A 2006 review by the Health
and Safety Executive identified
‘a case for change’ to the
CORGI scheme that had been
registering gas installers since
1991. In competitive tender,
Capita was appointed to
overhaul the scheme and
operate it for 10 years from
April 2009.
Unsafe gas work and appliances can seriously injure and kill. Last year
alone, 310 people were injured in gas related incidents – through fires,
explosions, gas leaks and carbon monoxide – and 18 died. In its 2006
review of gas safety, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that
45% of people were not fully aware of these risks. This prompted the
HSE to overhaul the gas registration scheme, appointing Capita to run
a new register for gas engineers.
The register went live in April 2009. The trade welcomed the lower
registration fees, free promotional materials and strong technical
support including a free helpline. By the year-end close to 61,000
firms and 126,000 engineers had signed-up: the highest levels
ever achieved.
Building recognition of Gas Safe Register as the replacement for the
long-established CORGI scheme was a major challenge. But strong
promotion, clear branding and award-winning design ensured that
within 6 months of launch Gas Safe was close to its target of 40%
unprompted brand recognition. Consumers welcomed the new
Freefone service and website that helped them find local engineers
– and check their qualifications and photos.
The HSE has praised our more rigorous inspection regime − which
carries out more inspections, using a risk-weighted approach rather
than letting engineers nominate their own work for inspection. And
reputable firms appreciate the way Capita has positioned Gas Safe
Register as a campaigning brand that supports registered engineers
and promotes gas safety. As a recent ad campaign says: “Gas and
cowboys don’t mix”.