National Specialist Contractors' Council
The National Specialist Contractors' Council (NSCC) aimed to bring together the common aims of specialist trade organisations within the construction industry and was the authoritative voice of specialist contractors in the UK.
Its membership included more than 30 specialist trade organisations representing businesses engaged in planning, design, construction, refurbishment, and maintenance in both the commercial and domestic sectors.
NSCC represented specialist contractors at a number of key industry forums. It also provided advice, guidance, information and support to specialist contractors on a wide range of topics designed to improve business performance and help them deliver quality, best value and integrated solutions to their clients.
It was co-owner of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), a card scheme for construction that certifies the holder has the appropriate training, experience and qualifications for their work (in particular in relation to health and safety).
On 25 June 2015, the UK Contractors’ Group (UKCG) and National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) confirmed that they would merge to create Build UK, ‘…a strong collective voice for the contracting supply chain in construction’ to ‘…improve conditions for the supply chain, the wider industry and its clients.’
This followed calls from the government for a single, unified voice from the construction industry, combined with an increasing realisation that the UKCG and NSCC held similar positions in a number of key areas.
Build UK launched on 1 September 2015, led by Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol MBE (current NSCC Chief Executive). See Build UK for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.