Who we are

UKWoodchain is the not-for-profit industry-led group that is recognised by Government as the standard-setting body for wood-using industry occupations and as the sector body responsible for developing qualifications strategies and other key planning tools. Our job is to get vital resources into the sector and into its industries, working with partners wherever possible. If your business uses wood, cork, hemp, flax or straw we’re ready to listen to your views. If you’re serious about competitive performance in the sector, we’ll make room for you in our work programme.


What UKW contributes to the sector
The organisation works with Government bodies at every level to secure resources for building an infrastructure containing:

• the performance standards from which accredited qualifications can be developed for any job in the sector
• frameworks and guidance for awarding bodies to develop qualifications that are effective and attractive
• strategies and plans to make qualifications accessible through education and training programmes across the UK
• opportunities for willing companies to have their investment in performance supported by public sector investment
• opportunities for companies to collaborate in testing new ideas and approaches to performance development

Nationally recognised qualifications for wood-using industry occupations are one of our priorities. We have worked hard for over 2 years to develop frameworks on which qualifications in skills relevant to our sector can be based; and the government has ring fenced £16.5m for the funding of training for existing employees in sector industries. UKWoodchain's proposals for a qualification framework based on National Occupational Standards (NOS) should allow access to this funding, and allow sector employees to acquire nationally recognised Awards, Certificates and Diplomas.

What the sector contributes to UKW
The organisation does not expect any direct financial contributions but depends on having access to the experience and expertise of companies, staff and industry bodies to design performance standards, qualifications frameworks, strategies, plans and opportunities. Collaboration is essential to the quality and authority of the various products and of the infrastructure itself.

How the organisation operates
UKW is a lean organisation which draws on expertise available in the sector to carry out research and development exercises that are essential to building a durable and effective infrastructure. From a small administrative base, it connects with businesses and development partners through part-time Associate Directors who are recruited for their sector experience and expertise and are required to maintain close familiarity with selected parts of the sector. Dialogue with industry bodies, Government agencies and research partners is largely through the executive Director.