New look, same trusted scheme: LISS card update

From August 2026, LISS card holders, employers and construction sites will notice a refreshed LISS SmartCard design.

The new cards will feature updated LISS branding, with the LISS logo taking prominence. The scheme name is also changing from LISS/CSCS to simply LISS. But rest assured – the changes reflect a rebrand and nothing more – the cards (existing and new) will still be issued under the CSCS Group scheme, will still be accepted on sites as before, and still represent Landscaping Industry specialists on construction sites requiring CSCS cards.

Importantly, existing cards remain valid until their expiry date, so there is no need for current cardholders to replace them.

The colour bands that identify cardholder competency levels also remain unchanged, continuing to use the established green, red, blue, gold, black and white categories.

Why the change?

Prior to August 2026, CSCS have been involved in processing and printing LISS/CSCS cards. After this date, the LISS team will take over this role, allowing the department better visibility of the end-to-end customer process, more control over applications in the pipeline, and clearer messaging to customers about applying for new cards and renewing existing cards.

What stays the same?

While the processing behind the scenes is changing, the application experience remains unchanged for applicants and employers.

Key points to remember:

• The LISS application process remains the same from the applicant's perspective.
• Existing LISS SmartCards remain valid until they expire.
• Card colours and competency levels are unchanged.
• A valid Register of Land-based Operations (ROLO) Health and Safety certificate remains a mandatory requirement for obtaining a LISS SmartCard.
• LISS cards remain THE scheme within the CSCS Alliance for obtaining a site accepted CSCS Smartcard card for those working in the landscaping industry.
• The CSCS hologram remains on the physical card denoting the LISS scheme as a member of the CSCS Alliance.
• CSCS Smart Check and MyCSCS remain the routes to view and validate LISS digital cards.
• The LISS Scheme remains a member of the CSCS Alliance operating under the licence agreement issued by CSCS Group and Construction Leadership Council’s recommendations.

What is different?

The LISS/CSCS scheme will be renamed to simply LISS. The behind-the-scenes processing will be streamlined and allow the LISS department better oversight of the end-to-end application process on behalf of applicants. The LISS logo will now appear on the front of the LISS card as well as the back, with the full name of the LISS scheme (Landbased Industry Skills Scheme) appearing in the banner at the top of the card next to the CSCS hologram. CSCS will no longer be involved in producing LISS cards, allowing for increased data security, greater visibility, and improved responses from the LISS department to help with resolving customer queries.

These changes have been designed to deliver a faster, simpler and more secure service, helping landscape professionals get site-ready more quickly while maintaining the high standards expected across the industry.

If you have any questions about the changes or the LISS scheme overall, you can visit the LISS section of the BALI website or contact liss@bali.org.uk with your questions.