Strengthening Industry Support Through MP Engagement

October 8, 2024

As part of NSW, the Scaffolding Association has urged MPs to visit scaffold companies within their constituencies. These visits are designed to help MPs gain a better grasp of the industry’s critical role in supporting construction projects, ranging from small residential builds to national infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to foster stronger ties between the industry and government, improving conditions and opportunities for our members.


This initiative has gained widespread support from MPs, many of whom have agreed to promote NSW through their social media channels and committed to meeting with scaffolding businesses. Their backing is crucial in highlighting the challenges our members face, such as safety regulations, rising material costs, and the need for investment in skills training.

The return of MPs to Westminster after the autumn political party conference season marks an important moment for NSW. This year, the Scaffolding Association was represented at all major party conferences, taking the opportunity to engage informally with ministers and parliamentarians. These interactions allowed us to listen to their agendas, contribute to discussions, and underscore the pressing issues facing our members and the broader construction industry.

Many MPs have since shown their support for NSW, recognising the importance of scaffolding to the UK’s infrastructure and economic growth. One key supporter is Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State at both the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade. Sarah, who also serves as Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council, has recognised the essential role our members play in supporting the government's goals, such as the construction of 1.5 million new homes. Her commitment to working with the Scaffolding Association offers a promising step towards addressing industry challenges and improving the outlook for our members.


Robert Candy Meets Nigel Huddlestone MP

Another significant engagement for NSW came when Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, met with Nigel Huddlestone, MP for Droitwich and Evesham. This meeting highlighted the scaffolding sector’s contributions to the UK economy, safety, and innovation. Huddlestone expressed strong support for the industry, remarking:

"This week is National Scaffolding Week. I want to take a moment to recognise the vital role scaffolding plays in keeping our construction industry moving safely and efficiently. From supporting building projects to ensuring worker safety, the scaffolding sector is crucial. I have met Robert and Chris from the Scaffolding Association several times and am always impressed by their commitment to innovation and safety.”

These dialogues underscore the importance of supporting and improving the scaffolding industry for the benefit of all.


National Scaffolding Week: A Pathway to Industry Improvement

National Scaffolding Week serves as a platform to recognise the scaffolding industry’s indispensable role in UK construction while actively working to improve the industry for our members. By fostering connections between MPs and local scaffolders, NSW aims to create long-term benefits for businesses in the sector. These include improvements in safety regulations, access to training and skills development, and support for industry innovation.

The scaffolding industry is critical to the success of government initiatives such as infrastructure development and the push towards net-zero targets. Through events like NSW, we are ensuring that our members’ needs are represented and their contributions acknowledged by those in power.


Looking Ahead: A Stronger Future for Scaffolding

By encouraging MPs to engage directly with the scaffolding industry, the Scaffolding Association is taking active steps to improve the working conditions, opportunities, and recognition of our members. Support from high-profile figures like Sarah Jones MP and Nigel Huddlestone MP shows that the industry’s challenges and opportunities are firmly on the radar of policymakers.


As NSW continues to facilitate meaningful dialogue between government and the scaffolding sector, we are optimistic that this will lead to positive, lasting improvements for our members and the wider construction industry.

