Alan Wells, Director, Technical and Standards at Certsure offers his considered thoughts on the Hackitt Review:
“Throughout her Review Dame Hackitt notes that competence – defined as a combination of knowledge, skills and experience – underpins safety for all. The electrotechnical industry recognises and promotes professionals who have a wide range of skills and Dame Hackitt’s report acknowledges the scope of that competence is key. 
The need for all aspects of the building trade to be “assessed, accredited and reaccredited” is intrinsic too. The report’s focus on UKAS accreditation as a minimum standard is a positive step forward – ensuring demonstrable independence in the activities of those measuring competence. Ensuring that there is someone checking the checkers is crucial.
Those who are rushing to offer themselves and their schemes endorsement because of the Review may be in danger of premature congratulations as careful reading highlights the need for cultural change, which requires sustained leadership by all. This means that the electrical industry must continue to work together to find ways to further define and recognise competence and ensure that it is regularly assessed and validated throughout an electrician’s career.
This process will give confidence to politicians and more importantly consumers who are increasingly aware of the importance of the quality and standard of work in their properties. It will also help the public have a greater appreciation of the role that qualified, assessed competent electricians play in securing the safety of our homes and places that we visit.”
