CPA quell uncertainty regarding ‘Certified Installer’ changes
Posted on 04/09/2013
Government led changes that will affect installers in the glass and glazing industry are being miscommunicated and misrepresented, according to the Managing Director of a leading installer support scheme.
New requirements set out by the Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG) dictate that installers have to transfer their existing registered companies from self-certifying, under the existing competent person scheme, to being certified under a revised system.
Effectively, from June 2014 installers and surveyors will need to be registered with this new scheme, which is being rolled out to raise standards within the industry.
The Consumer Protection Association (CPA) has been following the changes closely, and its Director Jeremy Brett says that installers need to start thinking about the changes now; and ignore the misinformation.
Jeremy is keen to stress that the CPA is providing its members with the necessary guidance and correct information they need.
Jeremy comments: “There has been some misinformation regarding the changes, with some installer being incorrectly told that they will need to take NVQs from June 2014 and that self-certification is onerous and just more red tape for installers.
“Yes, there is paperwork that will need to be filled in but in the long run the transition will just raise standards further in the industry and if you have been an installer for over a certain period of time you may be able to demonstrate ‘grandfather’s rights’ and competency; so there will be no new qualifications to take or assessments to go through.
“As we understand, it is simply not true that NVQs are mandatory for all installers, in order to become a certified installer under the new scheme.
“Essentially, it is only new installers that may need to gain new qualifications and existing work that is being undertaken won’t suddenly be taken away from them post June 2014. Sensibly, government is looking at a transitional process.”
Between now and June 2014, installers will receive notification regarding the transition. Jeremy says that experienced installers will be able to demonstrate competency under the new scheme, and therefore may already have all the necessary documentation and proficiency.
Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) The CPA provides Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) and deposit protection to installers carrying out home improvements.
They recently celebrated twenty years in business and also equip installers with Insurance Backed Guarantees, promotional literature, finance and insurance, deposit protection and training and reports to help them stand out when they present themselves to potential customers.
“We’re committed to raising standards within the industry for both installers and consumers and therefore we welcome the changes that we feel will be a force for good,” Jeremy concludes.
