HVCA firms have declared their support for the introduction of enhanced membership criteria.
The Association's latest survey showed that:
90% of respondents supported independent assessment of applicants for membership;
80% supported the competence assessment of existing HVCA members;
70% supported the concept of regular member reassessment.
Members questioned whether annual inspection was unnecessarily frequent. However, it is believed that accreditation of the inspection regime by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service is key (as the ECA has done with its assessment scheme). UKAS is likely to insist upon annual reassessment.
In addition to site inspection, the scope of the assessment would comprise financial standing, management competence, insurance cover, health and safety procedures, and the qualifications of the workforce.
Current plans would see new applicant assessment introduced in 2002, with assessment of all existing members by 2004.
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
