MCS Redeveloped Installer Scheme
The MCS Scheme has been Redeveloped!
The redeveloped Scheme is based on feedback that MCS has received from the sector and the extensive response to the public consultation MCS ran in 2023.
MCS have been working hard to deliver a new scheme that is fit for the future and accommodates the feedback that certified installers have provided. MCS and NAPIT are committed to working together with installers to drive up Standards and improve consumer protections.
Timeline for transition
MCS have published the documents for their redeveloped scheme, the new scheme will be available to installers once certification bodies have been accredited by UKAS.
NAPIT is currently working closely with UKAS to gain accreditation, once this has been gained, new applications can be accepted for certification against the new scheme.
If you wish to gain MCS certification now, you do not have to wait for the redeveloped scheme to become available; you can still apply under the current scheme here. Certification under the current scheme will remain valid and must be adhered to until you have transitioned.
Key Information
Overview of the new requirements
Upon application or transition, installers will be required to provide NAPIT and MCS with some additional details surrounding their business. These will be utilised by MCS for initial scheme checks of the business and certain employees. MCS will communicate to installers whether the outcome of these checks has been successful and if they can proceed to assessment.
NAPIT will conduct installer assessment(s) in accordance with the Conformity Assessment Guidelines. Installers will need to demonstrate, as a minimum, compliance with the following requirements:
- Pre-sale & System Performance Estimate Standards
- MCS Installation Standards (MIS)
Additionally, MCS will conduct scheme checks upon the business and certain employees to ensure that installers are in compliance with the:
- Installer Operating Requirements
- Customer Commitment
After installers have successfully completed the MCS scheme checks and relevant assessments, MCS will require them to sign a new MCS Installer Agreement. Once they have signed and returned the agreement, the installer can be certificated by NAPIT as a member of the redeveloped scheme.
All new documents of the redeveloped scheme, including standards and guidance, (as shown in the image below) can be found here or on under the 'MCS Redeveloped Standards & Tools Library' on this page.
Technical Supervisor
A Technical Supervisor is now the individual who takes overall responsibility for the safety, technical standard and quality of a specific installation.
- They must hold and be able to provide evidence of an in-date qualification or an in-date personnel certification in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024, which are listed here.
- Each installation registered on the MCS Installation Database (MID) must have an assigned Technical Supervisor designated as taking full responsibility for the compliance of the installation.
- Members will be expected to appoint a suitable number of Technical Supervisors, to accomplish the monitoring activities needed for the size and complexity of the business.
MCS have also provided guidance for supervising installation work, which can be found here.
Assessment Structure
MCS assessments will follow a similar structure to how they are currently performed, but with slight changes. The Main Contact and Technical Supervisor responsible for the installation(s) must be available through out the assessment.
1) Service Delivery Checks: NAPIT will audit your processes and controls against the scenario requirements (A-D), applicable to the size and complexity of your companies MCS related activities.
You can ascertain which scenario your company falls under, by reviewing the criteria within Appendix A of the Installer Operating Requirements and also use our MCS Operating Scenario calculator to estimate which scenario applies to the size and complexity of your company here.
2) Site Assessment: The assessor will require evidence to confirm your capability and capacity to deliver an installation, in compliance with the relevant Pre-sale Information and System Performance Estimate Standards (MCS 0xx) and MCS Installation Standard(s) (MIS 300x).
Financial Protection
Whilst under the new scheme Consumer Code membership will no longer be mandatory*, consumer protection is central to the redeveloped Scheme and is reflected in the MCS Customer Commitment.
A key new requirement for installers is to purchase an approved MCS financial protection product for every customer. Details of MCS approved financial protection products will be listed in a dedicated directory on the MCS website.
*Please note that DESNZ are currently reviewing the effectiveness of the MCS Customer Commitment for approval of it’s use in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). As a result, businesses who are BUS registered may be required to retain consumer code membership in the short term once they have transitioned to the redeveloped scheme. Once approved, installers can utilise the Customer Commitment or Consumer Code membership for installs delivered under BUS.
FAQs
Q1 - What is the new Installer Scheme structure?
The scheme is split into two halves: NAPIT assesses compliance with technical standards (MCS Installation and Pre-sale Standards), while MCS directly governs compliance with scheme documents (Installer Operating Requirements and the Customer Commitment) via the Installer Agreement.
Q2 - What are the key changes for installers?
- Prescribed assessment criteria
- Risk-based assessment frequency
- Direct relationship with MCS via the Installer Agreement
- Mandatory adherence to the Customer Commitment
- Centralised complaint’s function managed by MCS
Q3 - Do installers still need to be a member of RECC or HIES?
No. Membership of a consumer code is no longer mandatory under the new scheme. Adherence to the Customer Commitment is now the requirement.
Q4 - When will the new scheme be implemented?
