness each day our sector’s shifting landscape. The demands placed upon the workforce and our leadership teams are greater than ever. Yet, with these challenges come the opportunity to embrace higher standards and deepen public trust in our industry.

How best to meet this challenge? By using CSCS Smart Check on site as the industry’s border control system. CSCS Smart Check is a platform that gives construction sites a simple, secure way to verify worker qualifications, training and identity by checking their CSCS-logoed cards. Available as an API for existing site access systems, via CSCSSmartCheck.co.uk, and a free mobile app, Smart Check reads both physical and virtual cards from across the CSCS Alliance. This means employers can instantly confirm workers have the correct credentials for their roles, strengthen site safety, and actively prevent fraud, all through a quick and secure verification process from all 37 schemes and the 2.3 million cardholders.

The new fraud law

On 1 September, the UK’s Failurecto Prevent Fraud Law, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, came into force. Large organisations can now be criminally liable if staff or associates commit fraud for company benefit. To avoid prosecution, businesses must show they have reasonable fraud prevention measures in place, moving beyond reactive approaches.

For our sector, this means not only ensuring that personnel are who they say they are, but that qualifications and accreditations are consistently verified. It means closing the door on rogue operatives and ensuring only trusted professionals set foot on site.

Despite ongoing efforts, card and skills fraud remains prevalent in the industry. Individuals lacking proper training present not only a legal risk, but also a serious threat to the safety of sites and buildings.

That is why CSCS urges all employers, contractors and site managers to implement rigorous site access policies, which include ensuring individuals hold the right card for their role. These credentials should also be regularly rechecked using CSCS Smart Check.

The BSA

The BSA is another watershed moment. Enacted to address the deficiencies exposed by the Grenfell tragedy, the act demands demonstrable commitment to safety culture, documentation and competence. The act introduces significant responsibilities, making accountability a central requirement at every stage of construction.

For contractors and supply chains, the act means robust evidence trails and an assurance that every worker is properly credentialed for their role. The risks of non-compliance are stark: potential criminal liability, significant fines and the very real danger of loss of life.

In this new age of accountability, CSCS Smart Check is vital. Smart Check ensures only properly trained and certified professionals are permitted on site, eliminating the risks of manual checks, error and fraud. The consequences of unqualified workers can be disastrous, resulting in poor workmanship, safety breaches and accidents. As a digital border control system, Smart Check assures that only verified workers are responsible for constructing the buildings we depend on.

An open letter to supply chains

Earlier this year, 17 of the UK’s top construction contractors signed an open letter on Construction Line, urging the full supply chain to align behind the principles of building safety and compliance.

The message was clear: since the introduction of the BSA in 2022, industry leaders are taking a zero-tolerance approach to half-measures. The entire supply chain must play its part, from procurement to project completion.

By signing this letter, those 17 tier one contractors challenged every business, large or small, to revisit their policies and strengthen their systems. Smart Check is uniquely positioned to support this industry-wide mindset shift. By centralising verification and record-keeping, Smart Check ensures that accurate, auditable data is available at every stage, making it easier for all stakeholders to collaborate transparently.

Raising standards and safety in construction

My message to the industry is clear. The demands of the new fraud law, the BSA, and the expectations set out in the Construction Line open letter are not burdens but opportunities. They are a chance
to raise standards and create safer workplaces.

One of the greatest strengths of Smart Check is its scalability. Whether you’re managing a small single site or a national portfolio, the platform adapts to your needs. Integration with other systems is straightforward, and updates are rolled out instantly.

By adopting Smart Check, you are not just ticking a regulatory box; you are protecting your people, your reputation and your future.

I encourage all construction leaders to take action: read the latest guidance on fraud prevention, review your compliance with the BSA, and consider how CSCS Smart Check can be integrated into your processes. Together, we can continue to build a more trusted industry by raising standards and safety
in construction.