Governance shake-up brings independent oversight to scaffolding training

A new independent body has been created to oversee training quality and governance in the scaffolding and access sector.

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has confirmed the launch of CISRS Quality Assurance Committee (CISRSQAC) Ltd, which will act as the sector’s new independent Sector Representative Organisation (SRO).

Its formation follows a governance review carried out in late 2024 and the subsequent closure of the previous oversight body, the Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation.

CISRSQAC Ltd will be employer-led with trade union involvement, CISRS announced in a statement this morning (3 September).

The new body will work alongside the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Engineering Construction Industry Training Board to oversee course development, training standards and certification consistency.

The organisation will also be responsible for identifying emerging industry needs and commissioning research-based improvements, CISRS added.

Clive Dickin, group chief executive of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) industry body, said the new model would place training oversight “firmly in the hands of the industry” and strengthen confidence in the CISRS scheme in both the UK and international markets.

CISRSQAC Ltd is expected to meet at least three times annually, providing regular reports and an annual review.

An independent chair will be hired, who will not be recruited from NASC or CISRS to ensure the body’s impartiality.

Key stakeholders including trade union Unite, the Scaffolding Association, and CITB will hold seats on the committee, with representation also confirmed for accredited training centres in the UK and overseas.

CISRS said this would ensure delivery standards remained consistent and internationally recognised.

To manage conflicts of interest, CISRSQAC Ltd will be subject to stricter governance controls.

Although it sits alongside NASC and CISRS as a group company, its remit includes oversight of training centre compliance, advice on new course content, and assurance of assessment fairness.

Source: CISRS press release