CARES Governance and Board Update

Following a review of CARES’ ownership and Governance structure, the Board of CARES has agreed to a process of change to prepare for the future.

Highest Green Product Certification: Platinum result for CARES approved manufacturer

Highest Green Product Certification rating: Platinum result achieved by Hong Kong manufacturer supplying CARES approved rebars and cut and bend products. 

Working in partnership with the Hong Kong Green Building Council, CARES is delighted to confirm that Shiu Wing Steel Limited has become the first company in Hong Kong to achieve the highest – Platinum – rating for Green Product Certification in supplying rebars and cut and bend products.

CARES publishes its Sustainability Report 2021

CARES publishes its Sustainability Report 2021

This year’s report has a broader scope covering context  and overall performance of the Sustainable Constructional Steels (SCS) Certification Scheme up to the 2020 data reporting year, and activities completed in 2021.

CARES attains flexible scope of accreditation from UKAS

CARES attains flexible scope of accreditation from UKAS

CARES has recently attained flexible scope of accreditation from UKAS to ISO/IEC 17065 for product conformity certification.

CARES updates its specification guidance document

CARES updates its specification guidance document 

CARES’ specification guideline document has been updated and a new version is published today. Specifiers are encouraged to review the specifying guide and their own specifications to ensure materials are adequately specified and CARES certification is properly referenced.

CARES is supporting Self-Care Week from 15 to 21 November 2021. Consequently, the CARES Office will be closed on Friday 19th November for staff to focus on their self-care and prioritise their mental health.

CARES is supporting Self-Care Week from 15 to 21 November 2021. Consequently, the CARES Office will be closed on Friday 19th November for staff to focus on their self-care and prioritise their mental health.

CARES Hong Kong Ltd is now accredited by Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS)

CARES achieves another significant milestone in management systems certifications

An important new vote of confidence in CARES as one of the leading players in global management systems certification has just been confirmed.

Emirates Steel adopts CARES advanced verification technology

Emirates Steel, the leading integrated steel manufacturer in the Middle East, has adopted CARES’ state-of-the-art Dynamic QR Code verification technology

CARES joins construction decarbonisation drive

CARES has become the latest signatory in a new initiative pushing construction towards net zero in carbon emissions

CARES signs pledge accelerating reduction in carbon emissions

CARES is proud to be launch signatory in Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) carbon reduction pledge

Safety critical steel supply on course for breakthrough

Safety critical steel supply on course for ‘game-changing’ innovation breakthrough

CARES is working with three sector partners on an innovative project aimed at bringing digital transformation to the sourcing and approval of rebar in line with the government’s ‘Made Smarter’ drive.

CARES updates its certificate logo and logo guidelines document.

CARES updates its certificate logo and logo guidelines document.

CARES’ certificate logo has been updated and a new version (v5) of CARES’ Logo Guidelines is published. The guidelines come into effect immediately and supersede all previous versions.

Recognition of CARES Sustainability Constructional Steel (SCS) Scheme and Third Party Verified EPD by Singapore Green Building Product Certification (SGBP) Scheme

Recognition of CARES Sustainability Constructional Steel (SCS) Scheme and Third Party Verified EPD by Singapore Green Building Product Certification (SGBP) Scheme

CARES is today renewing its warning about the risks posed by false steel certification certificates entering the construction supply chain

CARES is today renewing its warning about the risks posed by false steel certification certificates entering the construction supply chain

Fresh alert over false reinforcing steel certificates: use digital security for product confidence

CARES launches a new product certification scheme in Australia

CARES launches a new product certification scheme in Australia - Supply and Installation of Post-Tensioning Systems for Concrete Structures Scheme

CARES is to play a key role in transforming the installation of post-tensioning systems in Australia, it was announced on Tuesday May 4^th.

‘Step change’ in safety gathers pace as CARES becomes latest signatory of Building Safety Charter

‘Step change’ in safety gathers pace as CARES becomes latest signatory of Building Safety Charter

CARES has joined the growing list of private and public sector organisations to commit to championing fundamental cultural change underpinning the Building Safety Charter.

Bringing Clarity to Certification: Follow Our Simple ISO Roadmap

Bringing Clarity to Certification: Follow Our Simple ISO Roadmap

Taking the first steps towards certification can be a daunting task for an enterprise looking to confirm standards and awareness of the products and services it offers.

Finding the most appropriate means of raising that awareness often opens up further challenges – not least the natural caution Executives and Quality Managers will have in identifying the right Certification Body (CB) to work with in pursuit of formal certification.