UKAS anticipate that certification bodies will be approved to offer the MCS redeveloped scheme between December 2025-March 2026. Once NAPIT are approved, we will contact members to provide the options available for transitioning to the new scheme.
Q5 - Should new applicants wait for the new scheme?
No. Installers who understand and can comply with current scheme requirements are advised to apply now. The UK’s small-scale renewables market is buoyant, and delaying application may mean missing out on future business. Transition to the new scheme will be supported with minimal burden and no additional on-site assessment.Q6 - When will existing MCS certified installers transition?
MCS is working closely with NAPIT to enable the transition once NAPIT is accredited for the redeveloped scheme by UKAS. The exact timing will depend on UKAS approvals. MCS will publish updates and notify installers as NAPIT becomes ready.Q7 - What if a Consumer Code membership is expiring soon?
Installers must maintain Consumer Code membership to remain certified under the current MCS 001-1 Standard until they officially transition to the redeveloped scheme.Q8 - Will there be support to help installers transition?
Yes. MCS will release extensive guidance and support materials, including webinars and written instructions. The MCS Helpdesk will also be available for support.
Q9 - What qualification is required for the Technical Supervisor?
A Technical Supervisor must hold either an in-date qualification or personnel certification (in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024). For more information see section 5 of the Installer Operating Requirements. The MCS website lists approved training options: Find A Training Course - MCS(opens in a new tab).
Q10 - Can a Nominated Technical Person become a Technical Supervisor?
Yes. Many smaller installers may appoint their current Nominated Technical Person as the Technical Supervisor. The individual must supervise installation quality and ensure compliance. MCS have provided guidance on approaches to supervision from Technical Supervisors, which can be located here.
Q11 - Can the Technical Supervisor be a subcontractor?
Yes. A subcontractor may serve as the Technical Supervisor, provided there is a contractual agreement, and the subcontractor is made aware of their responsibilities in that role.
Q12 - Is there still a requirement to provide an IBG?
Yes, for now. Installers must provide MCS-approved financial protection for domestic contracts. MCS is developing a new document, the MCS Requirements for Financial Protections, this will detail minimum requirements that a financial protection provider must have in place to be available for use under the redeveloped scheme. The Installer Operating Requirements, clauses 6.10-6.11 detail the requirements for financial protections.
Q13 - When will new financial protections go live?
The updated protections will go live alongside the redeveloped scheme. Until then, installers must continue to use IBGs. Providers are listed at: The updated protections will go live alongside the redeveloped scheme. Until then, installers must continue to use IBGs. Providers are listed here.
Q14 - Is MCS simplifying assessments?
Yes. The emphasis is now on “delivered quality” rather than heavy documentation. Assessment complexity will be proportional to installer size and complexity.
Q15 - How is MCS enhancing consumer protection?
- Customer Commitment enforcement
- MCS-led complaint resolution
- Independent consumer protection panel
- Free ADR for unresolved disputes
Q16 - Can a custom QMS or ISO system be used?
Yes. Although ISO 9001 is not mandatory, it can be used to demonstrate effective delivery processes. In all circumstances, your system to manage quality needs to cater to the size and complexity of your business.
Q17 - Will customer paperwork be standardised?
Q18 - What happens if an installer refuses to fix issues?
Q19 - Are legacy qualifications still accepted?
Yes. Existing qualifications remain valid. MCS is working with awarding bodies to update and align competency standards. However, grandfather rights from the experienced worker route for existing Nominated Technical Persons, cannot be carried forward into the redeveloped scheme.
All current Nominated Technical Persons wishing to become a Technical Supervisor under the redeveloped scheme will be required to gain a recognised qualification found on the MCS training course list - Find A Training Course - MCS. Alternatively, an in-date personnel certification (in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024) will need to be provided.
Q20 - Is guidance on subcontractor supervision available?
If your questions are not answered above, use the link below to submit your questions and we will come back to you as soon as possible.
Find your MCS operating scenario with a quick check and a clear outcome.
Appendix A of the MCS Installer Operating Requirements identifies operating scenarios that reflect different levels of processes and controls.
NAPIT has created the MCS Operating Scenario Calculator so you can estimate which scenario may apply to your business. Answer a short set of questions about how you operate and the tool will show the processes and controls that typically matches your business operations.
It’s a quick, self-serve check to support your transition to the MCS redeveloped scheme.
MCS Scheme Documents - Standards and Guidance
Other Resources
Below is a list of other resources, such as webinars or posts regarding the redeveloped scheme, which may provide additional information and can be recorded as Continuous Professional Development (CPD):
MCS Webpage regarding the redeveloped scheme - Redeveloped Installer Scheme - MCS Certified
NAPIT WATT'S
CURRENT Podcast
Stephen Melton, Lauren Crosgrove
& Nigel Richardson talk with MCS
MCS Webinar - Installer
& Elemental Webinar
MCS answers FAQs on its
redeveloped Installer Scheme
