EBSSA moves towards standardisation in the building services sector

The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority (EBSSA) has started a collaborative effort to define standards and competences across various installation disciplines. 

On Monday, 29th January, EBSSA, in partnership with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), announced the formal launch of the Engineering Services ‘Super Sector.’ This new entity is tasked with guiding progress in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and related trades.

This move is a key part of broader efforts by the industry and government to enhance individual competence in the built environment, aligning with the new competence framework set forth by the Building Safety Act following the Grenfell tragedy.

Established last year by Actuate UK members and other significant sector organisations, including BEAMA, CIPHE, TICA, and MCS, EBSSA aims to provide a unified voice for skills across engineering and building services. The coalition's primary goals include conducting transparent data-driven analysis on skills demand and supply, identifying skill gaps, and influencing policy and educational providers to address these gaps effectively.

A major focus of EBSSA and its members, including Actuate UK, is to support the transition to a safer, healthier built environment and help achieve the UK's net zero targets in both domestic and non-domestic buildings. This mission involves a wide range of stakeholders, from employers and trade unions to specialist trade bodies, certification organisations, professional institutions, and government bodies.

Andrew Eldred, ECA Chief Operating Officer and leader of Working Group 2 Engineering Services Super Sector, commented on the initiative, noting, “Most trades in engineering and building services already have elements of the new competence regime. This EBSSA-led initiative allows them to review and codify existing elements and address any gaps. The next step is crucial: we need government, clients, and main contractors to help promote, implement, and enforce these comprehensive, industry-endorsed competence frameworks.”

Marion Marsland, Chief Executive of TICA, which has completed a competence framework for thermal insulation, shared her perspective, “The path to competency in thermal insulation has been established for years, but through our coalition with EBSSA, TICA has been able to present installer competency in a consistent format. This ensures that the wider industry understands how to achieve competency in the thermal insulation sector. We are excited to be part of a larger community within construction, aiming for a broader comprehension of our skill discipline.”