CARES in ‘ground-breaking’ - Steel Sustainability Agreement across Australasia

CARES in ‘ground-breaking’ - Steel Sustainability Agreement across Australasia

CARES is to play a key role in transforming sustainability standards across the steel supply chain in Australasia, it was announced today (Monday 8th March 2021).

CARES Alert: Unregulated reinforcement continuity systems

Please contact CARES immediately if in any doubt about a reinforcement continuity systems’ CARES approval status.

CARES is investigating unregulated reinforcement continuity systems entering the construction supply chain.

It is with great sadness that CARES has learned of the death of Vic Harris, a highly respected auditor at CARES.

It is with great sadness that CARES has learned of the death of Gerry Hayter, a highly respected Member of the CARES Policy Advisory Committee, representing Highways England.

CARES expertise in structural concrete recognised by prestigious professional body.

CARES expertise in structural concrete recognised by prestigious professional body.

CARES’ long experience and aggregated sector knowledge has assisted professional colleagues in preparing a revised and updated manual providing guidance on best practice in structural concrete detailing.

HS2 asks all suppliers to specify responsible sourcing standards and references CARES Sustainable Constructional Steels Certification.

HS2 asks all suppliers to specify responsible sourcing standards and references CARES Sustainable Constructional Steels Certification.

Expectations of HS2 suppliers include ensuring they meet specified responsible sourcing standards and certifications and providing appropriate evidence. 

Update following the trade deal between the UK and EU – the UK Conformity Assessment mark and UK Notified Bodies.

Update following the trade deal between the UK and EU – the UK Conformity Assessment mark and UK Notified Bodies.

A review of the detailed trade deal agreement has not indicated any change by the EU to recognise UK Notified bodies, neither are there any details as to whether a mutual recognition agreement is planned which will allow this in the near future.

Updated Product Certification Schedule of Accreditation Published

Updated Product Certification Schedule of Accreditation Published

CARES is pleased to advise that a new version (042) of our UKAS product Schedule of Accreditation has been released by  UKAS. 

Get Ready for Change Now – Hackitt’s Clear Warning for Construction

Get Ready for Change Now – Hackitt’s Clear Warning for Construction

Delivering the 25th Anniversary Lecture to mark the formation of UKAS, Dame Judith spelled out the urgent need for cultural and behavioural change. In her presentation, she warned, simply, that:

“Old ‘Business as Usual’ will not come back – those who change and adjust proactively will be the ones who survive and thrive.”

Plea for ‘increased vigilance’ following discovery of fake certification offered to companies

Plea for ‘increased vigilance’ following discovery of fake certification offered to companies

CARES has identified a number of cases of altered documentation in relation to the certification of reinforcing steels which highlights the need for increased vigilance in checking the authenticity of documentation provided.

CARES publish its Sustainability Report 2020.

CARES publish its Sustainability Report 2020.

The report provides updates on the 10^th year of operation of the Sustainable Constructional Steels Certification Scheme including summary performance against targets for the 2019 calendar year and activities relating to the scheme from 2020

New Post-tensioning scheme ‘boosts quality and confidence’ across the Australian construction sector.

New Post-tensioning scheme ‘boosts quality and confidence’ across the Australian construction sector.

Development represents “natural evolution” of long-standing relationships with colleagues in Australia

Brexit and potential impacts on the status of CARES product approvals

CARES has received requests for information about Brexit, specifically regarding any potential impact on the status of CARES product approvals, in particular those covering reinforcing steel.

Hong Kong construction body approves CARES environmental product scheme

New market opens up for clients as Hong Kong construction body approves CARES environmental product scheme.

Further international recognition of CARES’ sector-leading energy efficiency and environmental standards has been announced by Hong Kong’s Green Building Council.

Tony Cusens, former CARES Chairman

The CARES Board is extremely sorry to learn of the death of our distinguished former Chairman Professor Anthony (Tony) Cusens, who played a very important role in CARES’ development.

CARES App – Download rebar info FREE now!

Instant access to critical product information is now freely available via the CARES Cloud App

This means that all smartphone users will be able to confirm CARES certification scope of approval, bar mark and check product information through an easy-to-use instant scan of critical construction products.

