Installers Face New Rules as Self Certification Schemes Are Reformed

Self-certification schemes sit at the heart of millions of building projects. Still, proposed reforms could bring greater scrutiny to how installers demonstrate competence, notify work and comply with building regulations.

In this episode of Behind The Built Environment, David Frise, Chief Executive of BESA, speaks with Mussa Awaleh, Head of Self-certification Schemes and Reform of Building Regulatory Guidance at the Building Safety Regulator.

Mussa explains how the schemes, renamed from competent person schemes to self-certification schemes, support the building regulatory system and why their purpose, assessment and oversight are under review. The proposed reforms could affect installers, contractors and scheme operators as expectations around competence, accountability and consumer protection continue to rise.

This episode covers:

• What prompted the change from competent person schemes to self-certification schemes
• How installer competence should be assessed, revalidated and maintained
• The responsibility to notify controlled building work
• The roles of the Building Safety Regulator, MHCLG and UKAS
• Enforcement action against non-compliant contractors
• How a single construction regulator could reshape industry oversight

With more than 130,000 registered businesses operating across these schemes, reform could have significant consequences for the building services sector. The discussion also considers procurement risk, the Warm Homes Plan and the culture change needed alongside regulatory reform.