CIPHE reveals new manifesto
Education, sustainability, conservation and safeguarding are the pillars of CIPHE’s manifesto for 2025-2027. The manifesto looks at how the professional body is supporting plumbing and heating across the next two years, with the sector playing a critical role in public health, safety, housing, living conditions, emerging tech and the government’s economic targets.
The document tackles the challenges and threats facing the industry, as well as proposals on how to address them.
CIPHE is prioritising apprenticeship access to improve enrolment and retention rates: it says 45,000 new recruits will be needed every year until 2030 to fill the current skills gap.
The body is working alongside the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE)/Skills England to develop new Level 2 & 3 qualifications and an apprenticeship, including funding for targeted training that supports the move to net zero and accreditation for those working in low-carbon technologies.
The sustainable pillar will see CIPHE provide technical support to heating and plumbing professionals as they adapt to new regulations, ensuring that workers undertake mandatory CPD hours throughout their career.
It will also provide advice to government on the need for additional funding in the social housing sector to tackle decarbonisation, improve living standards, and alleviate the housing crisis.
CIPHE will be aiming to increase awareness of energy and water-saving measures by engaging with the media, government departments and key influencers. It’s introducing a sustained campaign to change attitudes towards water conservation and increase knowledge of water efficiency labelling.
It will focus on safeguarding to protecting consumers at home and out in society. This involves CIPHE’s continued promotion of the ‘Love Your Local Lav’ campaign to protect funding for public toilets, while providing better education to warn the public about the dangers of poorly installed heating and plumbing systems and the importance of using a competent and qualified professional.
CEO Kevin Wellman says: “Many of the same challenges we aimed to overcome with our last manifesto in 2022 remain at large today.
“CIPHE must use its expertise to be the driver of change across government regulation, shaping and reforming education and training, and equipping the industry to leverage new innovations and achieve new possibilities.”
