The UK-wide industry consultation on proposed competence standards for ventilation hygiene inspection and audit activities is now open, and we want your views.
Consultation closes: 15 January 2027
Have your say
DOWNLOAD AND REVIEW THE DRAFT COMPETENCE FRAMEWORK
DOWNLOAD THE CONSULTATION FEEDBACK FORM
Please return your completed feedback form to consultation@thebesa.com by the closing date.
Competence is at the heart of building safety
As expectations around accountability, evidence and professional standards continue to rise, it has never been more important to ensure that those responsible for inspecting and auditing ventilation systems have the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (SKEB) to carry out their work safely and effectively.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) is inviting employers, industry professionals, training providers and other stakeholders to help shape a new industry competence framework for ventilation hygiene inspection and audit activities.
Developed by the Ventilation Hygiene Competence Group (VHCG), as part of the Industry Competence Steering Group's work, the proposals aim to establish a consistent, industry recognised approach to demonstrating competence across both air and grease hygiene.
This is your opportunity to influence the standards that could shape how competence is developed, assessed and demonstrated across the sector.
Ventilation hygiene plays a critical role in maintaining safe, healthy and compliant buildings.
From identifying contamination and system defects to assessing cleaning requirements and verifying that work has been completed correctly, inspection and audit activities require specialist knowledge and sound professional judgement.
However, while existing industry guidance such as TR19, NAAD-21 and BS EN 15780 establishes requirements for ventilation hygiene activities, there is currently no specific, nationally recognised competence standard covering inspection and audit roles.
The proposed framework aims to address this gap, providing a clearer benchmark for employers, individuals and training providers.
It also supports the wider industry's response to the Building Safety Act and the growing expectation that competence must be demonstrated through evidence, rather than simply assumed.
The consultation builds on the first phase of work undertaken by the Ventilation Hygiene Competence Group, which established competence requirements for ventilation hygiene operatives and technicians.
This next phase focuses specifically on those responsible for inspection and audit activities, including:
The proposals set out a framework covering the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (SKEB) required to undertake these activities competently.
They also explore how competence should be assessed, evidenced and maintained throughout an individual's career, including routes for experienced workers, technicians progressing into inspection roles and technical or sales professionals taking on additional responsibilities.
The aim is to create a consistent and practical approach that supports employers, strengthens professional standards and helps build confidence in the competence of the workforce.
We particularly welcome feedback from:
Whether you employ ventilation hygiene specialists, undertake inspection and audit activities yourself, or provide the training and assessment that supports the workforce, your experience can help ensure the proposals are practical, proportionate and fit for purpose.
We are seeking industry feedback on the proposed approach, particularly:
The competence framework: Does it accurately reflect the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for inspection and audit activities?
Routes to competence: Are the proposed pathways appropriate for new entrants, experienced workers and those progressing from existing ventilation hygiene roles?
Assessment and evidence: Are the proposals for demonstrating, validating and maintaining competence practical and achievable?
Implementation: What challenges, opportunities or additional support should be considered before introducing the framework?
Your feedback will help identify any gaps, strengthen the proposals and ensure the final approach reflects the realities of working across the sector.
Have your say and help set the standard
The future of ventilation hygiene competence should be shaped by the people who understand the work best.
We encourage everyone involved in ventilation hygiene inspection and audit to review the consultation documents and share their views.
Consultation closes: 15 January 2027
Have your say
DOWNLOAD AND REVIEW THE DRAFT COMPETENCE FRAMEWORK
DOWNLOAD THE CONSULTATION FEEDBACK FORM
Please return your completed feedback form to consultation@thebesa.com by the closing date.
Following the consultation, feedback will be reviewed by the Ventilation Hygiene Competence Group and used to inform the final proposals, which will be submitted to the relevant Skills Partnership Committee for industry adoption.
By contributing, you can help establish a stronger, more consistent approach to competence, support safer buildings and raise standards across the ventilation hygiene sector.
Have your say. Help set the standard. Build a better industry.