SER is currently receiving a high number of queries from members regarding taking over certification of a project from another Approved Body and/or Approved Certifier and we thought it might be useful to remind members of considerations around this process.
SER Guidance Note 13 covers this process and includes both the obligations when taking over a project and the process that must be followed in order to ensure continuity of certification.
In particular, we would highlight the following:
- If you are asked to provide a further certificate for a project, either to support an amendment to warrant or for a further stage, note that you are certifying the amended design for the building, not just the design for the amendment. This means that reasonable enquiry must be made as to the scope and adequacy of any previously certified work.
- The situation is different if you are just being asked to provide a Form Q. When completing a Form Q, the Approved Certifier is only required to review the finalised design information submitted by third party designers for elements of the building that are listed on Schedule 1, and to confirm that the design has been finalised and that it is in accordance with the relevant performance specification and design intent. There is no obligation to review and certify the design of other elements of the building.
- In all cases where you are taking over certification of a project, you must contact SER to have access to the project transferred to yourself. Note that if the previous Approved Body is no longer trading, SER does not seek permission for the transfer, and you are not expected to attempt to contact the former Approved Body/Approved Certifier to seek permission to take over the role for the project.
If you have any queries about this process, please contact SER at [email protected]