On 17 August 2000, the former Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions (DETR) approved the Institute of Plumbing as an organisation that can identify members deemed competent as Approved Contractor Persons (ACP) under Regulation 1, (2) (b) of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. These Regulations apply in England and Wales but approval also applies under the Water Byelaws 2000 in Scotland.

See the IPHE press release to view announcement of the Institute's recognition in August 2000.

The Institute's Approved Contractor Person scheme was the first Government recognised industry scheme. Unlike the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS) and schemes in the Anglian, Severn Trent, Thames and Yorkshire water company areas, industry schemes like the Institute's are subject to prior scrutiny and on-going monitoring by the Secretary of State. With the demise of the DETR in June 2001, recognition transferred to the Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The Institute's scheme is due for Departmental review by September 2003.

In October 2000 the Institute invited 9,300 members enrolled as Registered Plumbers resident in the United Kingdom, to apply for ACP recognition. To-date 123 members are currently recognised.

To become an Approved Contractor Person, Members of the Institute must in addition to being enrolled as a Registered Plumber:-

• Pass a recognised test of knowledge competence (either BPEC/WRAS or WTI/C&G) in the Water Regulations.
• Possess public liability insurance cover to the value of £2m.
• Undertake 5 hours Water Regulations Professional Development (PD formerly CPD) out of the 20 hours recommended PD for Institute membership.

Download the ACP Application Form.

In May 2002 the DEFRA Water Regulations Advisory Committee (WRAC) recommended common criteria be introduced across all Approved Schemes. A WRAC Plumbing Working Group is due to report to WRAC in May 2003. The Institute's ACP scheme criteria may changed thereafter and details will be posted here.

For more information on Water Regulations ACP recognition please contact Danny Davis at IPHE Head Office on telephone number 01708 463104 or by e-mail Danny Davis.