B&ES (The Building & Engineering Services Association) is playing a role in the work of a national forum which has been established to improve renewable heat skills and training.

In addition to relevant installer trade associations, membership of the Renewable Energy Skills Forum (RESF) comprises representation from Government, awarding bodies, qualifications regulators and colleges and training providers, and is being co-ordinated by SummitSkills, the standards-setting organisation for building engineering services.

At its inaugural meeting, the RESF mapped out its key activities over the next 12 months, which are focused on supporting the skills infrastructure required by the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive.

With the overarching aim of establishing minimum standards and quality assurance for domestic renewable heat training, its priorities include setting up a UK register of approved qualifications and training providers, and encouraging standardisation of training materials and courses. The RESF will also monitor training delivery, and address any potential negative impact of changes to the Qualifications and Credit Framework.

According to Nigel Hollett, general manager of SummitSkills and RESF chair, the fact that over 20 organisations were represented at the first meeting demonstrated the high level of commitment that exists for the enhancement of renewable heat training.

Support for the RESF is being provided by Kevin Dowd, SummitSkills’ programme manager, and B&ES is represented on the forum by Lindsay Gillespie (pictured), the Association’s standards development and policy co-ordinator – skills.