CLIVE Dickin was appointed chief executive officer of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) earlier this year.
The experienced trade association professional, whose past roles include commercial director for the National Federation of Builders, has joined the trade body at a time of immense challenges – and opportunities – for the sector.
The appointment means outgoing acting NASC MD, Dave Mosley, has returned to his role as MD of the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) and NASC director of training.
Clive recently told Project Scotland of his ambitions for the organisation, including plans to attract more talent into the sector and adding more Scottish-based members.
Q) What’s your background and what attracted you to the role of CEO?
A) For over 30 years I have specialised in supporting the development of membership trade bodies, especially in the construction sector.
In 1996 I was first exposed to the access and MEWP sector and realised the importance of the sector, not just construction but all sectors needing high quality access and scaffolding.
When then seeing NASC as a huge untapped body for the good of its members, why would I not want to join?
Q) What can you tell us about your plans for driving the organisation forward?
A) NASC is a massive untapped resource for scaffolding contracting businesses. Not only is NASC’s independent membership standards – which apply to all members – highly regarded by clients, its years of experience of writing health, safety, technical, legal and contract guidance, to name but a few (not including the exceptional digital portal), places NASC in a brilliant position to expand its support of the sector and recognise the risk reduction and efficiency NASC members can offer their clients.
Q) How important are trade bodies within the construction industry? What can they achieve?
A) Trade bodies form an important part of the construction sector, providing representation and guidance to their members.
NASC’s standards are exceptional, and our members strive to achieve brilliance that is reflected in the client’s expectation of a scaffolding and access quality typified by NASC membership. All NASC contracting members achieve these standards; there are no tiers, which means that clients can expect a clear level of risk reduction and efficiency from all our members, regardless of size or specialism. All trade bodies should do the same to ensure the success of their specialist sector.
Q) Why should scaffolding and access companies join NASC?
A) Since its inception, NASC has driven up standards and clients now expect those standards.
I see the term or equivalent on procurement documents and the simple reality is that NASC is the only body that has the provenance and respect in standard setting, aligned with NASC’s open audit programme and business support services for members.
Why would a scaffolding and access contractor not join NASC? NASC is run by its members, for its members, and quality scaffolding and access contractors are welcome to join. We will gladly help them meet the standards and together the sector prospers.
Q) What do you see as some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the scaffolding and access sector currently?
A) The world is a challenging place, with war resulting in economic turmoil, exiting Europe resulting in supply chain challenges, the scaffolding and access sector is now seeing talent shortages and challenging economic trading conditions.
NASC is providing its members with a range of business support services and continues to work to ensure talent is found. NASC stands strongly by the belief that good commercial practice builds business resilience.
In addition, the sector is also expanding and it’s encouraging to see scaffold and access developing new techniques and technologies to expand their range of services. NASC will be pivotal in supporting the development of these new opportunities and encourage growth.
Q) We’ve heard a lot about skills shortages in construction generally. What can the scaffolding and access industry do to help attract the next generation of workers?
A) NASC is committed to supporting the acquisition of new talent. It will shortly be launching its new strategy to aid firstly its members, but also the broader sector to attract the new scaffolding employees.
Let’s not forget what a great career scaffolding and access is; the salary and career progression available is significantly better than many other trades. We need to celebrate this and drive recognition.
Q) Are you looking to grow NASC membership in Scotland? What dealings have you had so far with Scottish firms?
A) Yes, 100%. Scotland and Northern Ireland are important regions and NASC is committed to growing its membership, but as importantly supporting its members. NASC is looking at how it can expand its digital portal to incorporate system scaffolding and have a stronger presence in Scotland.
I have committed to be in the regions regularly and meet the members and prospective members. Watch this space!
