What are the new Mandatory Technical Competence (MTC) requirements?
The MTC framework sets out the minimum standards that roofing businesses and their competent installers need to meet when carrying out notifiable work under a Competent Person Scheme. The aim is simple: to make sure work is carried out safely, competently and in line with the Building Regulations.
Why has this been introduced?
The framework forms part of the Building Safety Regulator's drive to improve standards across the construction industry following the Building Safety Act 2022. It provides a consistent way of assessing competence across different trades and Competent Person Schemes.
Does this mean I need to change the way I work?
For many established roofing contractors, probably not by much. If you already work to recognised industry standards, keep good records and invest in training, you're likely to have many of the requirements in place already.
The main focus is on being able to demonstrate your competence by providing evidence of your qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience.
Who needs to be assessed?
Your business must nominate competent individuals (Nominated Competent Persons) who are responsible for self-certifying the roofing work you carry out as compliant with Building Regulations. Those individuals need the right combination of skills, knowledge, qualifications, experience and ongoing professional development (CPD).
Depending on the size of your business, that might be the business owner, site supervisor or another member of your team.
What does "competent" actually mean?
A competent roofing professional has the right combination of skills, knowledge, experience and professional behaviours to carry out roofing work safely, correctly and to a high standard.
Competence isn't demonstrated by a qualification alone. It is built through a combination of recognised training, practical experience, ongoing professional development (CPD), and evidence that work has been completed to the required standards.
Do all my employees have to be fully qualified?
No. Labourers, apprentices and trainees can still work on site, but they must be supervised by a competent individual who takes responsibility for ensuring the work complies with Building Regulations.
Do I need to comply with all of the Building Regulations?
Yes. Your business is responsible for ensuring work complies with all relevant Building Regulations, not just the roofing elements. Depending on the work being undertaken this may include requirements relating to structural safety, fire, energy efficiency and other applicable regulations.
What records should my business keep?
A competent roofing contractor should maintain records that demonstrate both individual competence (the capability of the people carrying out the work) and organisational competence (the systems and processes the business has in place to deliver compliant work consistently).
A comprehensive record set would typically include:
Workforce competence
- Qualifications and vocational certificates (e.g. NVQs, apprenticeships)
- Manufacturer training certificates
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) records
- Toolbox talks and internal training records
- Skills matrix for employees and subcontractors
- Evidence of experience and supervision for new or developing staff
- CSCS or other relevant competency cards (where applicable)
Project and installation records
- Pre-installation surveys and condition reports
- Specifications, drawings and risk assessments
- Method statements
- Installation checklists
- Progress and completed work photographs
- Records of inspections during and after installation
- Material specifications and product data sheets
- Evidence that manufacturer's installation guidance has been followed
Compliance records
- Building Regulations compliance documentation
- Self-certification notifications (where applicable)
- Completion certificates
- Test results and inspection reports
- Warranties and guarantees
- Product traceability records where required
Health and safety
- Risk assessments
- COSHH assessments
- Accident and near-miss records
- PPE issue records
- Plant and equipment inspection records
- Scaffold and access inspection records (where applicable)
Customer records
- Quotations and contracts
- Customer correspondence
- Handover packs
- Maintenance guidance
- Customer sign-off on completed work
- Complaints and how they were resolved
Business management
- Insurance certificates
- Trade memberships and accreditations
- Internal audit records
- Corrective action records
- Subcontractor competency assessments
- Quality management procedures (where applicable)
Why is this important?
Maintaining accurate records demonstrates that your business has the systems and evidence needed to show competence—not just at the point of assessment, but throughout every project. Good record keeping supports compliance with the Building Safety Regulator's Mandatory Technical Competencies, makes NFRC CPS assessments more efficient, provides an audit trail if questions arise, and gives customers confidence that work has been completed safely, professionally and in accordance with current standards.
What happens if I use subcontractors?
You can still subcontract work, but responsibility for compliance always remains with the registered CPS contractor.
You’ll need a formal subcontract agreement and must ensure everyone working on the project is competent, appropriate records are maintained and the work is correctly notified.
Is Continuing Professional Development (CPD) now mandatory?
Yes. Competence isn't just about qualifications gained years ago. The framework expects competent individuals to keep their knowledge up to date through ongoing training and professional development.
Will my business still be able to self-certify work?
Yes, Competent Person Schemes have two years to ensure their registered contractors are fully assessed in meeting the requirements of the new MTCs.
How will my competence be assessed?
We are implementing a new competence management platform, Certchain. All Nominated Competent Persons in the Scheme will be issued with an account. You will then have up until your renewal date to upload qualification certificates, or other supportive evidence of your skill, knowledge and experience that proves you are competent to self-certify.
If you don’t have this information straight away, don’t worry! Competent Person Schemes are supporting contractors to meet the deadline required to provide MTC evidence or complete an assessment to demonstrate your skills.
What will assessors be looking for?
Assessments are likely to include:
- Evidence of technical competence
- On-site workmanship
- Business processes
- Record keeping
- Health and safety arrangements
- Customer documentation
- Compliance with Building Regulations
The aim is to verify that your business consistently delivers compliant work.
Does this affect customer service too?
Yes. The framework also places importance on fair and transparent dealings with customers, including clear quotations, accurate information, complaint handling and providing appropriate documentation at handover.
Do I need to keep evidence of who worked on each installation?
Yes. Businesses must be able to provide evidence that they have assessed the competence of the individuals working on each of their CPS registered roofing projects. This helps demonstrate that work was carried out by appropriately competent people and supports future assessments and audits.
Will I need regular reassessment?
Yes, CPS will continue to assess the competency of your Nominated Competent Person and the installers working on your registered works. The new Certchain platform will support you in maintaining your competency records.
What happens if my Nominated Competent Person changes?
You must let NFRC CPS know as soon as possible if your Nominated Competent Person changes. Your replacement NCP will need to provide evidence of their competence in line with the Scheme requirements to ensure your business remains compliant.