Regulation of electricians: consultation analysis

5. Increasing consumer awareness

There is agreement that, regardless of whether any regulatory measures are taken, action is needed to help consumers identify or verify competent and qualified electricians. At present there are a number of avenues for consumers to seek help to find competent individual electricians and businesses, but there is no comprehensive database, and there is low recognition among consumers for the databases that do exist.

Q12. What actions will be most effective in raising standards and increasing consumer protection?

A total of 59 respondents provided commentary in response to this question. A wide range of suggestions were put forward. These included:

• advertising campaign highlighting the need to use competent registered electricians;
• consumer education and awareness raising so that consumers are more likely to make well informed choices when having electrical work done in their home;
• identification of a simply understood accreditation;
• public register so people can check if electrician meets appropriate standards and can see if anyone is struck off;
• ensure that all electrical work is certified;
• better enforcement and public prosecution of offenders.

Q13. Are there any actions not listed that are necessary to increase consumer awareness?

A total of 53 respondents provided commentary in response to this question. A wide range of suggestions were put forward. These included:

• advertising campaign;
• database where contractors can keep an online, live, ECS card which should be kept up to date;
• every household should be provided with a leaflet directing how to contact an electrical through a national register;
• a simple and recognisable accreditation such as the Gas Safe scheme;
• the Scottish Government should invest in the initial development stage of regulation by assisting with one-off finance to build the register and its systems;
• engage insurance companies.

Q14. How can any new actions be used to build on and supplement the existing system?

A total of 54 respondents provided commentary in response to this question. A wide range of suggestions were put forward. These included:

• advertising;
• incorporate some form of digital technology to allow the process to be streamlined and monitored easily;
• integrate with Scottish building standards;
• regular industry summits;
• a policy of random, and as far as can reasonably managed, unannounced detailed inspections of electrical installation work by an independent statutory authority;
• better prosecution of rogue traders with imprisonment for repeat offenders.