Why proving competence in the building automation sector cannot wait
In this blog, the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) highlights the critical need for revalidation of competence in the building automation sector amidst increasing regulatory scrutiny and the phasing out of industry-accredited competency cards.
The need for greater accountability in the building automation sector, and the construction industry as a whole, has never been more crucial, especially with regulatory scrutiny increasing. However, with industry-accredited competency cards phased out in 2024, verifying competence can prove difficult. The need for the sector to revalidate competence is therefore critical and the reason why the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is providing more opportunities for engineers to validate knowledge and expertise, and develop skills.
Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 and the subsequent introduction of the Building Safety At in 2022, the building automation and construction sectors saw increased regulatory scrutiny. This also came at a time when Grandfather Rights were being phased out, exacerbating the importance of verified skills and qualifications, as previous BCIA President Graeme Rees highlights.
He said: “The technologies and technical landscape is ever-changing, and what one is experienced in now or at the point of training may well be very different. While revalidation of competence can’t necessarily close the skills gap we’re seeing in the sector, the continued assessment of professional development will display the degree of professionalism in such a highly regarded industry.”
Clare Grams, director at Westminster Controls and member of the BCIA Management Committee, echoed Graeme’s thoughts and revealed the critical need to remain technically proficient. She said: “In the controls industry, regular revalidation of competence is so crucial to ensure we maintain the right skillset to perform effectively and safely.
“Revalidating competence in building management system (BMS) controls is not just about confirming current abilities, it’s about ensuring professionals remain industry ready, technically proficient, and capable of adapting. It is also about ensuring the safety of our engineers by keeping them informed and up-to-date with the latest government guidelines and best practices for safe working.”
While the ever-tightening regulatory scrutiny and the phasing out of industry-accredited competency cards can make proving competence difficult, the BCIA believes the sector must embrace this challenge in order to remain compliant and raise quality standards. Furthermore, the reputation of building controls and automation can be cemented as an essential technology for not only safety but also the key task of decarbonising the UK’s building stock.
Leading the sector in advancing competency assessment
As the sector’s representative body, the BCIA has a deep understanding and appreciation of how the industry operates. Consequently, it works with the sector on programmes that aim to drive up quality assurance standards, champion the awareness and reputation of the industry, and upskill the workforce.
The association has worked with employers on the competency pathway for the industry and made substantial investments in programmes that support participants and their employers. This included the development of a Level 4 Building Controls Engineer apprenticeship scheme, the only initiative that results in a relevant qualification for BEMS professionals.
Additionally, the BCIA funded the development of an Experienced Worker Assessment to support those without formal qualifications to obtain certification and apply for their BEMS ECS cards and continues to invest in technical training courses to further support workforce development.
Despite the significant steps the industry is making to improve the provision of skills and expertise, regular revalidation of competency needs to be the next focus to ensure access is clearly defined and attainable for the entire sector. Doing so won’t just benefit those attaining the skills and qualifications, their employers also stand to gain, as BCIA Vice President Jen Vickers suggests. She said: “Businesses that invest in their people are seen as good places to work, so it’s a good way of attracting and retaining staff. Also, having a portfolio of staff who can demonstrate industry-recognised competence helps businesses win work.”
Regulators regularly monitor competency checks on site and main contractors proactively specify card requirements for staff working on their contracts. Additionally, insurers are increasingly asking for evidence of competency while public sector contracts and in-house BEMS teams are required to evidence competency for compliance purposes.
With off-the-job time often calculated by business lost, it is crucial that business owners augment their credentials and standing in the market by embracing competency relevant to their requirements and utilising these standards.
As a result, the BCIA is working closely with industry leaders to develop a revalidation scheme that is robust, timely, fully validates knowledge, experience and skills in a consistent way, and meets health and safety requirements.
The association will also consult with the sector to help shape what form revalidation takes, how frequently it is required based on the pace of technological change, and what methods can be utilised to assess whether current competency levels are to the required standard.
As part of its designated role, the association has been tasked with developing the full-career competency framework for BEMS. To do this in consultation with the sector, the association will issue a survey and deliver online events to its members and the rest of the sector in September, welcoming views as to how revalidation could be undertaken.
With the building automation sector slowly adapting to a more regulated and competence-driven landscape, the BCIA is driving efforts to ensure professionals obtain the development and training they need while validating experience and skills. Through robust certification pathways, upcoming revalidation frameworks, and strategic training initiatives, the association is committed to supporting the workforce at every stage of their career.
In order to stay competitive, future-ready and compliant, all employers and sector professionals are therefore encouraged to take advantage of the available resources and actively engage with the BCIA’s consultation process.
