Built environment competence hub officially launches for industry professionals

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured News

Built environment professionals gain access to a new competence hub

The Built Environment Competence Hub officially launched on 19th January to provide industry professionals with immediate access to competence frameworks and standards.

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) confirmed the British Standards Institution (BSI) is managing the resource in collaboration with the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG).

The ICSG operates as a formal working group of the Industry Competence Committee (ICC).

The ICC is a statutory committee under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

This committee delivers competence-related functions specified within the Building Safety Act 2022.

The steering group was established to enable culture change across the built environment in relation to competency.

Resources and sector accessibility

The FPA stated that practical resources and insights from the BSI and the ICSG are now provided through the platform.

The platform aims to simplify the competence sector by making information accessible in a centralised space.

Knowledge and resources are tailored to specific industry roles and sectors following the live launch.

The system provides a cross-industry view of how roles and duty holders connect.

Eligible participants include those in design, construction and the manufacture of construction products.

Building management, trade bodies, education providers and regulators are also invited to join.

Registered users have access to newsletters, webinars, events and case studies.

The hub allows for direct engagement with industry voices within an active community – with newsletters, webinars, events and case studies – to support professional development.

Professionals can now access the full suite of resources and registration options through the official BSI website at https://competence.bsigroup.com/

Howler launch CPD fire safety sessions

by Featured NewsPeople

Howler, provider of temporary fire safety solutions, has announced the launch of their accredited CPD fire safety learning sessions for professionals in the construction industry.

These sessions aim to address knowledge gaps in fire safety, helping teams safeguard projects, comply with regulations and enhance their professional development.

Statistics reveal

According to recent data, the construction industry reports an average of one fire per day on UK sites.  When Howler ran a survey with teams 81% of professionals failed to answer hot works-related safety questions correctly.

These alarming statistics underscore the need for accessible, high-quality training to empower teams and minimise risks.

Associate Director, Howler, Martin Woodfield’s statement

Martin Woodfield, Associate Director at Howler said: “Our mission is about driving fire safety excellence across the construction industry.

“By offering accredited CPD sessions, we aim to ensure that fire safety isn’t just a compliance checkbox but a cornerstone of every construction project.”

Features of the fire safety training

There are a range of sessions available each taking around 30-minutes to deliver.  They are available virtually via Teams or face-to-face and provide practical, actionable insights into:

  • Commonly overlooked areas of the Joint Code of Practice (JCoP)
  • Key updates to the JCoP
  • Fire safety in temporary accommodation
  • Lithium battery risks and mitigation strategies
  • Maintaining safe escape routes
  • Best practices for managing and performing hot works

The training is accredited by the CPD Certification Service, ensuring participants earn credits towards their professional learning objectives while enhancing their knowledge of essential safety protocols.

CPD fire safety learning sessions launched by Howler: Summary

Howler’s training resources has been accredited by the CPD Certification Service. These sessions are for professionals in the construction industry. Howler’s Associate Director said the accreditation proves that fire safety isn’t just a compliance checkbox but a cornerstone of every construction project.

Encon enhances Fire Protection expertise with new Business Development Manager

by Uncategorized

With the growing importance of Fire Protection in the construction industry, Encon Insulation & Nevill Long has welcomed Neville White into the business. Neville White is taking on a newly created role, Business Development Manager – Fire Protection

White is taking on a newly created role, Business Development Manager – Fire Protection, with the aim to build and grow the team’s knowledge and expertise in the supply of fire protection products across all sectors.

White began his career working for the manufacturer Cape Boards in 1980 as a trainee. He progressed into a number of different job roles including Customer Services Manager, ASM, Regional Manager, National Projects Manager and Marine Manager.

In 2002 Cape Boards were purchased by Promat where he continued his roles in Regional and National Sales Manager positions. In 2016 Promat was amalgamated into the Etex Group and White helped the transition as the Business Development Director – Promat, before leaving at the beginning of 2019.

Prior to joining Encon in April 2020 he worked at Fire Protection on the development of its fire rated ducting systems.

White said: “I feel very excited about the opportunity of growing the Fire Protection business with all my colleagues up and down the country. Having provided sales and technical advice for over 37 years into this industry as a manufacturer, I am really looking forward to helping and supporting our customers, as well as working with and assisting my colleagues on fire protection opportunities.”