Approved Certifiers of Design who are members of the SER Scheme for Certification are often commissioned to certify work designed by Engineering practices who are not members of the Scheme and do not directly employ an Approved Certifier.
Certification
It is of critical importance that Approved Bodies and Certifiers observe the same certification processes as they would if the design had been carried out in-house.
Use of Schedule 1 and the Client
While the Approved Body’s client for the provision of the certification services may be the commissioning Engineering Design Practice, for the purposes of Performance Criteria A2.9 and B1.4 noted in Appendices A and B respectively of the Audit Procedures, the term Client shall be considered to be the person or organisation who has made the building warrant application. Any items which are to be included in Schedule 1 to the Certificate and the implications of using the Schedule 1 procedure should therefore be notified and agreed with the Applicant or their agent prior to commencement of certification of the project.
Management of Post Certification Design Changes
Similarly, for the purposes of performance criterion A2.4 noted in Appendix A of the Audit Procedures, the term Client shall be considered to be the person or organisation who has made the Building Warrant.
Responsibilities and Liabilities
Approved Bodies and their Certifiers who are providing third party certification should carefully consider their contractual position and should endeavour to mitigate risks associated with provision of the service. Further guidance can be found in Guidance Note 6 – Responsibilities and Liabilities.