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Transitioning to the redeveloped Scheme

Transitioning to the redeveloped Scheme

Throughout 2025 and the first half of 2026, there will be a transition period for installers moving over to the redeveloped Scheme. Details of this transition will be outlined here.

Home|Installers|Redeveloped Installer Scheme
Installer with consumer with laptop.

Existing MCS certified installers

If you’re already an MCS certified installer, please be aware that you will not be automatically moved to the redeveloped Scheme. We are actively working with MCS Certification Bodies to support them through the process of updating their UKAS accreditation to include the redeveloped Scheme. 

An MCS certified installer can only begin transitioning to the redeveloped Scheme once their Certification Body has achieved updated UKAS accreditation and is operating under an agreement with MCS to run the redeveloped Scheme.

As part of the transition process, your Certification Body will carry out a transition audit to confirm you meet the requirements of the redeveloped Scheme. Additionally, MCS will conduct Scheme checks before issuing you with an Installer Agreement.

The timeline for this will be dependent on UKAS themselves.

In order to remain compliant, you will need to continue operating under the current Scheme requirements until it is confirmed you have moved onto the redeveloped Scheme. For example, you will need to retain membership of a Consumer Code and continue purchasing Insurance Backed Guarantees until your Certification Body and MCS has confirmed your transition over to the redeveloped Scheme.

We are focused on making this transition as smooth as possible, and will be providing tailored guidance, FAQs, and other tools to ensure you are fully prepared. This will include clear information and instructions on what’s required and how the changes apply to your business.

In the meantime, installers can prepare by familiarising themselves with the redeveloped Scheme requirements and adopting any required changes into business operations. 

Becoming certified for the first time under the redeveloped Scheme

Although we cannot provide exact details on how to become certified for the redeveloped Scheme at this time, this will be provided as and when new installers are able to become certified under the redeveloped Scheme.

If you are not already an MCS certified installer, the decision as to whether you start the process now or wait for the redeveloped Scheme to be offered by Certification Bodies is down to your individual business needs and readiness for certification

If the benefits of certification are important to you in the short term, and you are ready to demonstrate compliance with the current Scheme, we recommend starting the process now and you will be able to transition to the redeveloped Scheme at a later date.

You can read more about the process of becoming certified for the current Scheme below.

Becoming certified
Installer fitting pipes.

How the redeveloped Scheme will benefit you

Enhanced consumer protections and trust 

  • Consumer protection is embedded at the heart of the redeveloped Scheme through the Customer Commitment that an installer must adhere to.
  • This will mean stronger safeguards for consumers; to build trust in an installer’s service offering. 

Simplified requirements to drive compliance and accessibility

  • We have updated our technical standards to make them easier to follow.
  • We have streamlined requirements to reduce admin burden on an installer, whilst maintaining compliance.

Reinforced relationship between MCS, installers and Certification Bodies 

  • MCS is taking greater ownership of the Scheme, ensuring consistency and fairness in the delivery.
  • Certification Bodies will work to clear requirements set by MCS to ensure consistency in delivery.
  • Installers will have a direct contractual relationship with MCS, improving clarity and transparency on what your responsibilities are as an installer.

Reform of certification and ongoing compliance processes 

  • Consistent assessment criteria to be used by Certification Bodies when assessing an MCS certified installer.
  • Moving away from admin heavy assessments to more focus on delivered quality.
  • Assessment frequency to be driven by risk to help focus Certification Body resources where they are needed the most and to reward installers who are consistently compliant. 

Changes to your business

  • New Installer Operating Requirements; the framework for how you’ll gain and maintain MCS certification.
  • Customer Commitment, which outlines your responsibilities to protect and safeguard consumers and adhere to consumer protection laws.
  • Existing scheme documents like MCS001 and MCS025 will be retired and you won’t need to comply with these documents.
  • The technical requirements aren’t changing from what is contained in the MCS Installation Standards today, but they have been restructured and streamlined to be more focussed as “technical truths”.
  • Introduction of new technical standards that outline how to carry out system performance estimates and the pre-sale information that must be provided to a customer for an installation. 
  • These requirements exist today, but we’ve restructured and streamlined into their own technology-specific standards to improve clarity.
  • You will need to sign a new contract with MCS which outlines your responsibilities as an MCS certified installer.
  • It will no longer be mandatory for installers to hold a Consumer Code membership as part of the introduction of our Customer Commitment.
  • You will need to purchase an approved MCS financial protection product for your customers.
  • Details of MCS approved financial protection products will be listed in a dedicated directory on the MCS website. 
  • You will no longer need to have a Nominee or Nominated Technical Person, and instead assign a Main Contact within your business, and a Technical Supervisor for each installation you deliver.
  • Your Technical Supervisor needs to demonstrate competency, by evidencing an in date MCS approved qualification.
  • You will have 30 days to create certificates instead of 14 days. 
  • You will need to provide new information for each installation you register on the MID: Technical Supervisor, the name and contact details of the customer you contracted with, and the name of the financial protection provider you are purchasing from.