Competency

Estates and Facilities has sent information on its new competency procedures to all contractors and consultants on our preferred list. These Web pages provide guidance to organisations and also for organisations looking to work with us in the future.

Why are we doing this?

The University has a legal duty to ensure that all the contractors and consultants it uses are competent. All companies working for the University must have appropriate management systems in place. The relevant legislation is:

• Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Health and Safety competence

E&F needs to ensure that basic health and safety management systems are in place. The University has signed up to the Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) for its own operations and will require all Contractors and Consultants who work on construction related projects to be accredited with CHAS, Safe Contractor or similar approved accreditation schemes. Construction for this purpose is classed as all works involving building new structures, structural modifications to existing buildings, all demolition works and any works involving excavations.

For non construction related works i.e. maintenance, installation of equipment (where it does not involve modification to the building structure), HVAC, electrical works etc. UoR will need to see that the company has membership of the appropriate recognised trade body.

Projects-specific competence

All organisations will have to demonstrate that they are competent to carry out the work they are applying for. Your staff are expected to be formally trained where appropriate and to have current knowledge and experience. References will be required from former clients and customers, along with an organogram for key personnel.