MCS Warns Installers Against Non-Compliant Subcontracting

MCS IS WARNING installers against agreeing to non-compliant subcontracting arrangements to sign off the work of another installer.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) acted immediately after they received evidence of a non-certified business encouraging MCS certified installers to break MCS requirements. 

MCS says it takes attempts to lure its installers into non-compliant activity seriously.

The organisation “moved rapidly” by issuing a formal cease and desist letter to the non-certified business as soon as they became aware of their activities.

Non-Compliant Subcontracting  

MCS has seen invitations to certified installers to enter a contractual and financial arrangement to ‘sign off’ and register MCS certificates for air source heat pump installations.

The non-certified business said it would performance calculations and estimates and install the system. Additionally, they would hold the direct relationship and contract with the customer. Meanwhile, the MCS certified installer would have no direct contact with the customer.

This arrangement is not compliant with MCS Standards, the organisation warns.

To be compliant, the installer that registers the installation on the MCS Installation Database (MID) and produces the MCS Certificate must hold the contract directly with the customer.  

MCS has issued a formal letter to the director of the non-certified business, outlining their concerns. The letter explains why their actions encourage a breach of MCS requirements, and requests them to stop their activity immediately.

MCS has also shared its concerns with Ofgem, DESNZ (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), Trustmark, MCS Certification Bodies and applicable manufacturers.

They have also instructed the MCS Customer Support Helpdesk and Outreach team to monitor for this type of activity.

Moreover, they are raising awareness of the issues amongst MCS installers to protect them and the scheme itself.

Scheme Breaches Not Tolerated

MCS says, “the installer who registers the installation on the MCS Installation Database and produces the MCS Certificate must hold the contract with the customer.

“This is crucial in ensuring consumers have clarity on who is delivering and taking responsibility for their installation. It is also important in making sure installations are compliant to MCS Standards.

“We urge any of our certified installers who are approached for this type of work to raise their concerns with our Customer Support Helpdesk. This will help us to continue to respond and take decisive action.

“It is in everyone’s interests to raise standards in our industry, and as such breaches of Scheme requirements will not be tolerated.”

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