BESCA, part of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) Group, has successfully retained UKAS re-accreditation for its Competent Person Scheme (CPS) against ISO/IEC 17065.

The accreditation was confirmed following a detailed audit by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), which assessed the scheme’s systems, processes and governance.

Auditors highlighted the scheme’s consistency, robustness and approach to impartiality, reinforcing its role in providing independent certification for building engineering contractors.

ISO/IEC 17065 sets internationally recognised requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services, ensuring assessments are carried out consistently and transparently.

The accreditation comes as regulatory requirements on building services installation continue to tighten under current Building Regulations and the wider framework of the Building Safety Act.

Contractors carrying out notifiable work are required to ensure it is properly registered with building control authorities, either directly or through an authorised Competent Person Scheme, typically within 30 days.

BESCA CPS provides a route for installers to self-certify work, demonstrate competence and maintain audit trails aligned with the industry’s “golden thread” of information requirements.

The scheme applies across both domestic and non-domestic projects where installation work falls within notifiable categories.

Industry focus on competence, compliance and accountability

David Frise, Chief Executive of the Building Engineering Services Association, said: “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.

“Through the BESA Member Pledge, we are clear that the future of our industry depends on a fully competent, compliant supply chain. We are encouraging clients and major contractors to specify BESA members and require CPS registration as standard, ensuring that competence, compliance and accountability are embedded throughout the delivery of building services.

“Importantly, contractors who have already achieved the BESA Competence Assessment Standard (CAS) through our robust technical audit process are recognised as meeting the requirements for BESCA CPS, removing duplication and making it easier to demonstrate compliance.”

Governance and audit framework highlighted

Jill Nicholls, Director of Competence and Compliance at Building Engineering Services Association, said: “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.”

The re-accreditation reflects wider industry focus on compliance, traceability and competence assurance across building engineering services, particularly as regulatory expectations increase around safety documentation and accountability in construction delivery.