Major governance overhaul strengthens scaffolding and access training

​​​​​​​CISRSQAC Ltd will guide the development of all new CISRS courses and oversee the programme's quality, ensuring that training remains robust, relevant, and responsive to industry needs

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation has announced the creation of a new independent Sector Representative Organisation (SRO), the CISRS Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) Ltd, marking the most significant reform to the governance of scaffolding and access training in decades.

The move follows a comprehensive governance review announced in late 2024 and the subsequent closure of the Assess and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation (ASITO), with the new structure designed to deliver enhanced accountability, industry-led oversight, and the highest training quality standards.

This transformation will be driven by CISRS’s Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) Ltd and the Standard Setting Bodies (CITB and ECITB).

The CISRSQAC Ltd will guide the development of all new CISRS courses and oversee the programme's quality, ensuring that training remains robust, relevant, and responsive to industry needs.

Interviews are at the final stage of appointing an independent chair, who will bring impartial leadership to the SRO. Importantly, the CISRSQAC Ltd will be employer-led with trade union involvement, ensuring that course design and quality assurance are grounded in the real-world needs of businesses and the workforce.

 Key industry stakeholders such as the ECITB, CITB, Unite the Union, and the Scaffolding Association will participate directly to guarantee broad representation.

Training centre representations across the UK and overseas will also sit on the SRO, ensuring that delivery standards are consistent and internationally recognised.

This new governance model involves robust controls, including conflicts of interest involving NASC, CISRS and CISRSQAC Ltd, which are group companies. The CISRSQAC Ltd.’s responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring training centre performance and compliance with CISRS requirements
• Advising on the development of new CISRS courses
• Supporting fairness and consistency in assessment and certification
• Responding to evolving industry practice and regulation
• Providing research-led, evidence-based recommendations