APS has increased its sector-wide engagement to better support members in developing and maintaining professional competence. Each week, we’ll share an update from APS HQ so you can see the breadth of work being carried out for your benefit.

What’s happened last week?

• On Monday, Sofie Hooper, Deputy CEO started off the week’s external engagement by chairing the Industry Task and Finish Group (ITFG) Steering Group on the guidance on how to manage competence in organisations. This draft is nearing completion, with publication expected in late April. Members might be interested in participating in a joint ICC-ITFG webinar which is taking place next Monday, 23rd March, to find out more about what is expected when managing competence. Read more about the webinar and sign up here.

• On Tuesday, Nicola Lally, Head of Operations attended the CIC Governance Task and Finish Group. This group is developing proposals towards standards for professional bodies on how they provide professional oversight for their members, with a view of being an integral part of the future oversight system currently being developed by the Building Safety Regulator and MHCLG.

• Andrew Leslie, CEO and Mark Snelling, President represented APS at the ISHCCO General Assembly and International Conference in Madrid last week. Highlights included Philip Baker delivering a well received presentation at the International Conference (Thurs) on hazardous substances and the role of Safety and Health Construction Coordinators, and Mark Snelling updating the General Assembly (Fri) on APS initiatives, with a particular focus on the management of organisational competence. A full report will be featured in the next issue of Project Safety Journal.

Recent updates members should know about

On Tuesday 10th March 2026, the Senedd passed the Building Safety (Wales) Bill — one of the largest pieces of legislation ever considered by the Senedd, taking a major step forward in protecting residents in their homes by putting in place a new safety regime for the occupation phase. Read more about this development and other Welsh changes coming into force soon here: Welsh Senedd passes Building Safety (Wales) Bill.

What’s coming up this week? (16- 22 March)

Meetings APS is involved in this week include:

• APS Attending CIC 2050 Group meeting

• Sofie Hooper attending CIC Competence working group meeting

• APS attending ICC Setting Expectations - Group 2 Clients meeting

• Sofie Hooper attending CIC Liability Panel

• APS Academy – Temporary Works for CDM Practitioners course taking place

We’ll continue to keep members updated on key developments and engagement across the industry as plans for 2026 take shape.

If you would like to contribute or share expertise on issues that matter to you, please contact APS HQ at info@aps.org.uk.