Updated CARES Logo Guidelines published

An updated version (v3) of the CARES Logo Guidelines is now published. The revised guidelines come into effect immediately and supersede all previous versions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CARES CLIENTS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CARES CLIENTS

CARES remote auditing

Covid-19 update - International Accreditation Forum (IAF) extends migration period of ISO 45001:2018 to September 2021

Covid-19 update - International Accreditation Forum (IAF) extends migration period of ISO 45001:2018 to September 2021

Following the recent decision of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) to extend migration of ISO 45001:2018, CARES has today confirmed that it has also extended its transition process to meet the new standard by six months, from March 2021 to September 2021.

PANDEMIC UPDATE APRIL 2020 CARES continues to operate during the current crisis as we are operating remotely in line with best practice delivering the same trust and confidence you expect.

COVID-19: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CARES CLIENTS

CARES continue to operate during the current crisis, but we must stress two critical points:

Safety is paramount. We are mitigating all risks to our staff, contractors, clients and all our commercial partners during this global crisis.

CARES continue to operate remotely, in line with best practice delivering the same trust and confidence you expect.

Covid 19 (Coronavirus)

*- IMPORTANT INFORMATION -* 

CARES Office staff are now working remotely.  Please direct all correspondence to CARES general inbox.  Emails will be forwarded as soon as possible.

general@ukcares.com

CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY MARCH 2020

*- IMPORTANT INFORMATION -* 

CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY MARCH 2020

CARES Contingency measures: Covid-19 outbreak.

WORKING AT CARES

CARES is now recruiting.

Assurance (Management System) and Compliance Engineer.  Please go to working at CARES webpage to find full Job Specification.

CARES Product Certification Changes

All CARES 2020 product certification certificates are LIVE and available for download from CARES website. 

Improved security for product certification certificates of approval.  New QR code added.

Please read article for further details.

CARES publish its Sustainability Report 2019

CARES publish its Sustainability Report 2019.

With an introduction from CARES new Chairman, Steven Brunswick, it provides updates on the Sustainable Constructional Steels Certification Scheme

New Chairman announced by CARES

Steven Brunswick is the new Chairman of the Board of CARES following the retirement of Professor Les Clark OBE.

Lee Brankley, CEO, paid tribute to Prof. Clark for his “tremendous achievements” at CARES and congratulated Mr Brunswick on his new role.

Welding of reinforcement by CARES approved fabricators

Welding of reinforcement by CARES approved fabricators

CARES would like to remind all designers/specifiers/procurement professionals that the requirements for the welding of reinforcement were recently changed.

Scam and Fake Email Alert

Scam and Fake Email Alert
Announcement                      

Scam and Fake Email Alert
Please be advised that UK CARES located in Sevenoaks, Kent, United Kingdom without any branches overseas.

Proposed UK Sustainable Steel Scheme - Consultation

Consultation: 1 March - 31 May 2019

Take part in our Consultation relating to the creation of a UK Sustainable Steels Scheme

CLICK HERE

CARES achieves another significant milestone in global constructional steel certification

An important new vote of confidence in CARES as one of the leading players in global steel product certification has just been confirmed.

CARES is now accredited to provide product certification to the Hong Kong reinforcing steel standard, CS2:2012.

CARES launches new inspection service in Hong Kong

CARES is delighted to announce the launch of its new service in Hong Kong - Independent Sampling and Inspection service for off-site prefabrication yards in Hong Kong.

CARES delivered a Technical Seminar: “Confidence in Reinforcement Supply Chain” for The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE)

During a recent visit to the region coinciding with the launch of CARES services in Hong Kong CARES’ senior team delivered a high-level presentation on the importance of steel product provenance to over 120 engineering industry delegates.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lee Brankley; General Manager Mr. Ayhan Tugrul and Regional Operation Manager (East Asia) Mr. Chin Seng YAP addressed a Technical Seminar on: “Confidence in Reinforcement Supply Chain” for The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Transition to Appendices 11 & 12 / All UK fabricators currently approved to CARES SRC Appendices 6 and/or 10 to be completed by end of 2018

The current SRC Appendices 6 & 10 will be withdrawn at the end of 2018 by which time any companies wishing to maintain their approval will need to have completed their transition to Appendices 11 & 12.

We are now recruiting for an Auditor (Technical Officer)

If you are interested in a career with CARES please go to the news item page for further information.

New ISO 45001 changes - CARES among the first to be accredited to new ISO Standard

Update on ISO 45001 from UKAS

10 July 2018

CARES has become one of the first Certification Bodies in the country to successfully achieve accreditation from UKAS to the new ISO 45001:2018 management system.

