Modern Building Services

6 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MAY 2021 INDUSTRY NEWS Engineering services alliance backs industry prequalification Standard Actuate UK, the umbrella body for the £multi-billion engineering services sector, has expressed its support for the revitalised prequalification Common Assessment Standard. The Common Assessment Standard, which has been developed by BuildUK and a range of industry stakeholders, including Actuate UK member bodies, aims to removewasteful commercial and public sector prequalification through the adoption of widely specified common assessment prequalification (PQ) questions. Significantly, a new ‘data sharing’ solution has been introduced, enabling contractors and clients to obtain key PQ responses fromany Recognised Assessment Body. Data sharing is expected to increase the specification of the Standard bymain contractors and other buyers and increasingly, supplierswill only need to be certified by one Recognised Assessment Body, saving time andmoney. The prequalification system is currently overseen by an InterimCross- Industry Body including public and private sector clients, contractors and trade associations. The Government’s Construction Sector Deal specifically supports a standardised prequalification process, to be adopted across public and private sectors.The Construction Leadership Council also supports the Common Assessment Standard and is encouraging its adoption throughout Government construction procurement. Contractors appointed to the Crown Commercial Service seven-year framework are expected to assess their supply chains using the Common Assessment Standard, while guidance in support of the Construction Playbook is also expected to include howcontracting authorities can use the Common Assessment Standard for their tenders. The newdata sharing solutionmeans contractors and clients can access verified key prequalification data for their supply chainswith any preferred Recognised Assessment Body - so theywill not need to set up an arrangement with every Recognised Assessment Body.There are currently three Recognised Assessment bodies (CHAS, Achilles and Constructionline). Over time, assessed supplier will need only provide one set of prequalification information annually.The Common Assessment Standard question set is reviewed under an ongoing industry-wide process. #CommonAssessmentStandard andmore information can be found here: https://bit.ly/3dPgbvT The Institute of Refrigeration announced today that eight members had been recognised as Fellows for their leadership and contribution to the RACHP industry. Nick Atkins FInstR. Nick is a member of both the IOR Technical Committee and FETA Technical Management Committee, providing valuable linkage and liaison with the trade association. James Bailey FInstR. James is an enthusiast for the reduction of refrigerant leakage and served as a chair of the IOR REAL Zero steering group. Dr Catarina Marques FInstR. Catarina is a Senior Research Fellow at London South Bank University and has presented widely on technical topics to the IOR, IMechE and International Institute of Refrigeration. Len Fiddler FInstR. Len has been a member of the IOR since he began his career in refrigeration. He was a long- termmember of the IOR Membership Committee sharing his knowledge of the industry gained from his work in technical advice with a wholesaler. Ian Fisher FInstR. Ian has been a member of the RACHPEngTech Panel for six years, contributing his practical knowledge of air conditioning and efficiency to many bulletins produced. Declan Fitzmaurice FInstR. Declan has held various voluntary roles in the Irish Refrigeration Institute and is currently their President. Mark Forsyth FInstR. Mark has been a vocal advocate of training for many years. He is volunteer Project Manager and Lead Judge for SkillFRIDGE practical skills competitions. His is also Training Manager for Worldskills UK RACHP apprentices taking part in the World Skills Euro and International Competitions Roger Mapperley FInstR. Roger has encouraged training and apprenticeships through his employer and acted as a mentor to many new engineers. He supported the IOR Engineering Technician (Trailblazer) development and is part of the new IOR Design Engineer Standards group. www.ior.org.uk/membership The IOR announces eight new Fellows