The professionally qualified persons card is aimed at clients, consultants and facilities managers

The CSCS competency scheme was last night extended to cover professional occupations including engineering, quantity surveying and architecture.

The launch of the extended scheme, which aims to increase the value of CSCS within the industry, took place at the Institute of Civil engineers in Westminster.

Speaking at the launch, former construction minister Nick Raynsford said: “This initiative is of huge importance in achieving a more joined-up industry, which will be safer and more productive. The fact that professionals have previously not been involved in CSCS is perhaps a symbol of the divisions that have damaged the industry in the past.”

The new professionally qualified persons card is targeted at clients, designers, consultants, facilities managers and others who are non-resident on site but have wider health and safety responsibilities.