The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has announced its ambitious programme of work for the year ahead, with particular focus on competence, standards, training, and insight for the building hardware sector.
A major milestone will take place on 4th February, when the federation unveils the UK’s first Ofqual regulated, ABBE accredited qualifications specifically designed for the building hardware industry.
The exclusive launch event will be held at the British Motor Museum and is open to DHF members of the Building Hardware Group and manufacturers within the Timber and Metal Doorset Groups and invited guests.
Developed by the industry for the industry, the programme draws on more than 500 years of combined specialist experience and includes more than 175 learning outcomes supported by clear assessment criteria. Together, these qualifications establish a new benchmark for demonstrating and assuring competence. They will be available to DHF members in the Spring, with a wider rollout to non-members in winter.
DHF is also progressing plans to introduce digital CSCS cards, working in partnership with ADSA and CSCS. The new digital card scheme is expected to go live in late Spring. Developed with the CSCS digital card provider, the system will make issuing and checking cards faster and more efficient, with cards accessible online and scannable on site, giving managers instant access to relevant qualifications while helping to reduce fraud and misuse.
Work is also underway to address gaps in standards across the sector. Following discussions within the Building Hardware Group, DHF has identified an opportunity to introduce a recognised standard for key safes within its Technical Specification offering, reflecting their widespread use. Given that high performance locks and hardware can be undermined by unregulated access, DHF has developed a new standard for key safes, which will be launched later in the year once final amendments are complete.
Responding directly to member demand, DHF will also introduce a new ‘attendance only’ training course for office-based staff working in organisations that install, maintain, or repair automated gates, industrial doors, and garage doors. The course is designed to provide essential knowledge for office teams and will complement existing industrial door, garage door and automated gate training programmes.
The DHF Conference is planned to take place in Autumn 2026 and will be open to all members. The event will provide an opportunity for professionals from across the sector to connect, share insight, and stay informed about key developments affecting the building hardware industry.
In addition, DHF is collaborating with the Barbour ABI Consultancy Research team to deliver a comprehensive new piece of industry research for members of the Automated Gate Group. The report will help the industry understand the current value of the market, identify potential areas for growth, and assess how individual businesses perform against the industry average. For the first time, this work will equip the sector with robust insight to support strategic planning. The report will be available exclusively to members of the Automated Gate Group.
“There is much to look forward to for the year ahead and these initiatives demonstrate our commitment to improving standards and competence as well as supporting our members as the industry moves forward,” explains DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “By introducing recognised qualifications, digital systems, versatile training, and clear market insight, we are helping to create a stronger, more skilled, and more confident construction industry.”
