Competent Person 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.