As the Government passes its first 100 days in office, Pat Allen, Chairman of the Fire and Security Association (FSA), looks at its policy agenda and what it means for the fire and security industries.
After the Conservative election victory in May, it became clear that they intend to pursue a market-based strategy that aims to cut both ‘red tape’ and so-called ‘blue tape’ (paperwork costs ranged on business by other businesses). With fewer burdens, the Conservatives reason, business will be more innovative and more productive, and that will lead to growth. With this in mind, I hope we would see a resolution to the issue of business licensing in the near future. This is something which has been under discussion for a long time, and, while I appreciate it is an issue which cannot and should not be resolved overnight, some indication of what the Government is planning to do would be welcome. Any solution to this issue should not punish those companies that already meet the relevant British Standards with further, unnecessary costs. One of the points we raised when we met with the SIA last year to discuss this issue was that many ARCs or RVRCs already undergo third party accreditation to comply with a range of relevant British Standards.
Given the Conservatives strong preference for less bureaucracy, going against this would seem bizarre, but it’s crucial that a decision is reached. At present, a number of unregulated ARCs are taking advantage of the lack of regulation, capitalising on clients’ naivety and taking work away from legitimate businesses by offering to deliver work at a lower price. Business licensing is a solution to this issue, but I would hope the Government will work with industry to ensure that whatever form this takes, it doesn’t punish those businesses who already confirm to the required standards.
Blazing a trail
Skills are one area where the new Government has been particularly proactive. The Conservatives have continued to promote the value of apprenticeships, encourage businesses to recruit apprentices and support the work of the Trailblazer groups – a project which formed the cornerstone of the Coalition’s apprenticeship policies. I was particularly delighted when the Fire, Security and Emergency Systems Apprenticeship Standard was approved by BIS in August. Of course, there are a number of factors relating to the Trailblazer apprenticeship that still need to be developed, but this announcement gives us the means to offer someone who seeks a career in our industry a formal training programme – and one that has the backing of employers. However, two areas which still we still require further clarification are how this apprenticeship will be funded under the Government’s proposed changes to the apprentice funding system in this country (the flipside of the new market-led approach is that Government can be less keen to offer financial support) and how the proposed industry wide apprentice levy will affect our sector. We are actively representing the sector on both these issues.
One hundred days may be a long time in politics, but it doesn’t give a true indication of how the Government’s policy agenda will impact on business and industry – particularly when those hundred days include the summer recess. So far, the Government’s plans appear to be helpful to our industry and the business within it, but more time and details are needed before we can form a full picture. Let’s see what the post-recess Parliamentary calendar has in store.
