“At present, anyone can claim to be an electrician and work on an electrical installation, which cannot be right”


that there is a real appetite to deliver a bill through the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible to secure the safety of consumers and the integrity of the electrical sector in Scotland.” Ms Harper, who is also Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT, saluted a second consultation on regulation, which was launched by Jamie Hepburn MSP, the Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, and closed on 12 February.


She added: “These consultations are a major step towards a safer industry and we look forward to welcoming a new dawn for electricians and their customers in Scotland. “At present, anyone can claim to be


an electrician and work on an electrical installation, which cannot be right.” The fi rst consultation was set up by Highlands and Islands MSP Mr Halcro Johnston in a bid to present a case for regulation in advance of a proposed Holyrood Member’s Bill.


The Bill would be the culmination of a long-running campaign by the SJIB, SELECT and other leading industry bodies to make sure that those who work in the industry do so in a safe and competent manner. SELECT has spent the past few years campaigning with other leading trade bodies for the introduction of regulation, with its many supporters listed on the online Wall of Support.


LEGISLATION VITAL FOR CHANGE


SELECT has echoed the importance of the latest consultation on regulation and says only government legislation can bring about “comfort and security” to customers. Alan Wilson, Managing


Director of SELECT, said: “T ese consultations have given our industry the opportunity to shape the future and demonstrate that we are all committed to protecting consumers. “T e construction


industry is littered with schemes which are operated on a ‘voluntary’ basis and while we would all like to imagine that such an approach would achieve change, there is no evidence to show that this form of approach ever works. Any real and


eff ective change must be underpinned by legislation – maintaining the status quo is not an option. “T e Scottish


Government needs to introduce a package of measures which must include protection of title. Establishing a single register based on the existing SJIB model would provide the comfort and security


to a customer that someone who calls themselves an electrician was qualifi ed and competent.” Alan added: “T ere


is a strong economic case for legislation too. Scotland is investing £1.6 billion over the next fi ve years in decarbonising heat in buildings and it makes sense that those undertaking that programme are trained, qualifi ed and competent. “But there is also a


Alan Wilson


social side. Protecting title and making the role of electrician a profession will lead to greater interest in the industry and more opportunities for women and ethnic minorities to join it, which would be a signifi cant advantage to us all.”


Prof Rudi Klein joins SELECT


SELECT has moved swiftly to secure the services of the UK’s foremost construction expert to guide and advise Members on a range of essential topics. Professor Rudi Klein has been


appointed as a consultant to strengthen the association’s services after stepping down as Chief Executive of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group. As a tireless campaigner and major


force in driving industry improvement, his wealth of expert experience will now be on tap as he helps with the reform of payment systems, encourages the uptake of project bank accounts (PBAs) and supports work on the reform of retentions and regulation. Alan Wilson said: “T is appointment


is a major coup. Professor Klein is universally acknowledged as a foremost expert in his fi eld and has worked tirelessly to improve the trading conditions of businesses large and small. “Professor Klein and SELECT already


have an established relationship and have worked together for more than three decades. He will now be available to provide enhanced support and guidance on relevant contractual issues, potentially saving Members time and money.” A barrister by profession, Professor Klein will work with SELECT for one day a month and will also assist in drafting briefi ng notes, producing expert advice and supporting necessary lobbying.


He said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work even more closely with SELECT and its Members, working both face-to-face and behind the scenes to help fi rms of all sizes.”


A message to you


from Rudi: Pages 18 and 19


Rudi Klein


CABLEtalk FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 7


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