A single assessment organisation should periodically assess electrical installers – instead of the four at present, says the Electrical Contractors' Association.
Speaking at the association's annual dinner, the first event in its Centenary year, Peter Hughes, ECA President, said a single industry scheme would provide an authoritative point of reference.

"There are many different requirements and interest groups involved in periodical technical assessment at present. However I believe there should be only one single industry scheme recognised throughout the entire industry." Assessment should be carried out only by UKAS-approved organisations, he said. The ECA's own Technical Department won UKAS accreditation in January.

The ECA's Security Section has more than 300 members installing security systems. These range from small local employers with few staff to national multi-service companies. All are ECA assessed for "competence, reliability and integrity".