Capita Gas Safe Register Replaces CORGI
On 8 September 2008, an agreement was reached between HSE and Capita Group Plc. According to this agreement, as of 1 April 2009, Capita Group Plc will run the new gas installer registration scheme, under the name Gas Safe Register. Here is what you need to know . . .
Who is HSE?
HSE is the Health and Safety Executive and it is responsible for protecting people against health and safety risks relating to work activities. The HSE conducts research, distributes information and advice, promotes training, creates regulations and codes of practice, performs inspections, and enforces codes and regulations.
The HSE is the body responsible for ensuring that gas installation is performed by properly trained and registered professionals.
Who is Capita Group Plc?
Capita is an outsourcing company that works to support, transform, and manage clients’ business operations in a variety of markets.
Who is CORGI?
Best known for running the mandatory gas scheme registrar, CORGI is highly involved in other areas of heating-related products and services. Although no longer involved in gas installer registration, CORGI is still a trusted brand, providing support for gas experts and the general public.
Why is registration important?
Domestic gas supplies about 21 million homes in Great Britain. A reliable and effective form of energy, domestic gas is associated with dangers such as explosion, fire, carbon monoxide exposure, and other related exposures. These dangers can threaten the general public, but are also a serious threat for those working in the industry.
Fortunately, official statistics demonstrate an improving trend. This can be attributed to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (GSIUR) 1998, as well as improvements in the inherent safety of gas appliances. HSE initiated gas installer registration is part of this trend.
Why is a new scheme being introduced?
The previous scheme was managed by CORGI. Prior to 1 April 2009, the gas installer registration scheme was run by CORGI for 17 years. This scheme was successful in significantly reducing the number of gas related fatalities.
Despite the improving picture that is presented by official statistics, HSE believes that even greater improvements are possible. The previous gas installer registration scheme has been criticised by some stakeholders, and HSE found that some of these criticisms were well-founded.
During 2006, HSE undertook a major review of the domestic gas safety regime, which included extensive stakeholder engagement. This review culminated in the publication of HSE Board paper B/06/110, which proposed changes including those to the gas registration scheme managed by CORGI. These proposals were then set forth by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC).
The new scheme will allow for a greater degree of public awareness of gas and carbon monoxide risks. It will also provide more industry ownership of the scheme, thus enabling HSE to refocus resources more productively.
How was the new scheme selected?
On 7 March 2007, Lord McKenzie endorsed the HSC recommendations and in July 2007, a competition was launched. The competition carried through several stages, until 28 August 2008 when HSE announced that Capita Group Plc had been awarded the contract to run the new gas installer registration.
Bids within the competition were evaluated by an independently chaired HSE Tender Evaluation Board. The bids were each evaluated through a detailed examination and clarification of the proposals, and it was found that Capita scored more highly in this process than any other provider.
What will the new scheme provide?
The new scheme improves on the already outstanding results provided by the previous one. The new gas registration scheme will deliver high levels of gas safety awareness to consumers through a powerful new safety brand. The new scheme will also involve a risk-focused inspection force and a transparent, open and consultative approach to promoting gas safety.
How long will the new scheme last?
The contract with Capita will span 10 years. Part of the new scheme is to limit contracts to a 10 year period to encourage re-investment and innovation.
Who is affected by the new scheme?
The scope of registration will not change. All installers who carry out gas work for domestic, non-domestic, commercial, natural gas, and liquid petroleum gas must be registered.
In addition, about 250 current CORGI employees have transferred to Capita.
Will there be additional costs to the new scheme?
This change will require investment, which will be made by the new provider. These initial investments are offset by the long-term concession agreement, which provides the scheme provider with the ability to recoup their initial investment.
Consumers and installers need to know that an important component of the new scheme is the requirement that fees for installers be fixed at affordable levels and come down in real terms during the period of the agreement.
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