Grants Deadline Looming: Get Funding For Training And A Range Of Total Support Services

There is just one week until the Friday 21st October deadline for BWF members to claim funding grants through the BWF for Leadership, Management and Supervisory Training, and for five of the BWF's Total Support Services: Factory Production Control, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, Chain of Custody and Health and Safety Audits.

The funding, provided through CITB-ConstructionSkills is only available this year, and is the perfect opportunity for BWF Members to up-skill and improve their business practices with some welcome financial support.

Leadership, Management & Supervisory Training

Claim up to £650 each for three members of staff to undertake management training pitched at the level right for them. Whether you are supervising in the workshop, managing the office team or providing the organisational leadership, the WITForum can provide an appropriately pitched course for your learning needs. Alternatively, you can still claim the funding if you wish to use your own training provider to tailor a course specifically for you. To apply for this funding, complete the LMS Fund Application Form.

Apply Now for Funding For Leadership, Management or Supervisory Training

Factory Production Control (FPC)

By 2013, all manufacturers of construction products which are covered by European standards will be legally required to have a written Factory Production Control (FPC) system in place. The construction products within the scope of the European standards include: WINDOWS, FIRE DOORS, EXTERNAL DOORS. The need for FPC comes as a result of the requirement for CE marking.

To ensure that you can all achieve and maintain a written FPC system, the BWF has launched a simple assistance package to help you. With the grant, this services is available for only £145 + VAT.

Apply Now For Factory Production Control

ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is a standard that identifies the requirements for an organisation’s quality management system. It is suitable for companies that may already have some basic factory production control process or are producing Fire Doors. In fact, it is a requirement to obtain ISO 9001 to join the BWF-CERTIFIRE Firedoor and Door Set Scheme. With the grant, the cost gaining certification is from just £295 + VAT.

Apply Now For Your ISO 9001 Certification

ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is an internationally accepted standard that sets out how you can go about putting in place an effective Environmental Management System (EMS). The standard is designed to address the delicate balance between maintaining profitability and reducing environmental impact; with the commitment of your entire organisation, it can enable you to achieve both objectives. With the grant, the cost of gaining certification is from just £515 + VAT.

Apply Now For Your ISO 14001 Certification

Chain of Custody

Chain of Custody (COC) Certification is a process of ensuring that a forest product has come from a legal, responsible source. It is a link from the initial logging stage, through the supply chain, potentially ending with the joinery company. Even if you used certified timber, you can only claim to be passing on a Chain of Custody product if you are a certified link in the chain. If you are not, then you break the link. By having Chain of Custody, you allow an environmentally conscious potential customer to make an informed choice.

We have two routes for Chain of Custody certification, our group scheme and our consultancy service. The group scheme is open to woodworking companies that employ 15 staff or less and turnover less than £1m per annum. It is specifically targeted at smaller firms to reduce the financial implications of being a sustainable manufacturer, and they will be certified under the BWF's certification. The consultancy service is for those larger businesses that do not fit into the group scheme criteria and will achieve their own individual certification. With the grant, the group scheme is just £995 + VAT, and the consultancy service is just £1495 + VAT.

Apply Now For Your Chain of Custody Group Scheme Certification

Apply Now For You Chain of Custody Consultancy Service

Health and Safety Audits

A health and safety audit is an independent, objective and systematic review of health and safety management including the policy, planning and implementation, organisation, measurement and review of performance.

Under the Health & Safety at Work Act etc. 1974, a general duty is placed on employers, so far as it is reasonably practicable, to:

• ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees
• maintain safe premises and systems of work including the provision of a written statement of safety policy
• provide any necessary information, instruction training and supervision.

A regular audit or examination of a company’s health and safety management system is therefore necessary to ensure compliance with all current legislation, including the above. With the grant, the audit is just £145 + VAT.

Apply Now For Your Health & Safety Audit

Don't forget the grant deadline is Friday 21st October, so make sure you get your applications in as soon as possible so you don't miss out! Remember, this funding is only open to BWF members that are registered with CITB-ConstructionSkills. If you are unsure if you are registered, please contact Dave Campbell on: 0844 815 9981.