Simply Certification welcomes the publication of the National Audit Office's (NAO) independent investigation into energy efficient installations delivered under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
We are pleased that a thorough and impartial review has been conducted, highlighting areas where deficiencies have occurred in exterior wall insulation (EWI) and interior wall insulation (IWI) installations.
While Simply Certification does not act as a guardian of ECO contract compliance, our role as an independent certifying body is to certify installers for PAS 2030 through application of PAS 2031 - the standard that defines how certifying bodies should proceed to ensure competency and compliance.
Since October 2024, we have worked closely with industry stakeholders to support ongoing investigations into the high number of installation errors identified under ECO and GBIS.
The NAO report acknowledged that:
"Certification bodies were performing the number of audits requested by the relevant standard, and based on the information they had, they did not have visibility into the full level of projects completed. The level expected by the standard was not based on a clear understanding of risk and risk appetite, and it was possible for installers to game the system to reduce the level of audit they experienced."
- National Audit Office
Importantly, the measures implemented by Simply Certification to improve assurance, transparency and consumer protection were introduced prior to the publication of the NAO's findings.
Key improvements implemented by Simply Certification
- Improved data transparency: Installation data is now captured directly through Simply Certification's own systems, using TrustMark data as a secondary validation check.
- Infrastructure investment: More than £70,000 has been invested in a new operational platform to improve visibility, communication and efficiency during the certification process.
- Launch of the SurePath program: A pioneering initiative that guarantees home repair when an installer fails to respond or resolve an identified problem.
- Expanded inspection capacity: With increased resources, Simply Certification can now perform up to 10,000 technical inspections a year across the UK - a figure that will continue to grow as more certifiers join our scheme.
- Certification collaboration: Close collaboration with other certification bodies to avoid double certification and "cert-hopping," ensuring greater accountability and consistency across the industry.
Statement from Alexandra Stobbs, Managing Director of Simply Certification
"We welcome the findings of the National Audit Office and recognize the importance of this study in strengthening the industry's approach to quality assurance.
Certification bodies like Simply Certification have always conducted audits based on recognized standards, not contractual frameworks - and well before this report, we had already implemented stronger systems, data controls and risk-based audits to improve visibility and results.
By working with other certification bodies, we are closing long-standing gaps in the system and helping to ensure that consumer protection and installer accountability are at the heart of the certification process."
Simply Certification remains fully committed to higher standards, transparency and trust in the energy efficiency and construction industry.
For more information, contact [email protected].