Navigation

The BESCA Competent Person Scheme (CPS), authorised by the DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities) allows businesses to self-certify that their works comply with the building regulations in England & Wales without the need to notify Building Control in advance or incur costly local authority inspection fees.

An alternative to submitting a building notice or using an approved inspector, the principles of the Competent Person Scheme are based on recognising people who are competent in their field and delivering work that complies with the Building Regulations.

 

WHY JOIN BESCA’S COMPETENT PERSON SCHEME?

BESCA’s Competent Person Scheme is ideal for installers working within the following trades holding the relevant qualifications identified below:

Plumbing + -

Install / replace sanitary ware

Install wholesome cold water supply

Install a supply of non-wholesome water to a sanitary convenience

Install water efficient taps

Install a water efficient shower

 

Minimum Technical Competences

Oil + -

Install an oil storage tank

Install oil supply pipework

Installation of an oil fired boiler

Installation of an oil fired room heater, stove or cooker

 

Minimum Technical Competences

Solid Fuel + -

Install a solid fuel dry fuel room heater, stove or cooker

Install a solid fuel wet boiler room heater, stove or cooker

Install a solid fuel stove with warm air distribution system

Install a solid fuel dry open fire

Minimum Technical Competences

Heating & Hot water + -

Install a hot water system without storage

Install an unvented hot water storage vessel

Install a vented hot water storage vessel

Install a heating system

Install an extension to an existing heating system

Install a flue gas heat recovery device

Minimum Technical Competences

Ventilation & Air conditioning + -

Install an air conditioning system in a dwelling

Install an air conditioning system in a non-dwelling

Install a mechanical ventilation system in a dwelling

Install a mechanical ventilation system in a non-dwelling

Minimum Technical Competences

Renewables + -

Heatpumps

Install an air source heat pump

Install a ground source heat pump

Install a water source heat pump

Benefits of the Scheme

Save money

Self-certification saves you money as you no longer need to arrange local authority visits. For a regular heating and hot water and/or ventilation installation based upon average building control fees at £225 ex VAT. A member notifying 600 notifications per year could save £134,000!

Proof of competency and quality of workmanship

Within a competitive industry it’s becoming vital for businesses to prove their value to consumers, being part of the BESCA Competent Person Scheme allows you to showcase your commitment to compliance, quality and safety – acting as a badge of competency against competitors, providing reassurance and a quality service to building owners.

Up to date knowledge

It’s a legal requirement for building owners to notify of any works that are being carried out which fall under the Building Regulations. New energy efficiency requirements have been introduced in the latest regulations relevant to works undertaken within the building services sector, concerning any works that may cause a change to the energy status of a dwelling. For example:

  • Changing a boiler or the type of fuel serving an existing boiler
  • Fitting a large fan on a ventilation scheme with a different performance output

BESCA Competent Person Scheme members receive regular updates on the latest industry thinking including building regulations and health and safety guidance, with access to training opportunities to ensure they remain compliant. 

ONLINE BUILDING REGULATIONS CPD WEBINAR

Need to improve your knowledge on the latest Building Regulations and be certain of your legal obligations as an installer?

Consumer Protection - INSURANCE BACKED WARRANTY

Insurance backed warranty is included in the Competent Person Scheme membership fee and provides consumer financial protection for domestic works carried out by a CPS member in the event the installer is no longer able to bring the work up to standard (for example because the member is no longer trading).

The  Warranty  applies  to  any  domestic  heating,  plumbing,  air  conditioning  or renewables,   whether   installation   or   repair   or   service   and maintenance, provided to an individual customer by a contractor who, at the time  when  the  work  was  executed,  was  a  Member  of  the  BESCA Competent Person Scheme

The Warranty applies for up to six years commencing from the date of commencement of the work as defined by the contract between the Contractor and the client.

For further information on the warranty terms please contact the BESCA team info@besca.org.uk

Free advertising

BESCA Competent Person scheme members are added to our public find a BESCA member search facility and Competent Persons Register.

Join Now 

Click here to register for our Competent Person scheme online, alternatively download the PDF version of our form below.  

Scheme Requirements + -

Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate they hold the relevant industry qualifications at a minimum of Level 3 as detailed in the work type breakdown above.

Insurance

Applicants must provide evidence they are correctly insured and provide with application:

Public Liability Insurance Minimum £2 million

Employer’s Liability as appropriate

Insurance Backed Warranty for completed installed works.

Building Regulations

Applicants must demonstrate understanding of and compliance with the 2010 Building Regulations (as amended), with one or more persons that are approved by BESCA as an Accredited Certifier able to confirm that the work carried out by the competent installer complies with the Building Regulations.

Full details of the scheme’s requirements including the inspection and certification process can be found in the scheme handbook.

SCHEDULE OF FEES + -

Initial Application and Annual Registration Fees

Fees are per business address with < 5 accredited certifiers.

Fees cover routine visits/inspections necessary for single site location and are inclusive of travel and subsistence costs.

Work type

Fees

(all fees subject to VAT @20%)

1 Work type

£499

2 Work types

£899

3 Work types

£1,199

4 Work types

£1,650

5 Work types

£1,930

6 Work types

£2,200

 

Self-certification of completed works to building control: £1.50 +VAT @ 20% per notification

Other Fees

 

FEE

20% VAT

TOTAL

Additional full day inspection / compliance visit fee

£605

£121

£726

Additional half day inspection / compliance visit fee

£460

£92

£552

Cancellation of rescheduling of inspection < 5 days prior to visit

£275

£55

£330

Travel & subsistence costs incurred to cancellation with no prior notice

variable

Additional controlled certificates for completed work (if required)

£20

£4

£24

Scheme Handbook

Addendum for Extraordinary Circumstances

Code of Conduct

CPD Policy

Guide to Recording CPD Online

Brand Guidelines

Application Form

Terms of Registration

Accredited Certifier Guidance Note

UKAS Accreditation Brand Guidance