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Competent Persons Schemes
Competent Persons Schemes
What are Competent Persons Schemes?
These were introduced by the Government in 1997 to enable individual trades people and enterprises to self-certify that their work complies with the Building Regulations. This is an alternative to submitting a building notice (having an inspection by a local authority or approved inspector).
Various trade bodies have taken responsibility for registering competent persons who meet the standards of work and competencies required in their technical area. Registration in these schemes, with the exception of CORGI, is not compulsory. However, if work is undertaken by a person who is not registered, it is necessary to submit a building notice for inspection.
A variety of schemes exist covering all aspects of the Building Regulations: replacement windows and doors; gas appliances, heating and hot water systems; oil combustion appliances; solid fuel combustion appliances; plumbing, hot water and heating service systems; ventilation and air conditioning; electrical, lighting, heating and control systems; air pressure testing of buildings; CO2 emission rate calculations; and sanitary conveniences in washrooms and bathrooms.
Details of these schemes can be found on the Communities and Local Government website. When someone has undertaken notifiable work in accordance with one of these schemes, the competent person via the scheme provider gives evidence to both the owner and Local Authority that the work complies with the relevant regulation(s) within 30 days of completing the work.