How the Certifi er of

from Connections Scottish Supplement - Autumn 2020

Safety checks in short-term lets

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While it has been in operation in Scotland since 2005, the Certifi er of Construction scheme is still not that well known by consumers or promoted by contractors. But that might be about to change

The Building (Scotland) Act 2003 introduced the certifi cation system as an alternative way to demonstrate compliance with the Building (Scotland) Regulations. Th e system allows building work to be certifi ed as complying with the Building Regulations in Scotland by qualifi ed building professionals and tradespeople, without the need for inspections by the local authority. Certifi cation covers design and/ or construction and only applies when the work requires a building warrant (permission to build).

To be eligible for the scheme, building professionals and tradespeople need to demonstrate they have the relevant qualifi cations and experience to support their role as a certifi er. A certifi er, who can be employed by a company or operate as a sole trader, must also operate a system of quality assurance to confi rm all the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations have been met.

Th ere are six scheme providers appointed in Scotland for various design and construction disciplines. NICEIC is one of these, and has just been reappointed as a scheme provider for the Certifi cation

BY CHERYL COX

of Construction (Electrical Installations to BS 7671 ) Scheme.

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION

Certifi cation brings a number of benefi ts for the consumer. Firstly, the use of an Approved Certifi er removes the need for detailed scrutiny of designs or inspections by a local authority. Th is also attracts a discount on the building warrant application fee if the local authority is notifi ed of the intended use of an Approved Certifi er.

Secondly, because the professional and/or tradesperson must be approved to carry out certifi cation tasks, the consumer knows there is a support mechanism in place if anything goes wrong.

In the case of NICEIC’s Certifi er of Construction Scheme for Electrical Installations, all Approved Certifi ers are assessed annually to demonstrate their knowledge of BS 7671 and the Building (Scotland) Regulations. Th is makes sure they can provide a quality service and compliance with the relevant Building Regulations. Th e NICEIC Certifi er of Construction scheme also ensures the certifi er’s company holds adequate insurance cover.

Th e commercial sector can also gain. Having certifi ers on site can mean fewer delays and increase productivity. As part of the phased return to work in Scotland, Kevin Stewart MSP, minister for local government, housing and planning, wrote to local authorities to highlight the positive impact of certifi cation: “Although certifi cation is an optional method for compliance, certifi cates of design support the earliest approval of warrants by removing the need for verifi ers to check compliance in these areas.

“Th e use of certifi cates of construction would also have signifi cant value at this time where there is a need and requirement to actively manage the number of people on site.”

CONSULTATION

In August 2020, a consultation on the regulation of electricians in Scotland was published. One of the options is a single register of electricians in Scotland. It stated that “the most practical option for delivering [a register of electricians] would be utilising the Certifi cation

While the schemes are administered by bodies such as NICEIC, Stephen Garvin, head of the building standards department at the Scottish government, has long been a supporter of the process. “Certifi cation has been a key element of the Scottish Building Standards system since 2004,” he says. “NICEIC registrants have contributed greatly to the compliance of construction work through the electrical scheme.

“Reports carried out following the Edinburgh Schools Inquiry and Grenfell Tower tragedy highlighted the importance of certifi cation,” he adds. “Th rough the work of the Scottish Building Standards Futures Board, the Scottish government is working with all scheme providers to consider ways in which certifi cation can be promoted, and also the value of certifi cation for all those involved.

‘Reports carried out following the Edinburgh Schools Inquiry and Grenfell Tower tragedy highlighted the importance of certifi cation’

“Th e impact of Covid-19 has also changed the way people work and how the development of off -site construction could also create new challenges and opportunities, where certifi cation can provide assurances for both client and verifi er. Th is could bring new areas for certifi ed processes, if there is demand, and it is important that we all work together to utilise the

4000+ CERTIFIER OF CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATES FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS TO BS 7671 ARE ISSUED ANNUALLY IN SCOTLAND

opportunity. NICEIC and, in turn, its registered contractors have a lot to bring to the table that the Scottish government values to ensure all voices are heard.”

VISIBILITY

Consumers’ awareness levels of certifi cation schemes need to be raised. All Building Standards scheme providers have been working to increase visibility of the certifi cation route, and the bodies that have committed themselves to best practice and upholding the highest building standards. A new logo will soon be launched that approved certifi ers and bodies can use to promote their business. You may have seen the animation explaining the role of certifi cation to Scotland’s construction sector.

SIGNING UP

To become an Approved Certifi er of Construction, an individual must apply to an approved scheme provider (such as NICEIC) and meet standards agreed with the Scottish government Building Standards Division. Th ere is no additional charge for NICEIC Approved Contractors to apply for the Certifi er of Construction status and, once registered, there are no additional annual assessment fees.

NICEIC has a free online training course and exam. Th is ensures contractors can show the required knowledge and understanding of Building Regulations in Scotland.

If you would like more information, speak to your assessor during your next assessment, visit niceic.com/join-us/scotlandschemes, or call 0333 0156 626.

Cheryl Cox is head of communications and public affairs at Certsure