Until now, there has been no consistent approach to assessing PC competence, leading to fragmented appointment processes, duplicated effort, and delays. PCs have also faced mounting pressure to demonstrate competence across their supply chains without a recognised format. BESA’s new framework, developed through extensive industry collaboration, aligns with BSI and ISO standards and cross-references the Build UK Common Assessment Standard. It enables organisations and individuals to define and evidence the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) required for the PC role, supported by practical examples and guidance.

Rachel Davidson, BESA’s director of specialist knowledge, said the guide responds to growing demand for clarity and consistency, especially as many potential PCs report being asked to provide repetitive and overly prescriptive pre-qualification evidence. She emphasised that the framework helps users understand expectations, identify skills gaps, and gather documentation that supports their professional profile, strengthening their position in tendering and compliance reviews.

The guide also addresses a common challenge: the misapplication of PAS 8672 in requiring PCs to meet every element of the standard, regardless of project size or complexity. BESA’s framework breaks down SKEB and core functions into a practical solution for self-assessment and selection, offering a structured route to compliance that avoids duplication and supports legal obligations in practice.

Covering six major competence areas: legal and contractual requirements, managing building work, planning and organising, supervision and quality, leadership and competence culture, and stakeholder and information management—the framework provides a clear path for PCs to demonstrate capability. It also offers clients and duty holders a reliable method for appointing suitably qualified individuals and firms, while reassuring regulators, insurers and public sector bodies with its transparent, evidence-based criteria.

The framework is available to download free of charge and is expected to become a key reference for aligning contractor competence with national safety standards.