By Jon Vanstone, chair of Certass Trade Association.

As chair of multiple industry committees, I have a front-row seat to the evolution of competence requirements across the built environment.

With the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) now restructured as part of the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), the changes coming down the line are set to be transformational. For glazing installers in the domestic replacement market, these changes will have profound implications on your ability to work, run your businesses effectively, and meet your legal obligations.

The ICSG, formed originally as CSG after the Grenfell Tower fire and the Hackitt Review, has been instrumental in raising competence standards. Its restructuring into a formal working group of the ICC marks a pivotal moment. Together, these bodies will develop and implement competence frameworks aligned with BS 8670 standards, focusing on collaboration, culture change, and continuous improvement.

This is not just about high-risk buildings; these standards will influence every corner of the built environment, including domestic glazing.

For tradespeople, these competence frameworks will affect everything from training requirements to how you demonstrate your skills and knowledge to customers. This is not compliance for its own sake. These frameworks aim to ensure that everyone in the built environment – from manufacturers to installers and demolition teams – is equipped to work safely, ethically, and competently.

Why does competence matters for glazing installers?

In the glazing sector, competence is more than ticking boxes. Poor competence can lead to unsafe installations, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. Customers trust you to deliver not just aesthetics but safety and efficiency.

As the ICC and ICSG drive up standards, the industry must adapt to ensure every installer can meet these new expectations.

The changes may feel distant now, but their impact is already filtering into the domestic replacement market. It’s time to evaluate whether your training providers are equipping you with the skills and knowledge to meet today’s standards and those of the future.

Are they in step with expectations being set out by ICC? Are they aligned with BS 8670? Are they preparing you for the shift towards ethical and competent practices? These are the questions you need to ask of your training providers.

Your ability to stay ahead of these changes will determine your success. This isn’t just about maintaining your licence to operate; it’s about securing your business and reputation in a market that increasingly demands transparency and accountability.

How changes affect you

Under its new structure, the ICSG will produce competence frameworks, guidance, and implementation programmes to drive cultural change. These frameworks will set the bar for competence and provide a roadmap for continuous improvement.

The goal is to embed competence at every stage of a project, from design and installation to maintenance and beyond.

For installers, this means more than technical skills. Competence now involves understanding the products you’re installing, the regulations governing their use, and the impact of your work on safety and sustainability. It’s also about ethical behaviour and customer communication – being able to demonstrate your competence clearly to clients and regulators alike.

Supporting installers

As chair of Certass, I can confidently say there is no better place for installers to access up-to-date information and guidance on competence. Certass has long been a trusted partner, providing tools and resources to help you navigate building regulations and compliance.

With the ICC and ICSG driving the competence agenda, Certass is perfectly positioned to help you stay ahead.

Through our commitment to supporting tradespeople, we ensure that the training and resources you access are not only relevant but aligned with the latest standards. Whether it’s helping you understand new frameworks or providing practical advice on demonstrating your competence, Certass is here to support you every step of the way.

Preparing for the future

The changes spearheaded by the ICC and ICSG are a response to years of complacency and fragmentation in the built environment. For glazing installers, this is an opportunity to elevate your practice and stand out in a crowded market. By embracing these changes, you’re protecting your business and contributing to a safer, more competent industry.

As we look to the future, I urge all installers to take proactive steps. Review your training providers, engage with organisations like Certass, and stay informed about ICC and ICSG developments. This is a time for collaboration and growth, and those who rise to the challenge will be well-positioned to thrive.

Competence is not just a requirement – it’s a responsibility