CDM - Co-ordinator FAQs: How and Why to Join ICS
- Who can apply to join?
- What are the requirements for membership?
- Why should I join?
- What are the categories of membership?
- How do I become a CDM Co-ordinator member of the ICS?
- Why should I be on a register?
- Where is the register kept?
- What support is ICS providing for members?
- What will it cost to apply to join the ICS?
- Are there any further checks?
- What happens if I fail an audit?
- Who checks ICS?
- Do I need to renew my membership?
- Can I be removed from the register?
- What will be included in the Register?
Who can apply to join?
The Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007 provide the opportunity for suitably qualified and experienced design and construction professionals to become consultants in relation to the safe design, construction, maintenance and demolition of buildings and structures. If they are a member of an appropriate accrediting organisation such as the Institution for Construction Safety (ICS), and are included in the register of competent persons, the Regulations and Approved Code of Practice recognise that this is a measure of assured competence for Clients looking for a CDM Co-ordinator.
What are the requirements for membership?
Any construction professional, with an interest in and commitment to Health
and safety in construction will be entitled to apply to join the Institution.
Membership (M.Inst.CS) is open to all construction professionals who can
demonstrate the following:
- That they hold a professional or vocational qualification in a design or construction discipline,
- Are Members of a professional body through which they can demonstrate a commitment to maintaining CPD (a minimum of 10 hours CPD on Health and Safety topics is recommended to maintain membership and inclusion in the ICS Register).
or
can demonstrate a commitment to CPD through attendance records (a minimum of 10 hours CPD on Health and Safety topics is recommended to maintain membership and inclusion in the ICS Register).
Applicants are requested to submit their last 2 years CPD attendance record with their application. Most professional institutes require a minimum of 35 hours CPD per annum. - Have demonstrable experience as a Health and Safety practitioner
- Have satisfactory work experience in design or construction
- Can demonstrate a commitment to improve safety
- Have attended appropriate training – a 3-day course with examination on CDM and the role and duties of a CDM-C by an approved training provider
Applicants who may not have a professional or vocational qualification, but can demonstrate their knowledge and experience along with the following specific requirements may be eligible and would, in addition to criteria in 1.2 above, submit the following with their application:
- A CV describing relevant experience,
- Confirmation of any relevant qualifications,
- Confirmation of courses attended,
- Demonstration of membership of relevant construction institute such as, ABE, CIBSE, CIOB, etc whose members abide by a Code of Conduct.
When a Member has demonstrated competency to carry out the duties of CDM Co-ordinator (CDM-C) their name is included on the CDM-C Register.
All applications will be considered by the Membership Committee.
The member application form is available for download here >>Why should I join?
The benefit of membership is accreditation as a health and safety professional, and in particular, if a member is accredited as a CDM Co-ordinator (CDM-C), this is a marketing tool for the member's business and a means by which clients can procure a CDM-C by referring to the register.
What are the categories of membership?
There are 6 categories of membership, but members will usually fall into two main categories – Member and Associate:
Member (M.Inst.CS) – see above
Associate Member (AM.Inst.CS) – awarded to those who do not meet all the requirements for full Membership but are working in health and safety and are committed to improving construction safety. In certain cases, Associate members who are suitably qualified can be included in the CDM-C Register.
Fellow (F.Inst.CS) – awarded to Members of the Institution who have given particularly distinguished service.
Technical (TICS) – awarded to those who do not yet have the appropriate academic qualifications but do have a working involvement in CDM Co-ordination and are committed to improving safety in the Construction Industry.
Honorary Membership (Hon MICS) – A non member who will be elected in recognition of service to the ICS.
How do I become a CDM Co-ordinator member of the ICS?
By making an application on the forms available from ICS or downloadable from this website.
Why should I be on a register?
The Regulations and Approved Code of Practice both make reference to competence and the register. By being on the register a member's details can be confirmed by clients when considering an appointment (following receipt of consultant proposals or tender). The register also provides clients wishing to make enquiries about a CDM Co-ordinator service to source contact details of accredited CDM Co-ordinators.
Where is the register kept?
The register is held at ICS offices and is available online.
What support is ICS providing for members?
The ICS provides a NewsFile containing information and news relevant to practice as a CDM Co-ordinator or Health and Safety consultant. There are regular updates by email and links to other information sources.
Member Services include:
- Appointment forms downloadable from the website,
- Technical queries from members,
- Client enquiries,
- CDM-C nomination service for clients.
What will it cost to apply to join the ICS?
The standard joining fee to be a member of the Scheme is £135.00. Associate Membership is available for £105.00. Membership will run annually from the beginning of each calendar year.
Are there any further checks?
Yes, it is a requirement that ICS audit their members' competency and every member will be audited at least once within the first 5 years. The details of the audit procedure will be published soon. In the event of a complaint or repeated queries about a member, ICS may make a spot check.
What happens if I fail an audit?
We think it unlikely that any member who has demonstrated competency will fail an audit, however if that happens then ICS can suspend or rescind membership, ICS may recommend undertaking in-depth training prior to resubmitting to join. In the event that a member of the scheme feels that they have been unfairly treated then their case will be assessed by an independent appeals panel. Irrespective of the final decision the member will not be entitled to a refund of their joining or annual membership fees.
Who checks ICS?
There is no agency who oversees the operation of ICS and their performance is not regulated by statute. However, ICS methodology of assessing and ensuring maintenance of member competency is discussed with HSE. ICS also participates in reviews of CDM with HSE.
Do I need to renew my membership?
Annual renewal is required to maintain membership of ICS and the member’s details on the register.
Can I be removed from the register?
Yes, members who fail to maintain their membership of the ICS or fail to demonstrate competency when asked, or are subject to any form of disciplinary procedure by their professional body can be removed from the register.
What will be included in the Register?
The member's name and contact address details. The register will also include information about a member's area of specialism as a guide to clients who are selecting a suitable CDM-C. The onus is still on the Client to make suitable further checks on the competence and suitability of a prospective CDM-C.