The Joint Industry Board (JIB) is the membership organisation for the electrotechnical industry in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Scotland has its own equivalent body, SJIB). Through its administration of the ECS card scheme, it also covers the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) industry.

What the JIB does

The JIB sets and maintains industry-defined employment standards for the electrotechnical sector — covering pay rates, grading, terms and conditions, and a dispute resolution framework. It also administers the ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme), the recognised card scheme for the electrical, FESS and the wider electro technical sector (the CSCS equivalent for this sector).

FESS ECS card structure

The FESS industry has four sector disciplines: Fire, Fire and Emergency Lighting, Security, and Fire and Security. Within each, the recognised ECS occupations are:

• Systems Operative
• Systems Technician
• Technical Manager

Additional FESS ECS cards cover:

• Labourer
• Trainee
• Apprentice
• Technical Auditor

FESS Industry coverage

The FESS Industry covers operatives installing and maintaining: fire detection & alarm systems, intruder alarms, VSS, access control, emergency lighting, voice alarm and PA, and integrated security systems. The FESS ECS card is the recognised credential for site access in this sector.

ProTech's perspective

If you're working in FESS — or moving from a general electrical role into FESS work — your ECS card is your industry credential. We can guide you on the qualification routes and ECS card applications appropriate to your current experience. If you're looking to move up to a Technical Manager grade, we offer qualifications and assessments to get you there.

Visit the JIB website →