Page 6 - Gi flipbook May 2018

NEWS | INDUSTRY

Industry braces for next iteration

of Gas Safe Register contract

A TENDER TO appoint The industry is calling for an
a new five-year contract increased number of inspectors
to manage the Gas Safe
Register scheme, which
is currently managed by
Capita, is now underway
with industry figures calling
for improvement in a
number of areas.
An increased number of
inspectors and improved
awareness of the overall
register scheme, which lists
gas engineers registered
to work legally in the UK,
are among some of the
recommendations that
stakeholders have made,
reports H&V News.
Although the broad
scope of the contract has
already been set out in
the tender, some industry
figures have also called
for better stakeholder
engagement in future,
along with the potential
introduction of stricter
controls on how boilers can
be purchased.
Among the key changes
being considered as part of
the new contract tender
is the introduction of an
advisory panel made up of
the register’s membership requirement that means he had spoken to felt requirements will apply to
and industry experts. Its aim concerns over gas promises made about the full-time students alone,
would be to steer future supply work can only be previous Gas Safe Register or via other training being
initiatives through the reported at present by a contract had not always offered too.
register and this work would homeowner, as opposed to been delivered. Mr Williams added that
be supported through the a trained installer. He also raised concerns the Gas Safe Register
use of webinars and online Mr Hull, co-founder about a lack of prosecutions team faced a significant
voting, according to the of the Gas Safety Super for infringement of Gas Safe learning curve when Capita
tender document. Heroes campaign that seeks requirements, principally took over the contract,
The possible introduction to improve awareness of in the case of larger yet he welcomed the
of mandatory student safety issues involving companies. team’s presence at major
registration has also been boilers, said he would Mr Williams said he conferences in recent years
put forward. also back an increase to was wary of how some and their general level of
Paul Hull, Managing the number of inspectors of the proposed changes engagement with industry.
Director of contractor managing the register. under the new agreement He applauded some of the
PRHull, said he hoped Paul Williams, Past would be implemented, recent consumer campaigns
that there may be greater President of the Chartered particularly proposed focused on safety that the
accountability and broader Institute of Plumbing and changes to mandatory group had been running and
interaction with industry on Heating Engineering (CIPHE) student registration put hoped to see an expansion
how the register is managed. and owner of maintenance forward under the new five- of this work going forward
This would include and installation group Gwili year contract. One specific with whoever takes up the
reviewing the current Renewables, said installers concern being whether the functions. ■

6

News.indd 1 19/04/2018 12:43