Competent Persons Scheme

The Competent Persons Scheme is a UK government-approved initiative designed to ensure that certain types of building work are carried out to the required standards of safety and quality. The scheme covers work related to electrical installations, gas installations, heating and hot water systems, plumbing, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Under the scheme, businesses or individuals can become registered as "competent persons" by demonstrating their knowledge, skills, and experience in a particular area of building work. This means that they are authorized to self-certify that their work complies with the relevant building regulations, rather than needing to seek approval from the local authority.

The scheme is overseen by various bodies depending on the type of work being carried out, such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) for electrical installations, or the Gas Safe Register for gas installations. These bodies monitor registered businesses or individuals to ensure they continue to meet the required standards.

The Competent Persons Scheme is intended to make the building regulation process more efficient and cost-effective, by allowing competent individuals and businesses to self-certify their work. It also provides assurance to consumers that the work is being carried out to the required standards, and that they have recourse to an independent complaints procedure if necessary.