The FCA - Who we are

The Fencing Contractors Association (FCA) is a trade association set up in 1942 to facilitate the procurement of timber and other fencing materials to support the war effort. Since that time it has expanded its membership to include fencing contractors, material/product manufacturers and suppliers.

Our Membership consists of Full Members and Associate Members. Affiliate Membership is welcomed from individuals and companies who are not directly involved in the pre-mentioned categories. Anyone who is involved directly or indirectly in the fencing industry may apply to join.

FCA incorporates the following specialist sub groups:

ASFC – Association of Safety Fencing Contractors
ENBA – Environmental Noise Barrier Association
ESFF – Electrical Security Fence Federation
GAABA – Gate Automation and Access Barrier Association

FCA is a pro-active organisation and is involved in all work concerning legislation, standards and training for the industry. FCA lobbies government departments as well as working closely with these to ensure that the fencing industry is working consistently to the highest standards. Indeed FCA was influential in the development and ongoing management of British Standard 1722 – Fences; National Highway Sector Schemes (see below) came about as a result of ensuring national Quality Management and installation standards throughout the UK with regard to fencing in accordance with bespoke schemes for General Fencing (NHSS2A), Vehicle Restraint Systems (NHSS2B) & Environmental Barriers (Structural) (NHSS2C) which are third party audited by Certification Bodies.

In the early 1990s FCA worked with the DTI to remove the fencing industry from the scope of CITB levy and developed national standard qualifications specific to industry needs e.g. NVQ/SVQs and Diplomas and supporting training courses (either bespoke to fence type or to meet statutory requirements i.e. Health & Safety, First Aid etc. Membership of FCA is vital for all those involved in the industry to ensure that we maintain our current non levy paying status. FCA was instrumental in developing a partnership arrangement with CSCS to offer a jointly badged FISS/CSCS (see below) skills cards scheme for industry.

National Highway Sector Schemes

Sector Scheme Documents (SSDs) relate to the quality management system requirements for specific industry procedures. They set out to identify a common interpretation of BS EN ISO 9001: 2000 for Companies and Certification Bodies engaged in highway works.

Where there is an SSD specified it must be used and compliance to the document ensures best practice as appropriate to the nature of the work being undertaken. If a Client and/or company employs another company to work with/for them they must also ensure they are registered to a relevant SSD.

This Schedule of Suppliers provides information to clients and other interested parties listing companies approved to work to the scoping of SSDs as approved by a UKAS accredited Certification Body.

FISS/CSCS

The joint Fencing Industry Skills Scheme (FISS) and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is a national register for fencing industry personnel. The scheme provides a framework to encourage operatives to develop their skills and achieve recognised levels of competence within the fencing industry combined with Health and Safety training.

FISS/CSCS was developed by a working party reporting to the Sector Scheme Committee which represents the interests of everyone working in the industry. Administered by Lantra Awards, the scheme is supported by key industry organisations - employers, manufacturers and contractors.

FISS/CSCS jointly operate the scheme. The FISS/CSCS cards are recognised by all major contractors. The FISS/CSCS card ensures that every fencing operative has, as a minimum, received approved health and safety training and passed a health and safety test. The Diploma’s in Fencing are central to the scheme (previously NVQ/SVQs), as an essential qualification for skilled fence installers and lead installers.

FISS/CSCS is also essential for any fencing contractor working on Highways Agency, Local Authority and Network Rail contracts, whether for General Fencing or specialised Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) or Environmental Barriers (Structural).

FISS/CSCS is the hallmark of quality for fencing contractors who want to win major contracts and open up new business opportunities and for fencing installers who want their skills and competence to be recognised throughout the UK.

This gives clients assurance that installers have achieved or are working towards a qualification and they have completed the appropriate training.