Update on the Redevelopment of MCS

27 November 2024

Ian rippin, head shot mis interview

Following my open letter in June, we are pleased to share more details on the progress made on our redevelopment of MCS and what this means for your business.

 

What’s happening in January 2025?

In January, we will officially launch a new MCS website and publish scheme documents for the redeveloped scheme. The existing scheme documents and associated information will continue to be available and accessible.

Documents for the redeveloped scheme include:

  1. Installer Operating Requirements

The framework for how you’ll maintain MCS certification. It outlines the requirements and processes that you need to follow.

2. Customer Commitment

Outlines responsibilities to protect & safeguard consumers and adhere to consumer protection laws. It ensures that customers are treated fairly and that they know where to turn if they need to complain.

3. MCS Installation Standards

The technical standards for how systems should be designed and installed. The technical requirements aren’t changing from what is contained in the MCS Installation Standards today, but they have been restructured and streamlined to be more focussed as “technical truths”.

4. Pre-sale Information and System Performance Estimate Standards

The technical standards that outline how to carry out system performance estimates and the pre-sale information that must be provided to a customer for an installation. These requirements exist today, but we’ve restructured and streamlined into their own technology-specific standards to improve clarity.

This marks an exciting milestone in delivering a scheme that prioritises quality, fairness, and accessibility.

Whilst you won’t be able to access the redeveloped scheme immediately, it’s important that we give you some time to become familiar with the scheme structure and its requirements.

Following publication of the scheme documentation in January, we’ll work closely with your Certification Body (CB) to help support them through the process of updating their accreditation for the redeveloped scheme from the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS). The timeline for this will be dependent on UKAS themselves and we can share more on this when we have it.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Continue to comply with Scheme requirements: Until MCS and your CB confirms the availability of the redeveloped scheme and the timescales for transition, your business will remain under the current scheme requirements. This means that you’ll need to maintain membership of a consumer code and continue to purchase Insurance Backed Guarantees. We expect a rolling transition period which will likely last 12-18 months, but these timescales are not yet clear.

WHAT WE’RE DOING TO SUPPORT YOU

We are focussed on making this transition as smooth as possible:

  • We are creating lots of resources: Look out for tailored guidance, FAQs, and other tools to ensure you’re fully prepared. This will include clear information and instructions on what’s required and how the changes apply to your business.
  • We continue to collaborate: We’re working directly with UKAS and your Certification Body to prepare for the transition.
  • Our Customer Support Helpdesk are at the ready: Our team will be on hand to provide advice and support throughout the transition. Whether you have specific questions on scheme requirements or need guidance on the changes, our Helpdesk are here to help.
  • We’ll share ongoing communication: We’ll keep you informed every step of the way with regular updates.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or need further information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us:

Call: 0333 103 8130 or Email: hello@mcscertified.com

Best Regards,

Ian Rippin

CEO, MCS