Sotech Launches New Rainscreen CPD

Sotech Launches New CPD to Support Safer, Smarter Facade Specification

Sotech has launched a new industry CPD, “Rainscreen Cladding Systems: Safety, Compliance and Best Practice,” reinforcing its commitment to supporting architects, specifiers and contractors in navigating an increasingly complex regulatory and technical landscape.

Developed by Sotech’s technical and specification team, the CPD has been designed to provide a clear, practical understanding of modern rainscreen façade systems – from system types and material selection through to fire safety, testing standards, best practice installation and sustainability.

The new CPD reflects Sotech’s continued focus on delivering “details at scale” – combining deep technical knowledge with real-world application to help project teams make confident, compliant decisions from the earliest stages of design.

Choosing a CPD that’s been approved by The CPD Certification Service gives clients real peace of mind. It means the content has been externally verified, so you know you’re not just getting a sales pitch – you’re getting useful, relevant knowledge you can actually apply to your projects.

In a busy industry where standards, products and regulations are constantly evolving, that kind of trusted learning helps you stay up to date, make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes. It also supports your professional development requirements, while showing a clear commitment to quality and best practice.

Put simply, CPD from a certified provider helps you build confidence in what you’re specifying, installing and delivering every day.

What’s covered in the Rainscreen Cladding CPD?

With the introduction of the Building Safety Act, evolving fire regulations and growing pressure around net zero targets, façade specification has become significantly more demanding.

This CPD responds directly to those challenges, equipping professionals with the knowledge needed to:

Understand different rainscreen system types and their applications
Navigate fire safety requirements and compliance frameworks
Interpret testing standards including BS 8414, EN 13501 and CWCT Sequence B
Apply best practice in specification and installation
Make informed, sustainable material choices

Rather than focusing on products alone, the session takes a system-led approach – reflecting the reality that performance, safety and compliance are determined by the full façade build-up.

The CPD has been shaped by Sotech’s growing specification team, including Architectural Façade Manager, Harry Tamplin, who works closely with architects and consultants at the earliest stages of design.

Harry explains:

“Rainscreen cladding is not simply a design decision – it’s a safety and compliance decision. What we’re seeing is that clients need clarity – not just on products, but on systems, testing and how everything works together.”

With a background in façade engineering and extensive experience across residential, commercial and public sector projects, Harry has played a key role in ensuring the CPD reflects real-world project challenges.

“Clients are asking more questions than ever about carbon, recyclability and lifecycle performance. At the same time, the regulatory landscape is evolving, particularly around Gateway approvals. This CPD is about helping people make informed decisions earlier – with the right information, in the right format.”

Working alongside Harry is Specification Manager, Jake Winwood, who brings a strong focus on early engagement and practical support for design teams.

Jake adds:

“We’re seeing a shift in the industry – specifiers want more than just product information. They want to understand performance, compliance and risk. Our role is to support that process, making technical information accessible and helping teams specify with confidence.”

This collaborative approach is central to Sotech’s wider strategy – ensuring that systems are not only compliant, but also buildable, efficient and aligned with project objectives.

As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, Sotech sees education as a critical part of raising standards across the built environment.

“Understanding testing, compliance and system performance isn’t optional anymore,” adds Harry. “If we can help people get those decisions right at the start, we can improve outcomes across the entire lifecycle of a building.”