Planning, building and the environment

How to apply to run a competent person scheme

The Department periodically invites applications to operate new or extended competent person self-certification schemes.

The Department proposes to invite applications in 2012, primarily to support the proposed introduction of the Green Deal in October 2012. The invitation, along with updated conditions of authorisation (ie criteria and application forms), will be posted on this web page as soon as possible. 

Procedures for applications

Applicants should study the criteria set out below and then complete the application form (found under Related downloads). You will receive an acknowledgement from the Department on receipt of your application.

Applications are then processed as follows:

  • First, we will decide, in consultation with other Government Departments, the Welsh Assembly Government and the building control bodies (local authorities and approved inspectors), whether we consider the type of work suitable for a competent person scheme. This is decided largely on the basis of level of risk to the consumer. If it is judged not to be suitable, the organisation concerned will be informed and no further action taken.
  • Where we consider the type of work to be suitable, a detailed scrutiny of the proposed scheme will begin. The application is then vetted internally against the criteria, which can be found below. We then consult as widely as necessary - for example, Government Departments, trade associations, local government representatives and/or consumer groups may also be invited to comment on the proposed scheme.
  • After any necessary revisions have been made, the application will be referred to the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC) for its view. The proposal will then be submitted to the Minister responsible for the Building Regulations who will decide whether the scheme is to be approved.

In most cases, it would be helpful both to you and to the Department, if you contacted us before submitting an application to discuss your proposal informally. Please contact us by telephone on 0303 444 1809 or by email to enquires.br@communities.gsi.gov.uk.

Where possible please complete the application form electronically and email it to the address on the form. Where necessary, it may be posted to the postal address on the form.

The consideration of the application should take a maximum of six months from receipt to decision on approval.

Please note that formal authorisation is by means of an amendment to the Building Regulations 2010. Amendments to legislation normally take effect on what are known as common commencement dates, which are 6 April and 1 October each year. Once a scheme has received approval it will be authorised at the next available common commencement date.

Criteria for operation of a competent person scheme under the building regulations

The expectation is that an applicant must demonstrate ability to comply with all the criteria but the weight attached to each would depend on the particular circumstances in the sector concerned and the requirements on that sector in the Building Regulations:

  • financial and accounting probity and viability with a proven track record in the relevant field
  • demonstrable understanding of what is involved in managing a scheme of this type and the administrative systems to do so
  • sufficient knowledge of the Building Regulations by both scheme organisers and scheme members
  • absence of, or methods for avoiding, conflicts of interest between the commercial interests of sponsoring or member organisations and management of the scheme
  • a minimum standard of technical competence, independently assessed where practicable, for all prospective members of a scheme. Such standards will vary from sector to sector and maybe based on National Occupational Standards, formal qualifications, and/or experience, taking account of any British or European standards
  • effective means of vetting prospective members against the minimum standard
  • robust procedures in place to deal with complaints from members and disputes between members and customers
  • a rigorous system of ensuring and monitoring members' compliance with the Building Regulations
  • effective sanctions in place for dealing with non-compliance by members of the scheme
  • system for ensuring that certificates of compliance are issued to consumers
  • where information on work completed under the scheme is to be sent to local authorities, appropriate methods to ensure rapid transfer of the information
  • adequate consumer protection through an insurance-backed warranty, professional indemnity insurance or bond
  • commitment to publicising the scheme and its rules as widely as possible, including a list of the names of members of the scheme and the type of work for which they have been assessed as competent
  • commitment to allow the Department to monitor the scheme periodically to ensure that it delivers compliance with the Building Regulations and is following the scheme rules
  • commitment to comply with the proposals in the  Building Regulations Competent Person Self-certification Schemes: Consultation paper .

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