Competent Person Schemes  

Sometimes, not often really, but sometimes, we're asked why Serviceteam is not a member of some of the various trade associations run in the UK. We're talking about organisations such as the Guild of Master Craftsmen and the Painters and decorators association.

Well, we have quite a few trades people working for us at Serviceteam, as you might imagine. Some of them used to be customers of these organisations and their verdict - not worth it by a long shot. As far as we are aware, and based on their testimonials, not one of these two organisations ever checked on the work of the members that signed up - even before they joined!

In fact, having looked into it these organisations are not backed by the Government in any way. Anyone can set up a guild or an association. And therefore, in our opinion, they do not ensure quality. And that is why we won't join them. And it's probably the same for every other organisation. At least that's what the Government seems to think. Because, delving a little deeper, it seems that there are only a handful of organisations that actually are endorsed by the Government.

Membership of any of them is not compulsory, except the 'Gas Safe Register' which is run by Capita. And that's the scheme we are members of. Serviceteam Gas safe Registration Number is 523112. But we have gone a step further. We insist that each and every one of our heating engineers is registered with Gas Safe independently. That way Serviceteam aren't just signing off their work. Every gas engineer has a legal duty of care to ensure that they adhere to the regulations and make sure everything is safe. The consequences are that if they break the rules, they can be struck off - much like a doctor. And this is devastating to their livelihood. We think it's a great way to ensure that our customers get a great quality of service.

So, the Government backed organisations run what are called 'Competent Persons Schemes'. Thus, if a company or individual chooses to join a competent persons scheme, they are first vetted to ensure they meet the conditions of membership, including appropriate and relevant levels of competence. Once they meet these conditions they are classified as 'competent persons'.

The work of organisations or individuals accepted as members of a scheme is not subject to Building Control inspection. Instead, the competent person self-certifies that the work is in compliance with the Building Regulations. They issue a certificate to the consumer to this effect. In some schemes they then report the work to the scheme organisers who in turn inform the local authority that work has taken place.

Here is a list of the competent person schemes currently authorised as of 15 July 2011.

Ascertiva Group Limited (AKA NICEIC) www.ascertiva.co 01582 531000
Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (Certification) Limited (AKA APHC) www.competentpersonsscheme.co.uk 0121 711 5030
Benchmark Certification Limited (AKA CORGI) www.trustcorgi.com 0844 879 4798
BM Trada Certification Limited (AKA BM Trada) www.bmtrada.com 01494 569 700
British Institute of Non Destructive Testing (AKA BINDT) www.bindt.org 01604 603 124
British Standards Institution (AKA BSI) www.kitemark.com 01442 278 607
Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation Limited (AKA BESCA) www.besca.org.uk 0800 652 5533
Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services Limited (AKA Gas Safe) www.gassaferegister.co.uk 0800 408 5500
Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency Limited (AKA CIGA) www.ciga.co.uk 01525 853 300
CERTASS Limited (AKA CERTASS) www.certass.co.uk 0845 0948 025
ECA Certification Limited (AKA ELECSA) www.elecsa.co.uk 0845 634 9043
Fensa Limited (AKA FENSA) www.fensa.co.uk 020 7645 3700
HETAS limited (HETAS) www.hetas.co.uk 0845 634 5626
NAPIT Registration Limited (AKA NAPIT) www.napit.org.uk 0845 543 0330
National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited (AKA NFRC) www.nfrc.co.uk 020 7638 7663
Network VEKA Limited (AKA Network VEKA) www.networkveka.co.uk 01282 473 170
Oil Firing Technical Association Limited (AKA OFTEC) www.oftec.org.uk 0845 658 5080
Stroma Certification Limited (AKA STROMA) www.stroma.com 0845 621 1111

Two more organisations worth mentioning are TrustMark and Constructionline. They run industry schemes that have comparable competence standards.

So, our take on it? If the organisation isn't on this list, it's probably a profit making entity only fit to ensure the quality of its directors lifestyles.

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