The Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) is actively contributing to the Joint Competency Initiative (JCI), developing a competency framework and assessments to ensure façade engineers meet the Building Safety Act's requirements. This includes a new competency test and updated standards to demonstrate professional expertise in the façade sector.
The Society of Façade Engineering (SFE), administered by CIBSE, has been at the forefront of raising professional standards and enhancing industry knowledge. In response to the competency requirements of the Building Safety Act, SFE has been actively involved in the Joint Competency Initiative (JCI) for the Envelope Sector. Formed by leading construction companies, JCI aims to establish practical and proportionate measures for organisational and individual competence in the glazing, cladding, and roofing sectors.
Through the development of the JCI Draft White Paper, 'Achieving Competence in the Building Envelope Sector,' the initiative has provided a clear framework for demonstrating competence via academic and vocational qualifications, complemented by continuous professional development (CPD). This structure helps individuals and organisations assess their competency level and understand when to escalate decisions to more qualified personnel.
SFE members, working alongside other senior professionals, have contributed significantly to developing a base competency assessment with IAST. This assessment will provide a way for façade engineers and professionals in various roles to demonstrate their knowledge as part of their Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviour (SKEB). This tool, alongside the Engineering Council's updated competency standards for Façade Engineering, will help ensure that façade professionals can meet the requirements set out by the Building Safety Act.