Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk recognised by the construction industry. This is not just a recommendation, but a necessity in the evolving landscape of our industry. Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, Commercial Director, says: “More and more of the industry is being asked to prove competence. Although a recognised qualification doesn’t do this independently, it does fulfil the ‘knowledge’ aspect of the SKEB (Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Behaviours) model. The purpose of accreditation is the improvement of academic quality and public accountability. dhf’s accredited courses are a formal qualification and the first in the industry to be offered as a theory-based course. The course complements, but doesn’t replace, the NVQ Door & Gate Systems Engineer Level 2 and for the public, promotes the company that employs a trained workforce. It is invaluable for those who tender for jobs in the prequalifying questionnaire process.” “Regulated accreditation of courses demonstrates the quality of an educational programme that prepares for entry into a recognised profession,” continues Patricia. dhf continues to offer the only accredited theory-based courses in the industry. It remains an Approved Assessment Centre of ABBE, regulated by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, which regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. “With the introduction of competency frameworks within the industry, it will become the ‘norm’ for contractors to ask for formal qualifications and become part of the question set within PQQs. Having formally qualified staff members, an installation firm with properly accredited staff will have an ‘edge’ over competitors without accredited staff when promoting its business to clients. So dhf is encouraging more learners to opt for a formal accreditation and that’s why we’re supporting the industry by subsidising the fees. dhf believes this will go some way to help provide evidence toward competence in individuals,” she concludes. To add accreditation, tick the ‘Accreditation’ box when booking and paying online. Book a course today: bit.ly/FTFTraining 43 THE door industry journal summer 2024 Industry News The UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 The UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 (PSTI Act) and its accompanying regulations are now in force and introduce stringent security requirements for organisations involved in manufacturing, importing, or distributing smart locks and smart access control systems in the UK. The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act comprises two pieces of legislation: firstly, Part 1 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act 2022 and secondly, The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (Security Requirements for Relevant Connectable Products) Regulations 2023, which came into force on April 29th, 2024. This law applies to all consumer IoT products, including but not limited to connected safety-relevant products such as door locks, connected home automation and alarm systems, Internet of Things-based stations and hubs to which multiple devices connect, smart home assistants, smartphones, smoke detectors, connected cameras, connected fridges, washers, freezers and coffee machines. The laws have been designed to improve the UK’s resilience to cyber-attacks and ensure that malign interference does not impact the wider UK and global economies. “The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Regulations requires manufacturers, importers and distributors to ensure that minimum security requirements are met in relation to consumer connectable products that are available in the UK and provides a robust regulatory framework for non-compliance,” explains dhf’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “Businesses that produce or supply IoT-connected products need to ensure that they are familiar with this law and have taken the appropriate steps to ensure they are compliant with its requirements.” Manufacturers will be legally required to protect consumers from hackers and cyber criminals from accessing devices with internet or network connectivity - the UK is the first country in the world to introduce these laws. “If manufacturers don’t apply, for example, they could be faced with Enforcement Notices such as Compliance notices, Stop notices and Recall notices; or Monetary penalties: the greater of £10 million or 4% of the company’s qualifying worldwide revenue and Forfeiture: of stock is in the possession or control of any manufacturer, importer or distributor of the products, or an authorised representative. So, organisations must take immediate steps to prevent affected products from reaching consumers in the UK”, says Patricia. The law’s minimum security requirements are based on the UK’s Code of Practice for Consumer IoT Security, the leading global standard for consumer IoT security, ETSI EN 303 645 and advice from the UK’s technical authority for cyber threats, the National Cyber Security Centre. “dhf has continually urged its members involved in manufacturing, importing, or distributing smart locks and access control systems in the UK to carefully assess their roles and obligations under the PSTI Act and prepare for the regulation changes. Failure to comply could result in substantial fines or penalties, emphasising the importance of robust cybersecurity practices and adherence to regulatory standards in the IoT sector,” she concludes. For further information, visit: bit.ly/3Nw6NiU
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