BESCA Competent Person Scheme Achieves UKAS Re-Accreditation To ISO 17065

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06 May 2026

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

Following a rigorous audit by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the scheme was praised for its robust systems, consistent processes, and strong approach to impartiality, reinforcing its position as a trusted, independent certification body. 

Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17065 confirms that BESCA CPS operates to internationally recognised best practice, providing independent assurance that contractors are assessed consistently, competently, and transparently. 

The milestone comes at an important time for the industry. Under the Building Regulations, installers carrying out notifiable building work are responsible for making sure that the work is properly notified to the relevant building control authority within the prescribed period (typically 30-days), whether directly or via an authorised Competence Person Scheme. This applies across domestic and non-domestic projects where the work falls within notifiable categories of the building services installation. 

BESCA CPS provides a clear, compliant route for contractors to meet these obligations, enabling them to demonstrate competence, self-certify work, notify efficiently and maintain an auditable record aligned to the golden thread of information. 

David Frise, Chief Executive of 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. 

Frise continued: “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.”

Frise added: “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.”  

Frise concluded: “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.”

Jill Nicholls, Director of Competence and Compliance at BESA, 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.”

Nicholls added: “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.” 

Picture: An image of an engineer with the BESCA logo placed on a white banner in the centre.

Article written by Dave Mapps | Published 06 May 2026

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