It was looked into and the problem was that there had to be an opportunity or gap that needed filling. If it was concluded that the new scheme would not result in filling a currently unaccounted-for skill or area then it needn't be considered.
It would also take 18 months of going backwards and forwards, and with the existing schemes currently under pressure and review it would easily have been disregarded.
The competent persons schemes are currently being reviewed through the committee as there is frustration that two registers have been created instead of the one for a home-owner to use. The question on the effectiveness of the competent persons schemes, combined with the existing application of the building regulations was offered for comment recently and so we chose to respond.
My old man (who posts here occasionally as 'theoracle') wrote in with an attempt to offer the training providers opinion. He runs his own training centre, and is completely against the Electrical Trainee, he doesn't do Part P training at all. So he has written in and explained how the competent person schemes (CPS) have manipulated this to suit them.
He has been asked to attend to give oral evidence to the committee in January.
I am meeting with him over the holidays, and with some mulled wine and cake we are going to go through the areas that are key for him to offer as evidence.
I do feel that this online community is an opportunity lost if we do not find a way to make your voices heard.
There are lots of suits and toffs involved here who do not want change, as they are the ones at risk. The committee is being given the opinion that the CPS are representing us, and so they are essential.
It is my belief that if we found a way to give all the electricians that have been affected by the CPS or Part P, the opportunity to speak through to the committee then they will have to seriously take heed and consider restructuring it.
