Competent persons scheme: BESCA

The new Part L of the Building Regulations (Legal Requirements) which came into force on 1 October 2010 has extended and revised the mandatory standards aimed at saving fuel, minimising heat loss and raising energy efficiency, and requires work to be measured in terms of carbon emissions. The new building regulations significantly widens the range of work that must be notified to local authority building control departments for inspection and approval.

To ensure compliance with the regulations, Competent Persons schemes have been established to allow suitably qualified firms to self-certify the work using Accredited Certifiers – thus significantly enhancing the service they can offer to customers and clients.

Part L
The HVCA formed Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation Ltd (BESCA) to operate a Competent Persons scheme in relation to the New Part L. BESCA has, in turn, appointed HVCA as sole training provider in respect of its Competent Persons scheme and Accredited Certifiers.

The fact that it has successfully undergone HVCA independent inspection and assessment will assist an HVCA member in qualifying for membership of a BESCA Competent Persons scheme – provided that it employs one or more individuals who have received relevant self-certification training and can demonstrate an appropriate level of qualification and competence.

• For further information on the Competent Persons schemes that may apply to HVCA members visit the BESCA website.

• For further information on relevant courses, please click on the following link: Training courses