SUPPORT FOR HVCA MEMBERS

The HVCA delivers a full range of services that support members in maintaining high standards, delivering value to clients, and anticipating and overcoming problems.

  • Training: expert advice, guidance and provision of training on all aspects of recruitment, education and employee development, from national qualifications to management training, and short courses to maintain awareness, and/or certification.
  • Code of Fair Trading: the Code binds members to act in good faith and maintain good communications with clients.
  • CHAS: members can automatically register with the Contractor Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS), enabling them to satisfy tender conditions relating to health and safety in respect of most work undertaken for public and private sector clients and main contractors.
  • Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP): as a participant of SSIP, HVCA members are ‘deemed to satisfy’ the health and safety requirements of all SSIP schemes, meeting the tendering requirements of an increasing number of clients.  
  • TrustMark: HVCA members qualify for TrustMark registration, the government-inspired initiative to help clients ensure that the tradespeople they employ are reliable, competent and capable of providing quality service at a fair price. 
  • Construction Licensing Executive (CLE): HVCA members qualify for CLE membership, with benefits similar to TrustMark in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
  • Insurance Services: HVCA Unique provides members with a bespoke, comprehensive insurance facility, providing increased security for clients.
  • Certification: accreditation is a requirement in many fields of building engineering services, and the HVCA’s subsidiary Piper Assessment Ltd offers certification in gas, oil, plumbing, electrical, renewable technologies, as well as  health and safety.
  • HVCA Publications: a wide range of authoritative publications and software products deliver advice, information and support across technical, commercial, health and safety and other specialist areas of the sector.
  • Workforce Registration – SKILLcard: the recognised personnel registration scheme for Engineering Services, SKILLcard enables members to demonstrate health and safety awareness; the professionalism of their workforce and its qualifications and credentials, entirely distinguishing them from the ‘cowboys’.
  • Energy Efficiency Certification: operating through Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation Ltd (BESCA), HVCA operates a Competent Persons scheme covering the energy efficient aspects of the Building Regulations – members can ‘self-certify’ their work - and also offers an Energy Assessor scheme, which includes the undertaking of mandatory inspections of air conditioning systems.
  • HVCA Specialist Groups: provide focus on Ductwork, Heating and Plumbing Services, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Service and Facilities, enabling members to keep up to date with specialist work areas, and giving direct access to the knowledge and expertise of fellow professionals. New groups are emerging for ventilation hygiene, and local exhaust ventilation.

 

HVCA EXPERTISE ON HAND

Available to members at all times to provide up-to-date help and advice on every subject or problem that can affect delivery to clients, HVCA Departments are staffed by experts and cover:

  • Commercial and legal assistance
  • Employment advice
  • Education and training guidance and courses
  • Health, safety and environment
  • Technical advice
  • Sustainability
  • Specialist Groups