In the second of a two-part series on the Phase 2 Grenfell Report, Richard Catt explores
the CFA’s strategy for the contract flooring industry going forward.
HAPPY New Year! This article follows on from the one published in December’s issue of CFJ, where I outlined the CFA’s overall response to the Phase 2 Grenfell Report. In part two, I explore the CFA’s strategy for the contract flooring industry going forward to address the findings and recommendations in the report.
It may be worth referring back to Part 1, but as a brief reminder I made the following key observations:
‘The release of the final report from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry marks a defining moment for the UK construction industry. The tragedy that unfolded in June 2017, claiming the lives of 72 people, remains a painful reminder of the critical shortcomings in both safety standards and industry culture. The report delves deep into the systemic failures, offering a comprehensive critique of the practices that led to this disaster and the immediate responses. While the inquiry spans thousands of pages, its impact resonates far beyond the detailed documentation and the Grenfell project. The uncomfortable truth is that many of the type of failures it identifies are more familiar on a day-to-day basis than we would ideally like to admit. For the Contract Flooring Association (CFA), this is a crucial moment to reflect and respond.’
Part 2: How the CFA will respond
In response to the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the CFA is committed to proactive engagement with the wider construction industry while ensuring our members are equipped to meet the highest standards. Our response will be guided by proportionality, recognising that while we do not install products directly connected to fire safety in high-rise, high-risk building projects, we must still ensure that competence and quality are at the heart of everything we do.
At the core of our response will be a focus on three key areas:
Organisational competence for contractors: The CFA will look closely at how organisational competence can be demonstrated and measured. Build UK’s Competence Assessment Standard (CAS) is a valuable starting point. It’s essential that contractors can demonstrate their commitment to best practices through pre-qualification, including financial, health and safety, quality, equality, diversity and inclusion, environmental, corporate professional standing and information management. The CAS offers a practical and cost-effective way to do this.
Technical competence of organisations: We must ensure that businesses in the contract flooring sector have the necessary technical knowledge to manage installations effectively. This goes beyond wider organisational or even on-site competence; it requires a thorough understanding of how to design or support specification and execute flooring installations that meet both safety and quality standards.
Installer Competence: The CFA has committed to developing competency frameworks for installers based on the National Occupational Standards (NOS). These frameworks will help define the experience required at all levels of flooring installation and provide a roadmap for continuous improvement. In addition, we will explore the best way to record and update installer records to ensure that installers across the sector are competent and can prove this through appropriate record keeping. Our preferred option is to work with CSCS.
As we move forward, the CFA will focus on developing standards that are both achievable and practical for our members to deliver. We understand the challenges that many contractors face, particularly regarding site conditions and the pressures imposed by main contractors. However, the responsibility to improve lies with all of us, and we must embrace the opportunity to enhance competency and elevate our sector.
The CFA is a leading trade association representing the flooring industry. If you would like an application pack or further information on the benefits of membership, use the contact details below or apply online.
0115 941 1126
info@cfa.org.uk
www.cfa.org.uk
