[UK, 23-11-2022] The Construction Products Association (CPA) proposed a new standard with the Competence Steering Group (CSG) to improve safety in the built environment sector. The proposal responds to issues on competence raised in the Building a Safer Future report by Dame Judith Hackitt.

Significance of Construction Standards
The white paper explains how essential construction standards are in the built environment field. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to misuse because not all industry professionals have equal competency levels. The lack of appropriate CPC (construction product competence) could bring about "dangerous outcomes." A new monitoring and assessment system is necessary to create a safe, efficient, and productive environment.

Radical Change
The document also highlights the significance of radical change among individuals in charge of manufacturing, design, distribution, contracting, operations, and maintenance of construction products. It stresses that these individuals should be competent to perform their duties properly.

Accountability for Decisions Made
The paper goes on to say that those who are competent and understand the implications of their decisions should be held accountable for them. These proposals, if implemented, would ensure that workforces have the necessary skills to meet their obligations and responsibilities with construction products. This would result in a significant change within the built environment sector.

Systematic Guide
The white paper provides a systematic guide that anyone in the construction industry can use to assess and improve their existing skills training. This proposed standard aims to help businesses identify gaps in their workforce's qualifications, making it an essential tool for companies across the sector. Additionally, the document suggests that the standard be incorporated into the existing BSI Flex 8670 series.

Adopting five core levels of competence and a working methodology specifying the application of these steps to each industry can resolve critical issues outlined in the document. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Publication of an industry-agreed CPC standard.
Step 2: Commitment to the CPC principles.
Step 3: Agreement on the demonstration of the CPC.
Step 4: Demonstrating, utilizing, and reviewing the CPC.

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