THE Contract Flooring Association (CFA) has welcomed the opportunity to represent the flooring sector in a major government consultation examining the future of competence, training and accountability across the built environment workforce.
The consultation, launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), forms part of government’s ongoing response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and seeks views on how professionals, trades and occupations should be trained, recognised and regulated throughout the building lifecycle.
On 4 August 2026, the CFA submitted a detailed response to government’s call for evidence, ‘Strategy for the Built Environment Professions, Trades and Occupations’, drawing directly on the experiences and expertise of its members.
According to Richard Catt, CEO of the CFA, the submission focused on ensuring the flooring sector’s voice was heard in discussions that could have significant implications for the industry.
‘Flooring rarely gets a seat at tables like this,’ said Richard. ‘As a sector, we’re often subcontracted deep within the supply chain and understand the realities of risk transfer, retention withholding and price-led procurement better than most. It was important government heard those experiences directly from the industry.’
The association’s response covered a range of issues, including design and specification, site conditions, competence and accountability.
Rather than supporting blanket statutory licensing, the CFA argued for a proportionate approach that builds on existing industry structures and recognised competence frameworks.
‘We made the case for strengthening what already works,’ Richard explained. ‘That includes CFA membership, the CSCS framework and sector-recognised competence schemes. We also asked government to recognise trade associations such as the CFA as delivery partners, rather than creating unnecessary duplication.’
The consultation forms part of a wider programme of reform designed to improve standards and competence across the built environment sector.
Richard said the submission highlights the value of industry representation at a time when important policy decisions are being made.
‘This is exactly the kind of work the CFA undertakes on behalf of members,’ he said. ‘We’re engaging with government, building the evidence base and ensuring flooring’s perspective is considered before decisions are made, not after.’
The CFA said members will continue to receive updates as the strategy develops, including access to consultation briefings and opportunities to contribute to future policy discussions.
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