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) recently invited Certification Bodies to submit to assessments for the new ISO and International Accreditation Forum’s (IAF) drive to promote early implementation of accredited certification under ISO 45001: 2018, regarded as one of the most rigorous frameworks in the field of workplace health & safety assessment. CARES has just been named as one of the first to achieve accreditation to this new management system. Read the full article for further information.

CARES takes major step forward in global constructional steel certification

An important new vote of confidence in CARES as one of the leading players in steel product certification worldwide has just been confirmed in Singapore.

The Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) has announced that CARES is now accredited to provide product certification to the Singapore reinforcing steel standard, SS 560. Read the full article for further information.

IMPORTANT TRANSITION INFORMATION:-

IMPORTANT TRANSITION INFORMATION:-

OHSAS 18001:2017 TO ISO 45001:2018 TO BE COMPLETED BY 12TH MARCH 2021

Ben Bowsher Tribute

A Tribute to the Life of Ben Bowsher

Further Details - Ben Bowsher

The life of Ben Bowsher, CARES’ former Chief Executive Officer, will be celebrated at a ceremony taking place on Tuesday 5 June.

CARES delivered a presentation at the first joint event of the CIHT Qatar Group and ICE Qatar

CARES delivered a presentation at the first joint event of the CIHT Qatar Group and ICE Qatar

Ben Bowsher, former CEO, CARES.

Ben Bowsher, the former CEO of CARES, the UK Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels, has died following a long illness.

CARES exhibiting at Kallanish Europe Steel Markets 2018 event

CARES releases a new product certification schedule for hot rolled flat steel products

CARES has released a new quality and operations assessment schedule for hot rolled flat steel products for the steel construction and industrial applications under Construction Products and Associated Services (CPAS) Scheme. As with all CARES certification services this new schedule is UKAS accredited and the latest CARES schedule of accreditation can be assessed from the UKAS website.

CARES annual sustainability report 2016/17

CARES has released its Sustainable Constructional Steel Scheme Sector Report 2016/17. It demonstrates how a CARES-approved supply chain for constructional steel can help reduce business risk and provide top-line benefits.

CARES rolling mark requirements

The CARES Steel for the reinforcement of concrete (SRC) scheme covers all stages in the production, distribution, processing and delivery to site of steel reinforcement. It requires a robust and effective system of product traceability from the steel producer to the construction site.

CE marking of steel reinforcement - no requirement for CE marking of steel reinforcement. Read CARES article for an update on CE marking of steel reinforcement – 14 November 2017

CE marking of steel reinforcement - no requirement for CE marking of steel reinforcement.

Read CARES article for an update on CE marking of steel reinforcement – 14 November 2017

CARES sponsoring the fibUK DISC 2017 Conference

CARES is sponsoring the fibUK Development in Concrete Structures - DISC 2017 Conference 

BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing for the constructional materials workshop during Qatar 2017 Sustainability Week

The construction industry is a major consumer of resources and has impacts on the project sustainability. The responsible sourcing management system and certification scheme helps organisations to manage and reduce these impacts throughout the constructional material supply chain.

Industry-led procurement solution holds the key to a positive future for steel

CARES article published in Concrete – March 2017.  Lee Brankley of CARES finds optimism for the steel sector in the publication of Government procurement advice and its new Industrial Strategy.

BSI publishes BS 8548:2017 Guidance for arc welding of reinforcing steel

The British Standards Institute (BSI) published this new standard in January 2017. Over recent years therehasbeenasignificantgrowthinthespecification of pre-assembled welded fabrications. This standard aims to clarify the requirements of BS EN ISO 17660-1 and BS EN ISO 17660-2 and provide suitable guidance for the arc welding of carbon steel reinforcing bars produced in accordance with BS 4449 and BS 4482.

Procurement changes bring new focus for contractors sourcing steel products

New government guidelines designed to help create a “level playing field” for UK steel producers are expected to start to have a significant impact on steel product procurement during 2017.

Electronic Certificates of approval

CARES issues electronic certificates of approval

CARES releases its annual sustainability report

CARES has released its Sustainable Constructional Steel Scheme Sector Report 2015/16.  It demonstrates how a CARES-approved supply chain for constructional steel can help reduce business risk and provide top-line benefits.

CARES at the heart of Middle East building certification improvements

The role of CARES in providing certification to companies working towards improved construction standards in the Middle East is extending fast in 2016.

BES 6001 Green light from accreditation body UKAS welcomed by CARES

CARES became a BES 6001 Licensee earlier this year (March) and immediately applied for UKAS accreditation.

