E041:08 29 August 2009

HSE to award contract for new gas installer registration scheme

HSE today notified bidders for the new gas installer registration scheme that it is awarding the contract to Capita Group Plc (CAPITA). The contract, which is valued at £14 million per annum, is awarded for a term of ten years and will be signed on 8th September 2008.  

The new scheme will strengthen and improve the governance and performance management arrangements between HSE and the new scheme provider. CAPITA will have incentives to continuously improve gas safety and services to gas consumers and installers and be held to account through a challenging set of key performance indicators. CAPITA will be required to introduce and promote a new independent brand which will provide an excellent opportunity to promote gas safety messages.

The new gas installer registration scheme will run from the 1st of April 2009 and will replace a scheme currently being operated by CORGI.

Notes to editors

1. HSE is responsible for regulating domestic gas safety in GB and does this largely through the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
2. At present, CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) is approved by HSE to undertake this task. It maintains an up-to-date register of gas installers who are qualified to install or repair gas fittings and appliances.
3. The new scheme takes forward recommendations arising from the HSE’s review of the domestic gas safety regime and the views expressed by stakeholders. Oversight of the new regime will remain with the HSE. Further details of these recommendations can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/safetyreview.htm
4. On 18th June 2008 HSE announced CAPITA as its preferred bidder in the competition to provide a new gas installer registration scheme in Great Britain. http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2008/e08031.htm

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