May 29, 2025
The Scaffolding Association is excited to confirm that National Scaffolding Week 2025 will take place from Monday 6 October to Friday 10 October 2025 . Now firmly established in the scaffold industry calendar, National Scaffolding Week is a bold and positive campaign that champions the people, progress, and professionalism of scaffolding in the UK. Launched to raise awareness and improve understanding of the industry’s value, the campaign has grown significantly over the last few years. Since its inception, the campaign has reached thousands of people inside and outside the industry, sparked conversations with government, inspired young people to consider scaffolding as a career, and created new opportunities for engagement between scaffolders, educators, clients, and the wider public. A central feature of the campaign has been the celebration of #ScaffStars – individuals from all walks of scaffolding life who go above and beyond. From scaffolders on-site to office-based professionals, apprentices to directors, each ScaffStar story has helped to highlight the skills, commitment and pride that define the scaffold community. But more than that, National Scaffolding Week has become a rallying point for the industry as a whole. It’s a unique opportunity for businesses, individuals, suppliers, manufacturers, training providers, and supporters to come together around a shared purpose: to celebrate achievements, tackle common challenges, and shape the future of scaffolding together. Whether through events, online content, partnerships or local initiatives, the campaign encourages connection and collaboration across all corners of the industry. Over the last few years, the campaign has seen exceptional support from scaffolding companies, educators, media and partner organisations – all helping to ensure that the industry’s contributions to the built environment are seen, understood, and valued. This year’s campaign will continue to focus on inspiring the next generation, amplifying authentic industry voices, and most importantly, bringing the scaffold community together as one. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: “National Scaffolding Week is more than a celebration – it’s a platform for pride, progress and unity. Every year, we see companies of all sizes coming together to showcase what scaffolding is really about – professionalism, innovation, and community. In 2025, we want even more people to join us in raising the profile of this incredible industry.” The Scaffolding Association is calling on businesses, individuals, training providers, suppliers, and supporters to get involved and help shape the campaign. The Association will be unveiling this year’s campaign theme, new partnerships, and engagement opportunities over the coming weeks. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to start planning how they’ll get involved. Whether big or small, your voice matters – and your support helps us reach new audiences, shape perceptions, and build a stronger, more connected future for scaffolding. To stay updated and get involved, visit nationalscaffoldingweek.org to download the social toolkit or follow the campaign on social media. Help Us Raise the Profile of National Scaffolding Week 2025 We’ve created a set of downloadable promotional materials to help you show your support for National Scaffolding Week 2025 – including email footers, a website banner, and a range of social media images. We’d really appreciate you using them wherever you can – whether that’s adding the banner to your homepage, using the images on your LinkedIn or Instagram, or including the email footer in your day-to-day correspondence. Every post, tag, and share helps us raise awareness and amplify the voice of the scaffold industry. Your support makes a real difference. www.nationalscaffoldingweek.com
May 14, 2025
National Scaffolding Week is proud to support Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 , taking place from 12–18 May , led by the Mental Health Foundation — the UK’s leading charity for mental health. This year’s theme, “ Community ”, highlights something we know well in scaffolding: the power of connection, belonging, and everyday support. Whether you’re working at height, on the ground, or behind the scenes, community is what keeps our industry strong — and it’s what can help keep us mentally well too. Why Community Matters in Scaffolding Scaffolding is a team effort. From the early starts and long days, to the careful planning and physical demands of the job — no one does it alone. That sense of teamwork and trust is more than just good practice — it’s a lifeline. Scaffolding is built on teamwork. From the early starts and long days, to the careful planning and physical demands of the job — no one works in isolation.  Checking in with a colleague, taking breaks together, or making time to talk when someone’s struggling, can make a real difference. Mental Health Is Everyone’s Business We echo the words of Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, who said: “Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that community is not just a word — it’s something we create through the way we treat each other, look out for one another, and make space to talk.” His message is a timely one. Mental health isn’t a side issue — it belongs on every toolbox talk, every company agenda, and every scaffolding site across the UK. Where to Get Support National Scaffolding Week proudly supports the work of these incredible organisations making a difference in our industry: Mates in Mind – Mental health education and support tailored to construction. Lighthouse Club – Financial, emotional and wellbeing help for construction workers and their families. Construction Sport – Using sport to create space for mental health conversations and connection. Working Minds Campaign (HSE) – Tools and resources to help employers tackle work-related stress. ManKind CIC – Peer support, mentoring and wellbeing programmes for tradespeople. Be Part of the Change Whether you’re an apprentice or a company director, you have a role to play in building a healthier, more connected scaffold community. During Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage everyone across the industry to: Start a conversation about mental health Share resources on site Recognise when someone might need support — and reach out Because in scaffolding, we don’t just build structures. We build people up too. Find more Mental Health Awareness Week resources here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week Mates in Mind – www.matesinmind.org Lighthouse Club – www.lighthouseclub.org Construction Sport – www.constructionsport.com Working Minds Campaign (HSE) – https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/working-minds ManKind CIC – www.mankindcic.co.uk
May 12, 2025
Scaffolding Association Launches New Guidance on Scaffold Inspections to Raise Industry Standards The Scaffolding Association has published the first in a new series of guidance documents designed to support scaffolding professionals and promote safety best practice across the sector. The new guidance focuses on scaffold inspections, emphasising their essential role in ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of scaffolding structures on sites of all types. As part of its commitment to raising standards and enhancing the professional reputation of the scaffolding industry, the Association is developing a range of practical and accessible resources to assist both its members and the wider sector in understanding and applying best practice. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, commented: “We are committed to supporting our members with clear, practical resources that help maintain safe working environments and uphold the highest levels of professionalism. Scaffold inspections are fundamental to reducing risk and ensuring compliance, and we are proud to offer this guidance as part of our mission to promote best practice across the sector.” The Association encourages scaffolding companies to download, review, and implement the guidance within their organisations. It is designed to support internal safety initiatives such as toolbox talks, training programmes, and client engagement — helping businesses demonstrate alignment with current industry expectations. This publication marks the beginning of a broader programme of guidance materials that the Scaffolding Association will be releasing over the coming months. Each resource will focus on key aspects of scaffolding operations, supporting continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the profession. Download the Guidance
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