Recognition for CARES-approved companies in US Green Building Council's LEED certification

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) have confirmed that BRE-verified EPDs (Environmental Product Declaration) to EN 15804 are acceptable in LEED assessments.

BSI publishes revision to BS 4449

The British Standards Institute (BSI) released a revision to BS 4449 on 31 March. The changes to the standard have been made in response to concerns about the addition of alloying elements to rebar and the amount of these elements added that may not have been previously reported.

BRE welcomes CARES as a BES 6001 licensee

BRE operates a licensing scheme for its BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing Framework Standard for Construction Products. Last week BRE welcomed CARES as the most recent licensee for BES 6001.

CARES releases its annual sustainability report

CARES has released its Sustainable Constructional Steel Scheme Sector Report 2014/15. It demonstrates how a CARES-approved supply chain for constructional steel can help reduce business risk and provide top-line benefits.

CARES welcomes UK government procurement policy for steel

CARES supports the initiative of the UK government to give preference to procuring products which are able to demonstrate compliance with a recognised responsible sourcing scheme, certified by a third party.

Why use CARES-approved continuity strips?

Continuity strips are one of the many reinforced concrete products and systems in the market that are not covered by national or international product standards. However, users of these bespoke products and systems need to have the same level of product quality assurance that they would expect for rebar, a safety critical structural material.

ISTA joins CARES’ Policy Advisory Committee

CARES is pleased to announce that the International Steel Trade Association (ISTA) has joined its Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) as a Chairman’s nominee to the committee.

ISO 9001 2015 now published – how does this affect my CARES certification?

ISO 9001 2015 has recently been published to replace the 2008 version. This standard acts as the basis for all steelmill and fabricator approvals, as well as CARES technical approvals and post-tensioning activities.

Dr George Somerville OBE, former Chairman of the Board of CARES, has died

CARES is sad to report the death of its former Chairman of the Board, Dr George Somerville OBE, on 4 September 2015.

Update on CE marking of steel reinforcement

CARES has produced a statement to help designers and consultants understand the relevance of CE marking for steel reinforcement.

Lee Brankley is appointed as Chief Executive Officer of CARES

Lee Brankley has been appointed CEO of CARES by the Board of CARES. He has been Acting Chief Executive Officer of CARES since January 2015. He takes up the permanent role with immediate effect following the recent resignation of Ben Bowsher due to ill health.

Ben Bowsher stands down as Chief Executive Officer of CARES

Ben Bowsher has informed the Board of CARES that, due to ill health, he is to stand down from his position of CEO with immediate effect. With great regret the Board has agreed to this.

Hot rolled flat steel products added to the Sustainable Constructional Steel Scheme

CARES has developed an optional addition to the Sustainable Constructional Steel (SCS) Scheme that specifically addresses sustainability issues for the production of hot rolled flat steel products.

UK Contractors Group recommends use of CARES schemes

UK Contractors Group (UKCG) have produced a new guide on Procuring responsibly sourced steel reinforcement for their members. The CARES Sustainable Constructional Steel (SCS) scheme and Steel for the Reinforcement of Concrete (SRC) scheme both feature prominently in the guide.

CARES sponsors the NCE UK Rail Conference

CARES is one of the sponsors of the NCE UK Rail conference that takes place on 23-24 June in London. From drawing out lessons learned from Crossrail to exploring the recent developments on HS2, this event will provide insight from those delivering, designing and procuring these £multi-billion projects.

CARES launches new product conformity certification schedule

CARES has developed an optional addition to the Steel for the Reinforcement of Concrete (SRC) Scheme that specifically addresses the technical and operational requirements for the manufacture of carbon steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete for use in the nuclear power sector and other mega projects.

CARES receives clean bill of health from UK Government

CARES has recently received correspondence from the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills confirming that CARES acted in an appropriate way in responding to the complaints CARES has received over the last 18 months.

Further statement by CARES regarding concerns over the quality of imported reinforcing steel

There has been considerable concern spread about the compliance of reinforcing steel to BS 4449, manufactured in China, and imported into the UK.

Statement by CARES regarding concerns over the quality of imported reinforcing steel

There has been panic spread about the compliance of reinforcing steel to BS 4449, manufactured in China, and imported into the UK. To date, despite much investigation by CARES, no evidence has been found to indicate that the physical product placed on the market did not comply with the product standard, BS 4449 2005.