Since the new Labour government came into power on July 5th, industry discussion has widely been focused on changes and potential opportunities for businesses operating in the heating and renewable energy sectors.
It is key for the industry to remain up to date on the latest developments and potential changes to operations and regulations in the industry. However, many plans outlined by the government such as a commitment to scale up efforts for more UK sustainable buildings and more affordable and sustainable heating, will no doubt remain plans until legislation is passed, and regulations are agreed upon.
It is only natural for the industry to get excited about these plans, but it is just as key to keep up-to-date through training and education, on the progress of more recently implemented updates and their implications for businesses and tradespeople.
The Building Safety Regulator Strategic Plan
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) - established under The Building Safety Act 2022, following the Grenfell Tower tragedy - recently published its Strategic Plan, a 27-page document outlining its main objectives, including how it plans to oversee and drive improvements across the built environment.
As the BSR in England is part of the Health and Safety Executive, there is ultimately a greater emphasis on Health and Safety across the construction sector, so it is key that professionals in the industry are well-informed on any new and updated regulations introduced by this plan.
The Strategic Plan outlines the BSR’s intention to independently oversee building control bodies (BCBs) and their professionals, with a key focus on the competence of those professionals. This includes ensuring that building professionals are applying a risk-based approach to their work, that their relevant training is implemented and up to date with developments in tech, modern methods and changes in legislation, and that, once achieved, their competence is maintained.
Whatever your involvement in the construction industry, these changes will likely affect some aspect of your work, so it is key to stay informed on further changes to the Plan to ensure you continue to meet regulations.
Industry Competence Committee (ICC)
One outcome of the BSR’s Strategic Plan is the new statutory Industry Competence Committee (ICC), which aims to promote and improve competence standards essential for safety within the sector, via 12 different working groups that have been established to create competence frameworks.
One such working group is the ‘Engineering Services Super Sector’, which was established to outline a new standards regime, to meet calls for improved levels of safety and sustainability in how buildings are managed and operated. Established by the Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority (EBSSA), the work of the Super Sector will apply directly to the work of installers.
This point is key for those involved in the construction sector, including heating professionals, as the ICC will publish industry guidance from these 12 working groups, and has powers to advise the industry and BSR on competence issues, which could further impact training regulations.
Minimum Technical Competence documents (MTC’s)
A review of the Minimum Technical Competence documents (MTCs) for those needing to demonstrate competence in order to allow self-certification has already taken place, with the alignment of nearly all construction sectors, including fenestration (glazing); roofing; plumbing services and combustion technologies.
The MTCs have a shared core framework of Understanding; Design; Installation; Test & Commissioning. They have also set out defined routes to be able to demonstrate competence utilising qualification and experience.
What’s more, a new combined Plumbing, Heating and Renewable Technology MTC has been announced, which focuses heavily on Heat Pumps and Biomass as mainstream renewable technologies.
With these MTC updates, demonstrating and evidencing a recognised qualification will become essential to be able to be appointed as a competent professional, so it is key that professionals not only complete the necessary, up to date training and competence schemes, but also that they have the correct qualifications and certifications to prove it.
The importance of ensuring relevant and up-to-date training for installers cannot be overstated. With the HSE’s greater reach on construction policy through the BSR, demonstrating and evidencing Health and Safety training and competence in particular is critical to ensure a positive health & safety culture as well as meeting legal duties to protect the health and safety of employees.
Using an industry-approved training centre is a good way to ensure that you or your employees’ training and documentation is up to date. Many operate throughout the UK, specialising in various courses, business workshops, and seminars tailored for sole traders, micro businesses, and SMEs.