After a controversial few weeks since its release, the Capita Gas Compliance Services Scheme (CGCS) appears to have been withdrawn today (23rd February), after mounting pressure from a number of installers.
Whilst we have yet to receive an update from CGCS ourselves, the responses from installers – many of whom have voiced their concern with further compliance schemes being unnecessary and convoluted – indicates the organisation will not be continuing with its plans.
We asked for a few initial reactions from installers – displayed below:
@AlphaTec_: “All the publicity for CGCS came from a group of four (@AlphaTec_, @pbplumber, @Unequaledheatin and @GasManGod) online who have battled publicly and openly, have emailed, contacted and spoken with other organisations, and challenged Gas Safe and Capita. Their removal of the scheme is – without being big headed – due to the cry from four to unite our industry. We sent emails from over 400 GSRs to Capita and Gas Safe opposing this.”
@pbplumber: “It’s great that the thoughts of installers actually doing the job day in day out has influenced the people who try and force these unwarranted schemes on an already congested industry. It’s a victory for the common man and I’m really proud of everyone who made a stand.”
@GasManGod: “Let us give thanks and praise today for the victory that hath been achieved by four regular engineers. Myself @GasManGod , St Peter @pbplumber, Bishop Craig @AlphaTec_ and The Reverend Tony @Unequaledheatin would like to thank thee all for Thy support, emails, tweets, retweets and help. We did it for every single one of you. Thanks be to GasManGod Amen!”
@irbheating: “I’m very pleased to hear that Capita has withdrawn the #CGCS scheme. This is a massive victory for installers all across the country, what we have done here is surely a first? We have stood together, united, and used social media to spread the message that we will not stand for it anymore and allow big corporations to run a mock. Now I hope that Gas Safe Register will take note of all the comments and criticism it has received during this and improve its scheme for the future. I don’t know if we have heard the end of #CGCS yet, but I’d like to say well done to everyone that stood up and participated. Today is a good day.”
@Unequaledheatin: “The last thing we need in this industry is an extra fee to prove our high standards – the good guys do that everyday anyway. When I posted about this on Facebook the response was incredible – 360 people willing to stand against this waste of resources in just 48 hours. Fantastic result.”
The email sent to installers apparently confirming CGCS has been withdrawn reads as follows:
“It has been helpful in testing the potential development of a consultancy service for the utility market, accredited by UKAS, within Capita’s Health and Safety consultancy business.
“At this stage we are withdrawing the service.”
PHPI will look to update this story if further news and reaction comes in.
