NFRC Competent Person Scheme (NFRC CPS) is aware of the ongoing investigation being undertaken by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into suspected anti-competitive conduct relating to the supply of roofing contracts within the Education sector.
NFRC CPS operates an independent, UKAS-accredited certification scheme in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065:2012, which places impartiality, independence, integrity and the management of conflicts of interest at the heart of all certification activities. These principles are fundamental to maintaining confidence in the Scheme and ensuring that certification decisions are made objectively, transparently and without undue commercial influence.
While the CMA has confirmed that its investigation remains ongoing and that no conclusions have been reached, any proven conduct that undermines fair competition, creates conflicts of interest, or compromises the principles of impartiality expected of organisations participating in an accredited certification scheme would be taken extremely seriously by NFRC CPS. Where appropriate, such matters would be considered under the Scheme Rules and Governance Framework when determining a contractor's continued eligibility for registration.
At this stage, the CMA has stated that no assumption should be made that competition law has been infringed by any of the organisations under investigation. Accordingly, it would be inappropriate for NFRC CPS to speculate on the outcome of the investigation or comment on the circumstances of any individual organisation.
Where any organisation under investigation is also registered with NFRC CPS, we will continue to monitor the progress of the CMA's investigation closely. Should the CMA conclude that a registered contractor has breached competition law, NFRC CPS will carefully review the findings and determine whether any action is required under its Scheme Rules, Conditions of Registration, disciplinary procedures and its obligations as a UKAS-accredited certification body operating in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065:2012.
NFRC CPS remains committed to protecting consumers, maintaining confidence in the roofing industry and upholding the principles of impartiality, fairness and competence that underpin accredited certification.
