This year marks GQA Qualifications’ 20th anniversary of operation. During the past 20 years, the organisation has found its influence grow among a broad range of key stakeholders and decisionmakers. The number of committees, initiatives and collaborations to which GQA has been welcomed has never been higher.
The links between GQA and the Building Our Skills (BOS) campaign are firmly established. Mick Clayton, GQA’s chief executive officer, is on the BOS board, to help make fenestration a career of choice. But perhaps less well known are some of the other organisations with which GQA is helping to shape future decisionmaking. For example, Mike Morris, GQA’s chair, is part of a parliamentary review group, and GQA has featured in the Parliamentary Review, a guide to political and industry best practice in management that is sent to over 500,000 leading business executives.
Mike and Mick are representing GQA on the Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which is chaired by Lord Blunkett. The council brings together the influential industry figures from across the country.
In addition, GQA staff are on the following committees and groups:
- The RISA board, a UKAS-accredited inspection body for the fenestration and construction industries.
- BEABF, a committee of awarding bodies that work in construction.
- The Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB)’s training committee.
- The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF)’s health and safety committee, and GGF members meetings.
- The Steering Group for PAS 2030+A1 / PAS 2035+A1, retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency.
- The official review of BSAu242, windscreen repair standards.
- The committee reviewing BS10125 , vehicle repair standards.
- The Sector Advisory Group for Vehicle Repair and Automotive Glazing, a group set up to identify and advise industries on competence solutions and approved continuing professional development.
- The CITB Competence and Skills Group, a working party representing all CSCS card schemes to develop a competence framework, including a review of the CSCS card renewal process.
Mick, GQA’s CEO, said: “It’s so gratifying that GQA staff are able to help and support so many industry committees. To have a seat at the table when decisions are being taken that will mould the future of the industries in which we operate is a true honour. Having acquired PAAVQ-SET, the awarding body for the polymer, engineering, chemical, pharmaceutical and nuclear industries, we are also keen to build on the strong links that this organisation has in its sectors. Going forwards, we also intend to look for more opportunities for collaborative working in the areas of print and construction.”
