OFTEC registered technicians can now apply for Which? Trusted Trader accreditation, following a new partnership.
A statement said that OFTEC registered technicians who successfully achieve Which? Trusted Trader status will receive a 50% discount on their Trusted Trader membership for the first six months, and can display their accreditation to consumers. The scheme also offers full access to the Which? app, product reviews and magazine.
Which? launched the Trusted Trader initiative in 2013 to help consumers identify trusted technicians who have been thoroughly vetted, it noted. The statement added that technicians who apply undergo a “rigorous assessment” which includes financial, behavioural, competency and reference checks.
To receive the discount, applicants will need to be registered on OFTEC’s competent person scheme which enables technicians to self-certify that their work is compliant with building regulations, as well as access technical guidance and support.
Adrian Lightwood, registrations services director at OFTEC, said: “We’re pleased to join forces with Which? Trusted Traders and offer OFTEC technicians the opportunity to achieve accreditation on their scheme to further demonstrate their competency to consumers. Which? is a well-known and trusted consumer brand and we share the same values of upholding high standards in the industry to ensure all consumers have safe and efficient heating systems and advice they can rely on.
“As well as benefitting from an initial discount on the Trusted Trader membership, technicians will find they already meet many of the requirements through their existing OFTEC registration and compliance checks. We look forward to working with Which? Trusted Traders over the coming months as we continue to build new partnerships across the industry to support technicians and installers.”
Phil Amy, Which?’s commercial director, added: “Which? Trusted Traders is delighted to announce a new partnership with OFTEC, aimed at helping reputable installers gain greater recognition and exposure in the market.
“While OFTEC demonstrates to consumers that a business has been certified by a competent persons scheme, an endorsement from Which? Trusted Traders reassures consumers that an installer has also been verified by the UK’s consumer champion.”