Capita to continue to operate Gas Safe Register

Capita is to continue to operate the official register of engineers licensed to undertake gas work, on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Following a robust public procurement process, Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services (CGRAS) – a division of Capita plc – has been declared the preferred bidder to provide Gas Safe registration services from 1 April 2019 until 31 March 2024.

The contract award is now subject to a statutory 10-day standstill period, in which other companies can contest the decision.

CGRAS has operated the Register since 2009 and will continued to do so, but with several service enhancements. Philip White, HSE’s Director of Regulation, said: “During the procurement process we received several strong bids and we are pleased with the interest the tender opportunity generated.

“The bid from Capita/CGRAS was the strongest on cost and quality and we are confident they will continue to raise the standards of gas safety and provide a gas safe home for everyone.”

HSE said that, in addition to the strength of Capita’s bid for the next concession, it felt assured by the way CGRAS had managed GSR services over the past nine years. Mr White added: “We will continue to employ a thorough governance process, including key performance indicators and service level agreements, with potential financial penalties, to manage the contract closely to ensure services are delivered in a cost-effective manner and the needs of gas engineers and consumers are met.”

There are approximately40 per cent more registered businesses than in 2009. Gas Safe Register has developed its brand to build trust; undertaken significant gas safety awareness campaigns for the general public; handled 2.8 million calls to the helpline; and carried out around 40,000 inspections annually to ensure gas work is safe.

As part of the new contract, Capita will deliver a new digital platform, providing an electronic register, enhanced contact centre, website and mobile application. It will also increase inspections of gas installations and drive broader consumer awareness about gas safety.

Jon Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Capita, said: “We are delighted to continue operating the Gas Safe Register as the Health and Safety Executive’s partner of choice. This new contract is an example of our expertise in harnessing digital technologies to deliver critical and specialist public services, and reflects Capita’s important role as a strategic partner to government, delivering tangible benefits for the public sector.”

There is no action required for businesses and engineers currently registered, and no change to registrations or renewal dates. All contact numbers will remain the same and registered engineers will be informed by the provider of any changes to the service that may affect them before they are introduced.