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What is competence? In use (includes maintenance, are competent and trained to undertake
The Engineering Council has divided the e.g., replacement) this kind of assessment.
work of raising levels of competence into Depending on the award level, the
a number of working groups (WG) with Engineering proficiency assessment process covers all facets of
WG1 looking at professional engineers IGEM standard IGEM/TD/102 an engineer’s role, including finance,
and WG2 looking at installers. Competence framework defines three interpersonal skills and communications.
According to the Engineering levels of proficiency for practicing However, the emphasis during assessment
Council, competence is the ability to engineers. IGEM proposes to align the for HRRB competence should be on gas
carry out a task to an effective standard. required competencies for high risk engineering and its interaction with
To achieve competence requires the residential buildings (HRRB) with these other disciplines and risk assessment.
right level of knowledge, understanding three levels. On completion of the professional
and skill, and a professional attitude. review, a decision will be made by
Competence is developed through Section 5 of the standard defines the IGEM’s Membership Committee. A
a combination of formal and informal three levels of proficiency: positive decision will result in the
learning, training and experience, Foundation: The engineer is able to applicant being able to undertake
generally known as initial professional communicate on the subject clearly and, appropriate roles on HRRBs. Retention
development. However, these elements when required, select from a variety of of registration will require continued
are not necessarily separate or options and explain the most appropriate, membership of the awarding body, and
sequential and they may not always be thus demonstrating an understanding payment of an annual fee.
formally structured. of effects and consequences. Is able to
Here, IGEM will give a view of the carry out work with supervision from Engineering disciplines associated with HRRBs
competence requirements to work on/ someone more proficient. The following is not intended to be
in HRRBs at the time of writing. These Professional: The engineer an exhaustive list, but demonstrates
requirements will be regularly reviewed demonstrates the competence to the various engineering disciplines
to ensure they remain current. select the most appropriate option to that engineers need to consider while
improve effectiveness and efficiency. working on HRRBs. The degree of
The requirements for engineers Where required, links across different consideration will depend on the
The following outlines the aspects of the topic, thus creating engineer’s role:
requirements under the Engineering integrated solutions. Is able to carry Structural
Council’s UK-SPEC relating to the out work without supervision from Fire
additional competencies required someone more proficient. Water and environmental
to register for high risk residential Mastery: When dealing with management
building competence for: conflicting objectives, the engineer Heating and ventilation
Chartered Engineers (CEng) uses the optimum option to promote Electrical
Incorporated Engineers (IEng) long-lasting achievement. Creating Building services
Engineering Technicians (EngTech) innovative step performance changes Civil
Applicants must have previously which may rely on a new approach. Is Mechanical
satisfied the requirements for able to train and assess others.
accreditation at the relevant grade, Employers
i.e., education, competence and In summary, it is currently proposed Additionally, HRRB practicing
commitment as defined in IGEM’s that the following alignment between engineers may need to demonstrate
document CD/2/06/17 Membership engineering proficiency and status is competence to an employer. IGEM will
Policies and Procedures Manual. adopted although alignment with other provide guidance on a HRRB-specific
Professional Engineering Institutions safety and technical framework.
There are five generic areas of (PEIs) needs to be considered: It is recognised that engineers may be
competence and commitment which Engineering Technician: Foundation employed to operate at a different level
applicants will be assessed against: Incorporated Engineer: Professional from that associated with their professional
Knowledge and understanding Chartered Engineer: Mastery status. For example, a Chartered
Design and development of processes, This framework, for professional Engineer may be undertaking duties
systems, services and products engineers, covers all aspect of gas for HRRBs at an Incorporated Engineer
Responsibility, management or engineering; distribution, metering level and will therefore be required to
leadership and utilisation. demonstrate HRRB IEng competence.
Communication and inter-personal
skills Assessment of competence and commitment Maintaining competence
Professional commitment Professional Engineering Institution Candidates applying for HRRB
In order to become professionally registration must be committed to
The intent is that demonstration of registered for HRRBs, engineers will maintaining and enhancing their
competency, wherever possible, should be required to have their competence competence. They will be required to
cover as many of the seven RIBA stages and commitment assessed through a show evidence that they have taken
as possible: process known as a professional review. steps to ensure this, and that they
Preparation The Engineering Council is currently intend to continue to do this in line
Concept design working on how this will work in with IGEM’s CPD requirements.
Detailed design practice given the number of separate
Technical design and sometimes overlapping PEIs. For more information about IGEM’s
Construction This is likely to be a peer review work regarding high risk residential
Hand over and close out process, carried out by registrants who buildings, go to www.igem.org.uk

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