Spot on Superscaff agree with all you say
As to "Assessing" scaffolders abilities I can like many others on this forum assess a scaffolders ability in half a day by working with him on any site, Its the way they set out to tackle the job,getting the correct gear organised,checking the abilities of the team he is working with (if he does not Know them)what jobs he has recently worked on,who he has worked for,who has he worked with,
WHO,WHAT,WHERE,WHEN
There are very good and valid reasons for the CISRS and the training and certification of scaffolders, but the bits of paper are only 20% as to the assessment of the ability of the individual to erect and dismantle scaffold in a safe and proper manner.
Then there are the "social" assessments,does he buy his round in the pub,whats he like passing the fags, does he snore or fart all night when you are in digs, can he sing ,dance or tell a decent joke.Can he pull the women (so you end up with her ugly mate,but get your end away anyway)
Yes my friends there are many factors in assessing scaffolders,not just being able to show a record of your training and ability to connect the "Pipes, Clamps, and Planks