MP Connect is a secure digital card and app system developed by the Mineral Products Qualifications Council to verify contractor and driver competencies across the extractives and construction industry. Site Managers can instantly scan a QR code to check training records, compliance and safety inductions, helping ensure only appropriately qualified individuals are permitted to work on site. Since its launch, usage has continued to grow across Cemex UK and the wider industry, improving contractor management, compliance and engagement while reducing manual checks.

To build on this progress, MP Connect will become mandatory from 1st June 2026 for all contractor individuals attending and working on Cemex sites, as agreed at the Cemex UK National Health & Safety Committee Meeting. Managers are asked to share this information with their teams to support a smooth rollout.  An exemption process for emergency or exceptional circumstances has been developed for contractors without an MP Connect card, ensuring urgent operational needs can still be managed safely while maintaining compliance.

To help teams prepare for the mandatory rollout, a recent training session by Mary-Ann Macinnes, Regional Health and Safety Manager, provided further clarity on how the system will work in practice and what sites need to do next. You can find a recording and summary of the training below:

Watch the recording HERE

Key Highlights from the MP Connect Training Session: Purpose To help teams prepare for the mandatory rollout, recent training sessions provided further clarity on how the system will work in practice and what sites need to do next.

Mandatory rollout from June

From 1st June 2026, MP Connect will become mandatory for all hands-on contractors across UK Operations, supporting a consistent approach to competency checks across Cemex and the wider extractives industry.

Real-time verification of competencies

MP Connect helps verify contractor skills, qualifications and certifications in real time, reducing reliance on manual document checks and helping prevent the use of fraudulent documentation.  The system uses a clear status indicator: This enables site teams to make quick and informed decisions before work begins.

• • Green – contractor meets requirements
  • Amber – warning or additional checks may be required
  • Red – contractor does not meet requirements

Important point! MPQC verifies training validity but not job specific competence. Please ensure you have verified that the individual possesses all the necessary qualifications for the job they are on site to perform.

A green status does not indicate competence; it simply confirms that their documents have been reviewed.

New visitor/light system for exceptional cases

• A new visitor process has been introduced for situations where contractors or specialists arrive on site without an MP Connect card.
• This ensures critical work can still proceed when necessary, while maintaining a clear audit trail. The process will be closely monitored to ensure it is only used in genuine exceptional circumstances.

 Exempt contractor groups

• Certain contractor groups such as utility engineers, BT Group engineers and National Grid plc personnel, will remain exempt and will continue using the visitor system.
• These exemptions will continue to be reviewed to ensure they remain appropriate.

 Improved tools for Managers and Supervisors

• Managers and Supervisors can access contractor information in advance, helping them check compliance before contractors arrive on site.
• The Checkpoint app can also be used for spot checks. Any issues with card readers should be raised with IT teams to ensure systems are correctly whitelisted.

 Stronger audit trail and compliance

• The system records reasons why contractors may be permitted on site if minimum requirements are not met.
• This creates a clear audit trail that supports regulatory compliance, improves transparency, and helps identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

 What happens next?

• Further communication will be shared to clarify requirements and exemptions.
• In the meantime, sites are encouraged to:
• Ensure contractors are registered on MP Connect.
• Confirm contractors have the correct cards and access.
• Prepare teams for the June deadline.
• Look out for quick guides and FAQs that will be distributed soon.

By taking these steps now, we can ensure a smooth transition and continue strengthening safety, compliance and contractor management across our sites.

Thank you for your continued support in embedding MP Connect into our day-to-day operations.