On its website, Construction Card Services includes services for CSCS card applications and CITB HS&E test bookings. The company “explicitly states” in its terms and conditions and a disclaimer at the bottom of its homepage that it is “not part of, or associated with CSCS or CITB”.
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A spokesperson for CSCS told CM that its attempt to obtain information about Construction Card Services’s business “was ignored”.
After Construction Card Services failed to respond to CSCS's Company Names Tribunal application, adjudicator Susan Eaves ordered on 22 August that it change its name within one month.
Company Names Tribunal applications that are not defended are treated as unopposed and are successful by default.
The adjudicator also awarded the skills certification body £800 in costs, although CSCS told CM that it would not be pursuing this payment.
Construction Card Services has one month from the date on the adjudicator's order to appeal the decision.
'Only one official application service'
This is the 13th time that CSCS has succeeded in changing a company's name since 2020.
The CSCS spokesperson told CM that although it doesn't prevent construction workers from using third parties to submit their card applications, all must be processed by them “to ensure accurate verification of health and safety training and qualifications with the appropriate awarding organisations, and to reduce the risk of fraud”.
They added: “CSCS welcomes steps that protect the integrity of its brand and ensure clarity for construction workers and employers who rely on CSCS cards as a trusted verification of skills and qualifications.
“As a not-for-profit organisation owned by the construction industry, we want to ensure workers and employers are fully aware that CSCS.uk.com is the only official application service.
“Some third-party organisations charge high admin fees and provide a poor service, which can then be incorrectly attributed to CSCS. This can also cost CSCS time and money to rectify and explain.
“While some third-party services include disclaimers that they are not affiliated with CSCS, these are rarely displayed prominently on websites and even so, there remains a risk of confusion among applicants and employers due to the similarity of names and the services they offer.
“CSCS does not endorse any third-party organisations delivering CSCS card application services and we always advise individuals to use the official CSCS service, where a card costs £36.”
Construction Card Services LLP did not reply to the CM's request for comment.
