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Working with your MP

September 16, 2022

Members of parliament are there to represent us – that’s their job! Getting support from your local MP can be really useful to your business. Not only can it raise the profile of your company, but they are often a good source of advice and information on specific issues.


Don’t be put off by your MP’s political party! The work they undertake in their constituency is not related to the work they undertake within their political party. It doesn’t matter whether or not you voted for your MP, they will be able to support you and your business.


Getting in touch with your local MP might feel a bit nerve wracking but it’s up to you to make sure they are aware of the issues that matter to businesses, like yours, in their constituency. By investing in building a lasting relationship with them and establishing regular contact, not only will you and your business receive greater publicity and support with work that you are doing in your area, but you will also be able to inform and influence decisions about things that will have a wider effect in your area.


Having your MP on board can be helpful to spread the word about what you are doing in your local area and potentially can help to secure new projects, resources and partners. This could involve asking your MP to publicise a scheme or project you are working on, to requesting public support for your work that can be featured in your local newspaper or trade press.


You can also call on your MP for support if there are major issues getting in the way of a project moving forward or getting something off the ground. If they can help you, they will, but it will mostly involve matters which parliament or central government departments are responsible for, like skills and training. That said they often can show support for issues that arise related to other public and private bodies.


You can also engage with your MP to encourage them to support a local or national campaign that you are passionate about (like National Scaffolding Week!). It’s useful to find out what your MP has been saying about a topic, if they have been involved in anything similar and see if this is something they would support. When you get in touch with them remember to link back to your experiences as a member of their constituency and why it is important to you. If they are able to offer support they might be able to help gain publicity for the campaign and  can even introduce you to other businesses or partners that might be interested!


One of the easiest and most effective ways to build a relationship with your MP is to write them a letter that you can post, or send by email. As one of their constituents, you should receive a reply. Include in your letter:


  • What you want your MP to do: promote a campaign or help you achieve something
  • Why this is important to you and why you want their help
  • What the local benefits of their help will be


Use the template letter below to get you started but remember that personalising your letter as much as possible is always a good idea.


We’ve created  a template to help you put together an introduction that will get your MP’s attention. Feel free to use this to get you started but remember to personalise your letter as much as possible for the most impact!


Download

Beat My Scaffold 2025 Winners Announced

March 25, 2025
The #BeatMyScaffold2025 competition has officially concluded, celebrating some of the most innovative and well-executed scaffold designs from around the world. The contest, which showcased the skills and creativity of industry professionals, saw strong participation from scaffolding experts, judges, and voters alike.
Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders –

Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders – Essential Driver CPC Module Launched by Scaffolding Association and RHA

February 13, 2025
Scaffolding transport comes with serious risks and getting it wrong can result in fines, vehicle prohibitions, loss of an operator’s license, and, more tragically, serious injuries or even fatalities. For this reason, the Scaffolding Association and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) have this week launched a brand-new Driver CPC training module, 'Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders.' This course contributes to the required thirty-five hours of periodic Driver CPC training, mandatory for all professional HGV drivers. Failing to complete this training can result in being unable to legally drive. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: "Scaffolding transport is both high-risk and heavily regulated and getting it wrong can have devastating consequences. Poorly secured scaffolding loads can cause serious injuries, collisions and even fatalities. This new course equips drivers with the knowledge to prevent such incidents, protecting lives and protecting businesses from enforcement action and legal consequences.” Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, said: "Load security is a priority for police and enforcement agencies who actively target non-compliant vehicles. There’s a moral obligation too as unsecured scaffolding and unsafe loads not only lead to penalties, but they also put lives at risk. This DVSA-approved course is designed specifically for scaffolding-related transport and equips drivers and businesses with the essential skills to stay compliant and safe. It arms drivers and businesses with the knowledge they need to prevent accidents, avoid fines, and protect the public." This Course Will Ensure: ● Drivers and operators fully understand the latest legislation ● Scaffolding materials are transported safely, securely, and legally ● Vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant with operator license requirements ● Businesses avoid costly enforcement action, fines, and prohibitions What Delegates Will Learn: ● Load Security – Key updates and who is responsible ● Staying Safe & Compliant – The right way to load scaffolding vehicles ● The Consequences of Getting It Wrong – Prohibitions, fines, and legal action ● Daily Vehicle Checks – What must be checked and how to record defects ● Defect & NIL Defect Reporting – Keeping vehicles roadworthy ● Enforcement Agencies – Their powers, documentation, and what to expect Who Needs to Book This Course? ● All professional HGV drivers transporting scaffolding ● Operators and supervisors responsible for loading & securing scaffolding materials ● Businesses that want to avoid enforcement action and protect their operator’s license For full course details including dates and locations, please visit: https://www.rha.uk.net/Training/England-Wales/Driver-CPC-Courses/-Safe-Loading-and-vehicle-checks-for-Scaffolders

