The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) has launched a major new consultation about the future of competency in the KBB sector, and is inviting professionals from across the entire industry to have their say.
The 30-day consultation opened on June 24 and will run until July 24, and is a joint effort with the CITB to establish “a consistent and effective approach to competency for the sector”.
This follows BIFIS forming the Fitted Interiors Competency Framework Working Group in February 2025, which was made up of manufacturers, retailers, installers, training providers and industry bodies, and supported by CITB to develop a framework for competency in the fitted interiors sector.
Outlining key competencies across installation, health and safety, training and re-validation, the model has been designed to reduce risks, improve building performance, and ensure compliance across the industry.
To ensure the proposed agreement reflects the needs of the industry as a whole, BIFIS is inviting all stakeholders to review it before the end of July before it is finalised.
Specifically, BIFIS says the consultation is open to The consultation is open to installation businesses, retailers, manufacturers, employers, industry federations, professional bodies, training providers, certification organisations, contractors, and individuals working across the fitted interiors environment.
Once the consultation period has closed, the feedback gathered will be reviewed by the project steering group before the Competency Framework Agreement is published.
“The Competency Framework Agreement represents an important step towards greater consistency and confidence in how competence is defined and demonstrated across the industry,” commented Damian Walters, BIFIS CEO.
“We encourage everyone with an interest in workforce competence to review the document and share their views so that the final agreement is practical, inclusive, and fit for the future. Moreover, we urge all industry stakeholders to share the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of our sector with their respective audiences.
“It is vital that our industry has input into what will be an important foundation for the future of the sector, including the topic of licensing, which I have been alluding to for some time.”
You can review the proposed agreement and send offer your feedback by clicking here.