BESA launches first SKEB competence toolkit for ductwork installers

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has released the first in a new series of toolkits aimed at helping building services firms and professionals demonstrate competence and comply with building safety legislation.

The free-to-download guide supports application of the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) model. It is designed to assist individuals and organisations in evidencing and understanding competence requirements under the Building Safety Act and related standards.

This first toolkit focuses on industrial and commercial ductwork installation. It outlines six key areas where compliance evidence is needed: health, safety and environmental legislation; workplace relationships; preparation of work; system and equipment identification; installation and testing; and pre-commissioning checks.

The guide includes templates for recording qualifications, assessments, experience, and examples of professional behaviour. It was developed in collaboration with Milford & Marah, the Association of Ductwork Contractors and Allied Services (ADCAS), and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).

The content aligns with work by the Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority (EBSSA) and the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG), which are developing national frameworks in response to the Hackitt Review following the Grenfell Tower fire.

“This guide has been designed to help individuals and companies simplify the process of measuring and assessing competence in a practical and easy to understand way,” said Rachel Davidson, BESA’s director of specialist knowledge.

Jon Vanstone, Chair of the Industry Competence Committee, added: “The SKEB Toolkit is a clear and practical example of what good looks like when sector-led initiatives meet the ambitions of national policy.”

Further toolkits for other building engineering disciplines are planned as part of the series.

The SKEB toolkit can be downloaded free of charge here.