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Shaping the Future of Scaffolding

February 10, 2025
As National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) kicks off, we at National Scaffolding Week are excited to celebrate the hardworking apprentices who are building the future of our industry. Apprenticeships are the backbone of the scaffolding trade, providing the vital skills and experience needed to ensure safety, innovation, and high standards across the sector. This week, we’re taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent within our field and the opportunities available for those looking to start their careers in scaffolding. Apprenticeships offer a fantastic pathway for young people and career changers alike, allowing them to earn while they learn, gain practical experience, and ultimately become key players in the scaffolding workforce. Why Apprenticeships Matter in Scaffolding The scaffolding industry is essential to construction, providing the structural framework needed for everything from high-rise buildings to complex industrial projects. For apprentices in the scaffolding trade, the combination of hands-on learning and technical training sets them up for long-term success. Through an apprenticeship, individuals don’t just acquire the practical skills of scaffolding; they also learn about the importance of safety standards, teamwork, and project management. These skills are essential in today’s fast-paced and evolving construction world. Moreover, apprenticeships provide access to highly sought-after qualifications and certifications, making them invaluable assets to any scaffolding business. Apprenticeship Opportunities at National Scaffolding Week At National Scaffolding Week , we’re not only celebrating apprentices but also committed to supporting the next generation of scaffolding talent. Our website is a hub for sharing valuable apprenticeship opportunities with aspiring scaffolding professionals. Whether you're a school leaver or someone looking for a career change, there are numerous pathways into the scaffolding industry, and we’re here to help you find them. By visiting our Apprenticeship Page , you can explore a variety of roles that are currently available within the scaffolding industry. These opportunities allow you to gain on-the-job training, mentorship, and industry-recognised qualifications—all while earning a competitive wage. We encourage all employers within the scaffolding community to post their apprenticeship opportunities on the gov.uk page so that the next generation of scaffolding professionals can easily find and apply for these valuable positions. Together, we can ensure a steady stream of highly skilled individuals entering our industry and contributing to its continued success. Shaping the Future Together Apprenticeships are about more than just learning a trade; they’re about building a career that can last a lifetime. We are incredibly proud of the apprentices who are dedicating themselves to mastering the scaffolding trade. Each one of them is a vital part of the future of our industry, and we’re excited to see the impact they’ll make. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025 , let’s reflect on the importance of apprenticeships in scaffolding and construction as a whole. By supporting these programs and helping to nurture new talent, we’re not only investing in the future of scaffolding but also in safer, more efficient, and innovative construction practices. To explore apprenticeship opportunities and learn more about the various pathways into scaffolding, head over to our Apprenticeship Page today. Join Us in Celebrating Apprenticeships We invite everyone—apprentices, employers, and industry leaders—to join us in celebrating the achievements of apprentices throughout National Apprenticeship Week. Let’s share stories of success, offer encouragement, and inspire others to take that important first step toward a rewarding career in scaffolding. Together, we’re building the future, one apprentice at a time.
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