Proposal, not an implemented route: CITB opened a consultation on 12 October 2026 on recognising competence in specific work activities. It describes this as functional competence, intended to sit alongside existing qualifications and apprenticeships.
What CITB is asking industry to consider
The proposed approach would recognise what someone can do within a defined task or function without necessarily requiring a complete additional qualification. CITB invites feedback from employers, training providers and other industry participants. Its consultation runs to 15 January; further development is conditional on the consultation outcome and approval.
This is a CITB construction-skills proposal relevant to its Great Britain remit. It is not a new UK-wide building regulation and should not be presented as changing a project's existing competence, card or appointment requirements.
Cliventa commentary: describe the task precisely
For ventilation project teams, the useful question is how to connect a person's evidence to the activity they will actually undertake. A broad description such as “experienced installer” leaves too much open. Installing a straight duct run, setting out supports and completing an inspection record are different activities with different supervision and information needs.
A task record can identify the work performed, the drawing or method followed, the conditions under which it was observed and the person who reviewed it. Keep the boundary visible: evidence of one installation task should not be treated as evidence of design competence or authority to approve another specialist's work.
Prepare useful feedback without changing site rules
- List recurring activities.Use concrete examples from installation, checking and information recording.
- Describe the evidence.Identify observation, training and supervised practice that would make an assessment meaningful.
- Define the limits.Record when a task needs escalation, further training or closer supervision.
- Identify practical obstacles.Explain how assessment could work across short projects, changing workfaces and subcontract arrangements.
Continue using the agreed project requirements
Before mobilisation, confirm the competence evidence, inductions, supervision and authorisations required by the project team. Do not accept a consultation announcement as a substitute for those checks. If a future route is introduced, review its final scope and recognition before relying on it.
For ventilation installation, define the package and its interfaces alongside the workforce plan. The pre-start checklist helps connect people, information and workface readiness. This article offers project-planning commentary; CITB's published consultation remains the source for the proposal and participation details.
Primary source and review date
Read the official source (published 12 October 2026; reviewed 16 October 2026). Check the source for subsequent updates.