BESA has produced a new guide which provides a simplified and standardised method for meeting PAS 8672 – the standard used to assess PC competence
At present, there is no consistent method for evaluating the competence of principal contractors (PCs) – a key role in delivering the requirements of the Building Safety Act (BSA). As a result, clients have been appointing PCs on a case-by-case basis, creating inconsistency, confusion, and avoidable project delays.
Without a standard, principal contractors are also feeling more pressure to show their competence in their supply chains, as they lack a recognised and standard format to do this.
Guidance Framework for Principal Contractor Competence
The BESA has therefore collaborated with several industry members to develop the Guidance Framework for Principal Contractor Competence, which provides a method that PCs can follow to meet PAS 8672 and assess their competence.
The guidance framework aligns with BSI standards and ISO standards, and is available to both individuals and organisations to make providing evidence of Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviours (SKEB) easier.
It covers core themes and competence categories across the six major areas relevant to the PC role:
- Legal and contractual requirements
- Managing building work
- Planning and organising work
- Construction supervision and quality
- Leadership and competence culture
- Stakeholder and information management
Rachel Davidson, BESA director of specialist knowledge, said: “Providing clear and practical guidance like this is a priority for BESA to help the industry adapt to the new demands placed on it by the building safety regime.
“We carry out regular research to understand what the main barriers to wider adoption of the safety legislation are and use that information to produce sector-specific, targeted support.”
“It helps you understand what’s expected of you, identify any skills gaps, and collect documentation that supports your professional profile. Demonstrating your competence in this format strengthens your position in tendering and compliance reviews and ensures legal obligations are fulfilled not just in principle, but in practice.
“By providing evidence of your competence in line with national standards, you strengthen both your employability and your company’s compliance credentials.”
The framework document can be found here.
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