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.
Hawkes have been member of the BESCA scheme for over 15 years.
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.
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.