Alex Cuttill asks whether – in order to become a self-certifying sole-trader, he legally has to be associated to a governing body. His question is answered by both the ECA and the NICEIC (Theme – Regulations & Legislation):
I have City & Guilds Level 1, 2 and 3, plus plenty of experience.
Can I trade if I do City & Guilds 2391 and Part P with no governing body associations?
If I am with a governing body, do I need to have City & Guilds 2391 qualitifcations and Part P, or do they come with registration?
Do I need public liability and/or PI insurance, or does registration cover that?
Do I need Health and Safety certificates to work in someone's home?
As whoever answers my question can see, I'm a bit in the dark about the legal side of what is needed - and the most financially beneficial way for me to start working for myself.
A detailed answer covering several different answers would be gratefully appreciated. Also if anyone has any general advice about my situation, that would be very helpful.
NICEIC answer: You do not need a City & Guilds 2391 or Part P qualification to work as an electrician. If you do not register with a scheme provider, you will need to notify domestic electrical work directly to your Building Control at your council BEFORE you can commence any work. They - in turn - will ask whether you are competent and whether you hold any formal qualification to 17th Edition Wiring Regulations.
However, if you register with a scheme provider, you will have to provide evidence of a 17th Edition qualification and be able to demonstrate that you can initially verify and complete certification for electrical work, and provide two domestic installation jobs that you have already installed.
You will need to have public liability insurance as part of our scheme requirements.
If you go to our website at www.niceic.com, there is further information provided regarding these issues.
ECA answer: For the type of work that you want to carry out, I suggest that you join a government approved Part P Scheme in order to self-certify your own work. Otherwise, you will need to notify the local Building Control office before you start any of your jobs and pay their fees. Building Control would then be responsible to inspect your work and notify your work as necessary with Part P. You should be able to join a Part P scheme with your qualifications and experience.
You will need PI insurance, and a Heath and Safety policy, which most schemes would help you prepare. Please feel free to contact the ECA if you need any more information.
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