Upcoming Changes to EUSR SHEA Schemes and CSCS Cards
Key points at a glance
Changes take effect for training completed from 1 October 2026.
SHEA registration and CSCS cards will have clearer, separate purposes.
A SHEA registration will no longer automatically result in an EUSR CSCS Green Labourer card.
Utilities labourers will be able to apply for the new EUSR Utilities Labourer card (Green CSCS card).
Skilled workers will need the appropriate CSCS card for their occupation and competence level.
Existing Green Labourer cards issued before the changes will remain valid until their expiry.
Employers should review workers’ roles, qualifications, SHEA registrations and CSCS cards ahead of the October deadline.
What is changing?
From 1 October 2026, EUSR is changing the way SHEA registrations and CSCS cards work together.
The main objective is to make sure workers have the “Right Card, Right Job” and that their CSCS card accurately reflects the work they are carrying out.
Currently, a SHEA registration is linked to an EUSR CSCS Green Labourer card. This has sometimes meant that people carrying out skilled utilities work have held a card identifying them as a labourer.
Under the new arrangements, this will change.
SHEA will continue to provide evidence of the required health and safety training, while the CSCS card will provide evidence that the worker has the appropriate card for their occupation and competence level.
Not everyone completing a SHEA registration will need a CSCS card. For example, operational workers not working in a construction role.
Additionally, expiry dates for CSCS cards and SHEA registrations may differ, meaning a new CSCS card will not always be required.
What does this mean for utilities labourers?
Workers whose actual role is utilities labouring will be able to apply for the new EUSR Utilities Labourer card.
A valid SHEA registration will continue to be required.
For existing cardholders, the change does not mean their current card suddenly becomes invalid. EUSR has confirmed that existing Green Labourer cards issued before the changes will remain valid until their normal expiry date.
What about skilled utilities workers?
Workers carrying out skilled occupations will need to hold the appropriate EUSR CSCS card for their role.
Depending on their circumstances, this could include Skilled Worker, Supervisor, Trainee or Experienced Worker cards.
Workers will also need to meet the relevant qualification or competence requirements for the card they are applying for, alongside maintaining the required SHEA registration.
The important point is that a worker’s card should reflect the work they actually undertake.
Why is EUSR making these changes?
The construction industry is placing increasing emphasis on competence and ensuring that people working on site have the appropriate skills and qualifications for their roles.
The changes support the industry’s move towards clearer competence verification and the “Right Card, Right Job” principle.
This means that holding a SHEA registration alone should not be viewed as evidence that someone is competent to carry out a particular skilled occupation.
Instead:
SHEA - health and safety training for work on utilities operations and construction.
CSCS card - for utilities construction workers. Carrying the appropriate card for their role and competence.
Both play an important part in demonstrating that a worker is appropriately trained and competent to work on site.
What should employers do?
Employers should begin reviewing their workforce before the 1 October 2026 deadline.
In particular, employers should:
Review the roles being carried out by employees and contractors.
Check which SHEA registrations workers currently hold.
Check the CSCS card held by each worker.
Confirm that the card reflects the worker’s actual occupation.
Identify any qualifications or competence requirements that need to be addressed.
Plan renewals and applications ahead of the October deadline.
Make sure managers and site teams understand the difference between SHEA registration and CSCS competence.
Taking action early should help avoid last-minute issues with workers accessing sites or being unable to demonstrate the appropriate competence.
What should workers do?
Workers should check their current CSCS card and consider whether it accurately reflects their role.
If you currently hold a Green Labourer card but carry out skilled utilities work, it is worth checking the requirements for the appropriate occupational card well before your existing card expires.
You should also make sure your SHEA registration remains current.
If you are unsure which card applies to your role, speak to your employer, training provider or EUSR before making an application.
Preparing for October 2026
The changes represent an important development in how competence is demonstrated across the utilities and construction sectors.
For employers, the priority should be to audit existing cards and identify any gaps.
For workers, the priority is to ensure that their card accurately reflects the work they perform and that they hold the necessary qualifications and SHEA registration.
With the implementation date of 1 October 2026 approaching, organisations that start preparing now will be better placed to make a smooth transition.
The key message
SHEA demonstrates health and safety training; the appropriate EUSR CSCS card indicates the worker’s role and competence.
Ensuring both are correct will help employers and workers meet the new requirements and support the industry’s broader “Right Card, Right Job” approach.