The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has published its official manifesto for 2025 to 2027.
According to the institute, the manifesto provides insight into how it 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 26-page document highlights the immediate challenges and threats facing the industry, it noted, as well as proposed solutions on how to address them.
As part of its ‘Education’ pillar, CIPHE said it is prioritising apprenticeship access to improve enrolment and retention rates, as 45,000 new recruits will be needed every year until 2030 to fill the current skills gap.
CIPHE is working alongside the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) / Skills England to develop new Level 2 and 3 qualifications and a fit for purpose apprenticeship, including funding for targeted training that supports the move to net zero and accreditation for those working in low-carbon technologies.
The body added that its ‘Sustainable’ pillar will provide technical support to heating and plumbing professionals as they adapt to new regulations, ensuring that workers undertake mandatory CPD hours throughout their career.
CIPHE stated that it will 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.
‘Conservation’ also forms part of the manifesto, as CIPHE said it strives to increase mass awareness of energy and water-saving measures by engaging with the media, government departments and key influencers.
The body is set to introduce a sustained campaign to change consumer attitudes towards water conservation and increase knowledge of water efficiency labelling.
CIPHE cited that the fourth point of ‘Safeguarding’ is focused on protecting consumers at home and out in society. This involves its continued promotion of the ‘Love Your Local Lav’ campaign. The institute noted that its campaign aims to protect funding for public toilets, whilst providing better education to warn the public about the dangers of poorly-installed heating and plumbing systems in the home, and the importance of using a competent and qualified professional.
The issues outlined in the manifesto will be addressed at the World Plumbing Conference, which will take place at InstallerSHOW at the NEC in Birmingham in June 2026.
Kevin Wellman, CEO of CIPHE, said: “Many of the same challenges we aimed to overcome with our last manifesto in 2022 remain at large today.
“The pandemic is still causing an impact on skills shortages; there is ongoing geopolitical turmoil with conflicts worldwide; and the cost of living is perpetuating fuel and water poverty. The UK is simultaneously striving to decarbonise with the upcoming Future Homes Standard and 2050 net zero targets.
“The change in government has created a time to reflect on what the industry has achieved and how it can have a positive impact on the next parliament and beyond.
“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.
“Members must represent the best of the plumbing and heating industry and possess the skills, qualifications and competencies to step up to the challenge themselves, while also advising and upskilling future generations.
“This manifesto outlines the key issues facing the industry, the crucial steps that the government and other key stakeholders should take, and how CIPHE will spearhead this change.”