Approved Contractors Scheme

Registration with a recognised accreditation scheme

Approved Contractors are required to be registered with Trustmark which is the UK Government endorsed quality scheme designed to help consumers find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople for home improvement works, or Checkatrade, which is a UK-based platform that conducts background checks on all trade professionals, ensuring they meet specific standards, including criminal record checks and verification of public liability insurance. Other registrations may be approved at the discretion of the Housing Standards Manager, or the Senior Grant Officer; for example the Foundations Home Adaptions Installer Network or Front Door competent persons scheme.

Trustmark

• Consumer protection: TrustMark helps consumers make informed decisions when hiring tradespeople by ensuring that registered businesses adhere to high standards of technical competence and customer service.
• Quality assurance: By using a TrustMark registered business, homeowners can have confidence in the quality of work performed, as these businesses are regularly assessed and monitored.
• Dispute resolution: TrustMark works with its Scheme Providers to help resolve disputes between consumers and tradespeople, providing a fair and timely resolution process.

Checkatrade:

• Consumer protection: Before being listed, members must pass up to 12 checks, which include verification of identity, address, qualifications, and checks for County Court Judgements (CCJs) and insolvency.
• Quality assurance: If a member fails to meet "The Checkatrade Standard" (a set of six quality commitments), their membership may be subjected to a deactivation and sanctions policy, which can include removal from the platform.
• Dispute resolution: If the work is substandard, Checkatrade can contribute towards the cost of putting things right, up to a maximum of £1,000.

Public Liability

Approved contractors are required to have at least £1,000,000 of public liability insurance for minor works. (such as ramps, stairlifts, level access showers, internal door widening) typically these are works under £30,000. For major works, approved contractors are to have at least £4,000,000. Major works are works typically over £30,000 such as extensions and structural works that may require a structural calculations.
Why:
Public liability insurance protects a business from the potential high costs of compensation claims if a member of the public, client, or visitor suffers injury, death, or property damage due to the business activities.

Contractor Forum

Once a year, contractors will be invited to attend a Contractor Forum. This will typically be between March and May. The agenda will focus on the DFG budget, updates, changes in procedures, regulations, or expectations directly to all contractors, ensuring consistent understanding and compliance.
Why:
Contractors can provide feedback on the accreditation process, project management, and other aspects, helping to improve the overall process. The Forum may encourage contractors to identify areas for improvement and innovative solutions, elevating the quality of work and project outcomes through open discussions that promote transparency among contractors and demonstrate a commitment to fair and equitable treatment.

Terms and Conditions

Approved contractors are to agree to our terms and conditions. These will cover:

• Scope of works
• Quoting
• Electrical Regulation compliance
• Gas regulation compliance
• Material and workmanship
• Waste disposal
• Working arrangements
• Building Regulations
• Invoicing
• Payments
• Guarantee and warranty
• Contractor forum
• Registration with a recognised accreditation scheme
• Public liability Insurance
• Number of Approved contractors
• Schedule Of Rates Framework
• Breaches of Conditions

Limitations on number of approved contractors

Why:
To prevent excessive administration whilst still enabling fair competition.

View our list of approved contractors

Apply to the Approved Contractors Scheme