GAI: Ironmongery expert lifts the latch on wider industry standards

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) is helping to shape the competency frameworks for the wider construction products industry. This is as part of its drive towards clearer and more robust fire safety standards.

Working Group 12

Douglas Masterson, technical manager at the GAI, is the co-chair of Working Group 12. His appointment will seem him work alongside Hanna Clarke, digital and policy manager at the Construction Products Association (CPA).

He has been representing the GAI in that group since October 2018 and became deputy chair in April 2020. At the same time, he also became a member of the Competence Steering Group (CSG).

October 2018 was the inception of the Working Group 12.

Hackitt Review

The Steering Group on Competences for Building a Safer Future and its 12 sub-groups – set up to implement the recommendations of the Hackitt Review – have been continuing to look at specialist areas of construction practice.

The groups consist of representatives from installers, fire, housing, construction and professional organisations from within the industry. Working Group 12 is focussing on competency in the construction products sector.

‘A great honour to be able to lead Working Group 12’

Douglas Masterson comments: “This role puts the GAI at the forefront of promoting increased levels of competency for the entire construction products industry.

“We have been performing the same role for the door and hardware industry since 1961 and advocating increased skills and knowledge for our membership is at the heart of what we do.

“It is a great honour to be able to lead Working Group 12, and to also represent the wider industry at the Competence Steering Group.”

Setting the Bar report

The Setting the Bar report, from October 2020, set out the competence requirements for those working on higher-risk residential buildings.

Douglas and Hanna have taken over the chairman role from Peter Caplehorn, chief executive of the CPA. Joe Cilia, technical director at the Finishes and Interior Sector (FIS), will replace Douglas as deputy chair.

For more information, head over to www.gai.org.uk/IndustryUpdates

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