Construction sector workers “ready to report signs of qualifications fraud”

The survey was sent to members of the CITB and the CSCS and ran from 17-31 October, in turn generating 473 responses from across the construction sector.

Responses emanated predominantly from site operatives (34%), site managers (27%) and senior managers (26%), with 39% working for large employers with over 250 employees.

While respondents to the survey overwhelmingly agreed that reporting suspected qualifications fraud is important and helps to protect safety on-site, they acknowledged gaps in understanding when it comes to the reporting process.

Qualifications fraud can be committed in several ways including:

*creating, buying or using fake certificates for regulated qualifications

*delivering ‘fast-track’ training, which leaves out important and necessary content

*helping learners cheat in tests by giving answers or taking a test on their behalf

Fraudulent qualifications can be used to obtain CSCS cards, allowing workers to access construction sites without the requisite skills. While this type of fraud can be spotted during training sessions, it can also be called out by workers on-site who can see the difference between a worker’s real-life skills and the qualifications they claim to possess.

Key survey findings

The majority of respondents (78%) don’t know the process for reporting suspected qualification fraud, with 45% saying they had some idea, but are not sure of the exact process. 33% stated that they don’t know how to report suspected qualifications fraud.

81% strongly agreed that it was important to report suspected qualifications fraud, while 85% said they felt comfortable (or very comfortable) raising concerns about suspected fraud in their workplace.

Respondents indicated that greater clarity around confidentiality would be a major driver in improving reporting rates.

Managers and responsible hiring managers have a vital role to play as these were the routes most commonly selected by respondents when asked to whom they would report suspected fraud.

The partners involved in the survey are now reminding construction sector employers and workers of three simple steps when concerns arise:

*use CSCS Smart Check via API, the app or the website to verify a card’s validity

*trust in professional judgement: if someone’s real-life skills don’t match their qualifications – even if the card is valid – then report suspected qualification fraud

*report concerns confidentially by e-mail to [email protected]

Anonymous reporting is available for those concerned about workplace relationships, while reports are investigated based on evidence, not on who made the report.

Clearer reporting channels

Emma Scott, director of vocational and technical qualifications delivery at Ofqual, said: “Construction workers recognise the importance of reporting suspected qualifications fraud, which is committed by a minority of individuals, but the evidence shows we need to make reporting channels clearer and emphasise that reports can be made confidentially.”

Scott added: “Tackling qualifications fraud requires organisations to work together with the ‘eyes and ears’ of those on construction sites. If someone’s real-life skills don’t match those on their card, they may have obtained it through qualifications fraud. Reporting this helps to protect everyone.”

Tim Balcon, CEO at the CITB, commented: “Genuine qualifications are fundamental for safety and standards across construction. This survey shows that workers understand why reporting matters, but we need to simplify the process and build confidence. At the CITB, we’re committed to supporting the industry in tackling qualifications fraud and protecting everyone on site.”

Sean Kearns, Group CEO of the CSCS, explained: “These findings reinforce the need to communicate how simple it is to check CSCS card validity and report concerns. We’ve made tools like the CSCS Smart Check API, app and website available for exactly this reason: to enable all CSCS Alliance cards to be checked and validated through a single ‘border control’-style process. If you suspect that a CSCS card is fraudulent, check it using Smart Check and report it via the app or [email protected]. When we all play our part, we protect the safety and reputation of the entire industry.”