Baseline Competency Assessment

Baseline Competency Assessment: Elevating Competency in Façade Engineering

The Building Safety Act (BSA has reinforced the need for competency demonstration across the construction industry, including the façade sector. This means that every professional involved in façade design, engineering, and construction must provide evidence of their skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours (SKEBs) in alignment with regulatory expectations.

However, historically, the UK façade industry has lacked a structured framework for competency assessment. Unlike other engineering disciplines, there have been limited courses, qualifications, and formal accreditation pathways tailored to façade professionals. Most practitioners relied on their experience and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) without a clear competency validation process.

Recognising this gap, the Joint Competence Initiative (JCI) has taken a pioneering step toward Baseline Competency Assessment (BCA). This initiative, backed by leading industry professionals, aims to establish a robust, accessible, and cost-effective competency verification system.

The Need for Competency Validation in the Façade Industry

The introduction of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) under the BSA has intensified the need for professionals to demonstrate their qualifications. Industry stakeholders, including developers, contractors, and consultants, are now legally accountable for ensuring that the professionals working on higher-risk buildings (HRBs) possess the necessary expertise.

To ensure industry professionals meet compliance requirements and uphold best practices, the Baseline Competency Assessment (BCA) tests knowledge in key regulatory and technical areas. This includes standards such as NHBC Standards, Building Regulations and Approved Documents, LABC Standards, CWCT Standards, INCA Technical Guidance, BRE Documents, British Standards (BSI publications), and Eurocodes. These frameworks provide essential guidance for façade safety, performance, and regulatory compliance.

The Joint Competence Initiative (JCI) and the White Paper

To address this issue, the Joint Competence Initiative (JCI) developed a White Paper outlining the required skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours (SKEBs) for various roles in the façade industry. This initiative has set the foundation for a standardised approach to competency validation, ensuring compliance with regulatory demands while enhancing the overall safety and quality of façade engineering.

Qualifications and Courses Available

While there are some formal education options, such as:

  • Diploma Level 5 in Façade Design and Engineering (developed by the Institute for Architectural Science and Technology (IAST))

  • Masters in Façade Engineering (offered by the University of the West of England and CWCT)

These courses are often costly and time-intensive, making them inaccessible to many professionals. Furthermore, they do not always align with the immediate competency validation requirements under the BSA.

Baseline Competency Assessment (BCA): A Game-Changer for the Industry

Recognising the urgent need for an efficient, scalable, and cost-effective competency validation system, JCI has collaborated with IAST to develop the Baseline Competency Assessment (BCA).

What is the BCA?

The Baseline Competency Assessment (BCA) is a structured peer-reviewed evaluation tool designed to:

  • Verify prior learning and industry knowledge

  • Provide immediate certification to competent professionals

  • Identify knowledge gaps and suggest areas for improvement

  • Be highly accessible (available both online and in-person)

  • Support international candidates involved in UK projects

  • Be either free or very cost-effective

This initiative allows practitioners to demonstrate their competency efficiently. The assessment consists of multiple-choice questions derived from existing and new courses developed by IAST, ensuring a comprehensive knowledge evaluation.

Industry Collaboration and Pilot Testing

JCI has worked closely with leading industry experts to refine the Baseline Competency Assessment through rigorous peer review and trial phases.

Peer Review

The initial peer review of the Baseline Competency Assessment was conducted by the JCI Training Working Group, with substantial input from façade engineers and directors representing:

  • Skanska

  • Seele 

  • Dobler UK

  • BB7

First Trial Run: London (9th December 2024)

People working on laptops and tablets in a modern office setting, with white tables and glass water bottles. A plate of cookies and mugs are on the table.

  • Laing O’Rourke

  • Sir Robert McAlpine

  • Fosters + Partners

  • Wates

  • Graham

  • Laing O’Rourke

  • Balfour Beatty

People in a conference room having a meeting, using laptops and taking notes.

The first BCA trial run was conducted at Skanska's London office. Participants included façade directors, design managers, and engineers from leading firms such as:

  • CBRE

  • WSP

  • Colorminium

Feedback from this trial helped refine the assessment, ensuring its robustness and relevance.

Second Trial Run: Manchester (18th March 2025)

Open-plan office with people working at desks, multiple computer monitors, large windows, and visible structural beams.

  • Novum Structures

  • Proteus Façades

  • BB7

  • Clarke Façades

  • A2O Façades

  • Clad Up Design

  • Lendlease

  • Caddick

  • EAG

  • Hydro Building Systems

  • Lockmetal

  • IAS SpA

  • Glass & Façade Solutions

A group of people in casual attire seated in a modern office setting, having a discussion or meeting. Large windows provide natural light to the room.

Building on the success of the London event, the second BCA trial was conducted in Manchester, hosted by BB7 Manchester. This session introduced two distinct tests:

  1. Design Manager Role Assessment

  2. Cladding & Glazing Designer Assessment

Participants included professionals from:

  • R5 Consultants

  • McKay Turner Consulting

The invaluable feedback from these sessions allows JCI and IAST to improve the assessment framework continuously, ensuring it meets industry needs.

The Future of Competency Assessment in Façade Engineering

JCI is actively developing new competency assessments for additional roles in façade engineering. The organisation is working closely with industry experts to expand the question bank and introduce role-specific competency evaluations.

Industry Involvement: How You Can Contribute

JCI is inviting industry professionals to contribute to the development of future competency assessments. If you are an experienced practitioner, your expertise and insights can help shape the next generation of competency verification tools.

If you are interested in contributing to the future of competency assessment in the façade industry, please reach out to JCI and IAST. Whether you wish to participate in future trials, contribute expertise, or support development efforts, your involvement is highly valued.

Register your interest to participate in future assessment trials and discussion sessions.

"Baseline Competency Assessment Registration Form" text with colorful square icons on a black background.

Together, we can create a stronger, safer, and more competent façade industry.