2026 - a pivotal year for CPS
2026: Rooted in compliance
Driven by new regulatory expectations under the Building Safety Act and increasing demand for demonstrable evidence of competency, NFRC CPS is entering a period of focused change. This article outlines what registered contractors and other stakeholders can expect in 2026 and how these developments will benefit contractors, consumers and the wider industry.
Our strategic focus for 2026 is clear: compliance comes first. This year is about strengthening the foundations of the competent person scheme so it can confidently support future expansion. Our key priorities are:
- Full regulatory alignment with the Building Safety Act, Mandatory Technical Competencies and Conditions of Authorisation
- Stronger governance and oversight - ensuring robust decision-making and accountability
- Improved operational systems which are designed to support transparency, traceability and audit readiness.
Our goal: This work will support our ongoing commitment to ensuring the competent person scheme is the most robust in the sector.
Joining and renewing to be slicker
One of the most noticeable changes registered contractors will see this year is an improved application and renewal process. We will:
- align our onboarding and renewal processes more closely with the wider NFRC membership journey,
- integrate SSIP and the Common Assessment Standard into our application and renewal processes
Our goal: A more efficient, user-friendly and consistent experience for new and existing registered contractors.
A new approach to competency management
The Building Safety Act determines that demonstrating competence is a non-negotiable across the construction sector, and roofing is no exception. In 2026, we will introduce a strengthened competency assessment framework designed to meet both current and future regulatory expectations. This includes:
- a competency assessment framework aligned to MHCLG’s revised Conditions of Authorisation - their guide to how self-certification schemes operate
- clear mapping to new Mandatory Technical Competencies for roofing
- digitised competency records for all registered installers.
Our goal: Clear expectations of contractors on achieving and maintaining the CPS registered status, better recognition of skills, and helping you to deliver stronger, project related evidence of compliance when working with clients, building control and/or regulators.
Why are we making these changes?
The roofing industry is operating within a rapidly evolving environment. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, clients are rightly demanding greater assurance of competence, and accreditations such as TrustMark, PAS standards and even the NFRC Competent Person Scheme itself are becoming prerequisites for work. By focusing on compliance we are ensuring that we, and our registered contractors are prepared for increased scrutiny and demands for evidence-based competency.
2026 is about getting the fundamentals right - for registered contractors, for your clients, and for the future of roofing standards.