THE Building Engineering Services Competent Assessment Ltd (BESCA), part of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) Group, has successfully achieved UKAS re-accreditation for its Competent Person Scheme (CPS) against ISO 17065.
Following a rigorous audit by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the scheme was praised for its robust systems, consistent processes, and strong approach to impartiality, reinforcing its position as a trusted, independent certification body.
Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17065 confirms that BESCA CPS operates to internationally recognised best practice, providing independent assurance that contractors are assessed consistently, competently, and transparently.
The milestone comes at a critical time for the industry. Under the building regulations, installers carrying out notifiable building work are responsible for making sure that the work is properly notified to the relevant building control authority within the prescribed period (typically 30-days), whether directly or via an authorised Competence Person Scheme. This applies across domestic and non-domestic projects where the work falls within notifiable categories of the building services installation.
BESCA CPS provides a clear, compliant route for contractors to meet these obligations, enabling them to demonstrate competence, self-certify work, notify efficiently and maintain an auditable record aligned to the golden thread of information.
David Frise, chief executive of building engineering services association, added, “Achieving UKAS re-accreditation to ISO 17065 is a significant endorsement of the integrity and professionalism of the BESCA Competent Person Scheme. It demonstrates that our management systems are robust, our assessments are impartial and our standards are aligned with the highest levels of independent scrutiny.
At a time when the Building Safety Act is raising expectations across the industry, this provides confidence that BESA members and CPS approved installers can demonstrate verified competence and compliance.
Jill Nicholls, director of competence and compliance at BESA, added, “This is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the strength of our systems, auditors, and governance. UKAS accreditation reinforces that CPS is a credible, trusted route to demonstrating competence and meeting regulatory requirements.
“With increasing scrutiny on installer responsibility and notification, schemes like BESCA CPS are more important than ever in helping contractors meet their legal duties and protect their businesses.”
