Common Assessment Standard: Version 6 Update
As an NFRC Trade Association Member of Build UK, NFRC is sharing the update with members, particularly those whose CAS certification is increasingly required by major contractors and clients as part of supply chain pre-qualification.
The changes will provide greater clarity around the application of the Building Safety section, particularly for scaffolding and temporary works. Build UK has reviewed the Standard following legal advice from Wedlake Bell LLP and confirmation from the Building Safety Minister that scaffolding and temporary works are outside the scope of the Building Regulations that regulate “building work”, unless they form part of the completed structure.
Under Version 6, companies will be required to opt out of the Building Safety section if they do not undertake building work covered by the Building Regulations, rather than completing questions that are not relevant to their activities. Competence-related questions will move into the Quality section, meaning they will apply across the wider supplier base. Additional guidance will also be provided on the evidence required to demonstrate compliance, alongside updates covering areas such as fraud prevention and information security.
This is relevant to roofing contractors because the CAS is increasingly being used by major contractors and clients when assessing supply chain capability. Build UK confirms that a growing number of organisations now accept the Standard, while Central Government departments and wider public sector bodies should use it to pre-qualify suppliers in accordance with PPN 03/24.
The distinction between Building Safety requirements and wider competence requirements is particularly important for specialist contractors. Roofing businesses may undertake work that falls within the scope of the Building Regulations, depending on the nature of the project and their role, so the new opt-out arrangements should not be interpreted as a blanket exemption for roofing contractors. NFRC has previously highlighted the importance of understanding the Building Safety Act and its competence requirements, including the need for contractors to demonstrate appropriate skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours.
Until Version 6 comes into effect, Build UK has confirmed that all companies going through the CAS certification process with a Recognised Assessment Body must successfully complete competence-related questions 135, 136, and 138, even where the remaining dutyholder questions in the Building Safety section do not apply to them. These questions cover arrangements for training and supervision, ensuring work meets relevant requirements, and keeping up to date with changes to legislation, regulations, and industry standards.
NFRC members currently applying for or renewing CAS certification should therefore continue to work to the existing requirements until 1 November. Members should also speak to their Recognised Assessment Body if they are unsure which sections apply to their business or what evidence they need to provide.
The CAS is now an established part of the construction procurement landscape, with more than 22,500 companies certified according to data released earlier this year. Once certified by one Recognised Assessment Body, businesses do not need to repeat the assessment with another provider. They can instead give permission for their data to be shared with other Recognised Assessment Bodies, increasing their visibility to potential contractors and clients without undertaking duplicate certification.
NFRC will continue to monitor the development of Version 6 and provide members with further information when the updated Standard is published.
