Business outsourcing giant, Capita PLC, has confirmed it has been reselected by the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to manage the Gas Safe Register.
Capita has overseen the Gas Safe Register since 2009. During this time, the database has
grown from 35,000 to 80,000 businesses, equating to more than 150,000 engineers. The renewal, which is worth £89m, will see the partnership continue from April 2025 through to December 2029.
As well as managing the register, Capita is also responsible for promoting its awareness and general gas safety knowledge amongst UK consumers through initiatives such as Gas Safety Week.
As part of the new contract, Capita says it “will ensure that new digital technology is embedded throughout processes to enable more effective and efficient delivery of the concession, and to improve the way consumers and engineers engage with the service.”
Adolfo Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer, Capita, said: "We are proud of our track record operating the Gas Safe Register, a critical service which helps keep people safe every day.
“This renewal is testament to the key role Capita plays as a strategic partner to government, using people, technology and processes to transform public sector services and improve citizen experiences.”
Why is the Gas Safe Register so important?
As the UK’s only official database of engineers who are legally qualified to carry out any kind of gas work, the Gas Safe Register is a vital safeguarding measure that protects both the public and tradespeople.
Before becoming a member of the register, an engineer must complete a recognised accredited training course and demonstrate their competence by undertaking an Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS).
This accreditation (ACS) lasts for five years and must be renewed once this period has passed. This ensures anyone listed on the register has trained to a high level that meets the latest industry standards.
The team investigates any reports of unsafe gas work and applies sanctions when breaches are made. If you suspect unsafe gas work, always report it to the Gas Safe Register. Reports can be made by anyone, including consumers, registered gas engineers, Trading Standards or environmental health officers.
Gas Safe also carries out regular inspections of all businesses on the register to ensure standards and protocols are being maintained.
Building awareness of gas safety through regular consumer campaigns is another major purpose of the register. Helpful educational resources, such as what should be done in cases of a gas emergency, can be found on the Gas Safe website.
For experienced engineers, the Gas Safe Register also provides a facility for registered businesses to self-certify the installation of gas appliances.