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AUDIT | NASC YEARBOOK 2012


ENSURING CONTINUAL QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE


A new method of auditing will help members demonstrate they meet criteria annually. Alan Lilley explains the new process


2011 has been another very busy and challenging year for the NASC and the Audit Committee. There have been many important membership issues that have needed addressing from both the current membership and those applying for NASC membership. Over the past 12 months the NASC has sadly lost six member companies due to financial difficulties which unfortunately led to administration. The NASC has also found itself in the unfortunate situation of having to expel members for failing to pay NASC subscriptions. There is no doubt the difficult trading period we are experiencing is to blame, rather than companies choosing not to continue with NASC membership. Only one company was expelled in 2011


for non-compliance identified during an audit. We believe that contractors’ better understanding of SG4:10 and TG20:08 are helping our members raise their performance.


NASC membership still carries a lot


of weight within the industry. Clients are assured that when choosing an NASC member, they are getting regulated scaffolding contractors who have to pass a thorough audit.


New rules for audit Until recently NASC members were audited on a biennial basis, with the exception of new members who are given an interim audit 12 months after becoming an NASC


member. The Audit Committee felt this was a long time between audits. In an ideal world the NASC would audit every member on a yearly basis but resources are not available to do this. The Audit Committee has therefore devised a self certification document which came into effect in September 2011. This document is sent out to members 12 months from the date of their last audit and must be completed and signed by the managing director of the company. If at the next biennial audit the company is found to be non-compliant in the previous period it may well lead to their expulsion from the NASC. This is a way of the NASC ensuring that member companies continue to meet all aspects of the NASC Criteria over 12 months. This form requests certain information such as updated Insurance, P35, or an updated H&S policy statement among other documentation. Most importantly the company has to sign and confirm that they


“Health and safety best practice is of the utmost importance to Sisk and we are committed to working with like-minded companies to deliver safe construction sites. Our policy to exclusively use members of the NASC ensures we are only working with companies who have demonstrated a high level of competence in this high risk area of the industry. We would encourage all scaffolding contractors who have not achieved NASC membership to raise their game and meet the high standards required.” James Meredith, company safety, quality & environmental manager, John Sisk & Son Ltd


continue to maintain the appropriate level of CISRS card holders and qualified workforce. This new audit pattern for members means that every year the member will have to demonstrate that they continue to meet NASC Criteria on an ongoing basis. This provides ample evidence that the NASC cares about the quality and performance of its membership.


Staff criteria As of September 2011 the new round of audits commenced and all NASC members will be physically audited against the revised Criteria for Direct Employment (PAYE) and CISRS registered operatives. Advance notice was given to the membership that they must be able to demonstrate that a minimum 90% of the scaffolding workforce is PAYE and CISRS registered.


The audit committee continues to be vigilant and is increasingly focusing on the safety culture and mindset of the management of companies who are in membership of the NASC, and prospective members. Failure to demonstrate these qualities will result in new applicants having their application turned down whilst current members will be re audited at their own expense after non-compliance issues have been addressed and rectified within an agreed timescale. Failure to do this at re-audit stage will possibly result in their expulsion from NASC.


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