So, you’ve had a tradesperson in and the job hasn’t gone as planned. You don’t know where to turn. The likelihood is that Trading Standards or Citizens Advice will be your first port of call, but if your installer is a member of a professional or membership body, you may find that they will be governed by a complaints procedure.
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering has a code of conduct called the Code of Professional Standards. All its members agree to abide by the Code on signing up in membership. This is alongside proving their qualifications and experience, so you can employ a tradesperson knowing that they have the aptitude and the integrity to work to a high standard.
It is through this code that the Institute runs its complaints procedure. If a member of the Chartered Institute contravenes any of the six points of the Code of Professional Standards, he or she can make themselves liable for a complaint to be made against them.
Whilst at work each individual member of the Institute must:
1. Perform professionally, competently, and responsibly
Carry out their own work or supervise the work of others with due regard to technical quality, appropriate insurance cover* and the interests of employers, employees and clients; communicating and performing to an acceptable standard; and with a duty of care to employers, employees, and clients.
2. Safeguard the environment and public health and safety
Take all reasonable care to avoid damaging the environment or creating any danger of death, injury or ill-health to any person or damage to property.
3. Comply with all relevant laws, regulations, standards, and codes
Work in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements and conform to the appropriate European and British Standards Codes of Practice. In the case of Fellows and Members registered with the Engineering Council UK, also conforming to that Council’s Codes of Professional Practice.
4. Broaden, improve, and maintain their skills, knowledge and personal qualities
Keep up-to-date with developments in the plumbing mechanical engineering services industry by attending and participating in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and other relevant training activities.
5. Uphold the dignity, standing and reputation of the Institute and the plumbing mechanical engineering services industry
Act professionally and adopt a form of behaviour and appearance that will not cause offence or embarrassment to others. To maintain the Institute’s good name and that of the industry generally, members in the course of their work are expected to act professionally and adopt a form of behaviour and appearance that will not cause offence or embarrassment to others.
6. Abide by the Code of Professional Standards
Accept responsibilities as a member to comply and co-operate with the Institute in the operation of its disciplinary procedures and any investigation that may occur as a result.
Only CIPHE members have pledged to abide by this code, so make sure you choose a member to complete work for you!
To find a professional plumbing or heating engineer in your area, visit our find a plumber tool or phone the CIPHE on 01708 472791.
* Where appropriate to Insure against Legal Liability for injury or disease to their employees as defined by the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 and to protect the public by Insuring against Legal Liability by purchasing Public/Products Liability Insurance, with a minimum indemnity of £2,000,000.