Proving competency and developing skills
26 September 2025
With regulatory scrutiny ever-tightening, the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is looking to provide more opportunities for building energy management systems engineers to validate their expertise and knowledge and also develop new skills.
The Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, and the subsequent Building Safety Act in 2022, led to the building automation and construction sectors facing increased regulatory scrutiny. They also came at a time when grandfather rights were being phased out, heightening the importance of verified qualifications and skills.
The BCIA believes the sector must embrace the challenges created by the ever-tightening regulations and the phasing out of industry-accredited competency cards to raise quality standards and remain compliant. It is argued that this will help to ensure the reputation of building controls and automation can be cemented as an essential technology for not only safety but also the vital task of decarbonising the UK’s building stock.
Working with employers, the BCIA has helped to develop the industry’s competency pathway and made substantial investments in programmes that support participants and their employers. This includes the comprehensive development of a Level 4 Building Controls Engineer apprenticeship scheme – the only initiative that results in a relevant qualification for BEMS professionals.
Closing the gap
MD of Integrated BMS Jason Harper believes that the proving of competence would not only benefit the individuals, but also the employers and the industry as a whole. Speaking about the proposed competency framework he says: “The biggest challenge facing our market sector is the shortfall in quality skilled engineers. There is a growing gap between traditional BMS engineers and the skills needed for modern software-driven systems requiring a multi-skilled engineer capable of a high level of understanding in IT systems, software and mechanical plant.
“Proving competency will give companies the reassurance that the employed BMS engineer has the skillset capable of carrying out the role effectively. Regular revalidation of competency can improve productivity and ensure employees have the correct skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively. It also reduces risk and costly mistakes, leading to higher customer satisfaction and the strengthening of the business’s overall performance.”
Ongoing evolution
BCIA vice president Jen Vickers suggests that ever-changing technologies and customer demands require a continual evolution of training and development alongside revalidation of competence. She explains: “Revalidation of competence is absolutely crucial to help ensure the sector has the required skillset to deliver and maintain increasingly complex buildings that incorporate evolving technologies.
“Businesses that invest in their people are seen as good places to work and it’s a good way of attracting and retaining staff. Additionally, having a portfolio of staff who can demonstrate industry-recognised competence helps businesses win work.”
The association has funded the development of an Experienced Worker Assessment to support those without formal qualifications to obtain certification and apply for their BEMS ECS cards. It continues to invest in technical training courses to further support workforce development.
While these have been significant steps towards creating the required competency framework for the sector, and they have been improving skills and access to expertise provision, it is argued that the regular revalidation of competency needs to be the next focus to ensure access is clearly defined and attainable for the entire sector.
This is especially important given regulators regularly monitor competency checks on site and main contractors proactively specify card requirements for staff working on their contracts. Additionally, insurers are increasingly asking for competency evidence while public sector contracts and in-house BEMS teams are required to evidence competency for compliance purposes.
Revalidation scheme
With business owners keen to augment their credentials and standing in the market by embracing competency relevant to their requirements and utilising these standards, the BCIA has been tasked with developing a revalidation scheme and is working closely with industry leaders. This initiative will fully validate experience, skills and knowledge in a consistent way, as well as meeting health and safety requirements.
The association is consulting with the wider sector to help shape what form revalidation takes, what methods can be used to assess whether current competency levels are to the required standard and how frequently revalidation is needed based on the pace of technological change. As part of this consultation, the association has also issued a survey and is delivering online events to its members and the rest of the sector, inviting views on potential forms of revalidation.
While the building automation sector slowly adapts to a more regulated and competence-driven landscape, the BCIA is driving efforts to ensure professionals obtain the training and development they need while validating skills and experience. Through upcoming revalidation frameworks, strategic training initiatives and robust certification pathways, the association says it is committed to supporting the workforce at every stage of their career.
With staying compliant and future-ready so crucial in such a competitive industry, all sector professionals and employers are therefore encouraged to utilise the available resources and actively engage with the BCIA’s consultation process. ■
Add your voice
The BCIA would like to hear views from across the Building Controls and Automation sector. To take part in the consultation please visit the website below:
