Microgeneration Certification Scheme 020

In 2023, MCS initiated a public consultation to gather insights and feedback from stakeholders across the plumbing and heating industry. This engagement involved installers, manufacturers, consumers, certification bodies and industry associations. The goal was to assess how the current scheme was functioning, understand pain points and explore opportunities for improvement.

Following an in-depth review of the consultation responses, MCS announced in October 2023 the launch of a new and improved Scheme.

The redeveloped scheme introduces a number of significant changes, focusing on fostering a stronger, more direct relationship between MCS and installers. The main aims of the Redeveloped Installer Scheme include the following:

1. Reduced Focus on Paperwork – Greater Focus on Quality Delivery

Under the new scheme, MCS will place more on the quality and outcomes of installation work. Installers will still need to manage compliance and maintain robust processes and controls, but rather than focusing on ticking boxes, the emphasis will be on capturing evidence that these systems are working effectively in practice.

This shift reflects the outcome-driven assessment model that values results and real-world performance over volume of paperwork.

2. Risk-Based Assessment Frequency

A new Quality Risk Model will now determine how often installers are assessed. This model is tailored to reduce the regulatory burden for those with a proven track record of quality.

Installers whose MCS operations are relatively simple and / or who deliver great installations in that customers are satisfied, and complaints are few, will be rewarded with less assessments.

Installers with complex operations, such as those involving multiple subcontractors, working across multiple regions, and / or whose delivery is found to be poor, will attract more assessments.

This approach encourages continual improvement while allowing MCS and certification bodies to focus resources on higher-risk areas within the industry.

3. Standardised Technology-Specific Assessments

To provide greater consistency across certification bodies and among individual assessors, MCS has introduced standardised assessment content based on the technology being installed. Whether it’s solar heating, heat pumps, or biomass, each technology will have clearly defined assessment criteria.

This change will help ensure fairness across the board and provide greater clarity for installers on what to expect during assessments. It also aims to reduce variability in how standards are interpreted, fostering a more unified and transparent process.

4. Centralised Complaint Management for Consumers

Another key development is that MCS will be introducing a centralised customer complaint management system, which will act as the single point of contact for consumers wishing to escalate issues regarding MCS-certified installations.

This system aims to offer clear, consistent and proactive case management, improving consumer confidence and experience. Where needed, complaints will be referred to a single, regulated Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider, ensuring a fair, independent resolution process.

5. A More Direct Relationship with MCS

MCS have now developed an agreement which will reinforce mutual commitments to quality and professionalism and underline their commitment to work with you.

6. Consumer Code Membership No Longer Mandatory

Historically, MCS certification required installers to also hold membership with a Consumer Code. Under the new scheme, this will no longer be a mandatory requirement. While businesses may still opt into a Consumer Code for the additional services and protections it offers, participation is now a choice, not an obligation.

Preparing for Transition: Core Documents Released

To help the industry prepare, MCS released in January 2025 a comprehensive set of core documents and an updated structure for the redeveloped scheme. These resources are essential reading for installers looking to transition smoothly into the redeveloped scheme and can be accessed via the official MCS website, we would recommend you familiarise yourself with new requirements , linked here and prepare for the upcoming changes.

The documents include:

• Installer Operating Guidelines – This is the framework detailing how installers gain and maintain MCS certification, covering the processes and requirements.
• Customer Commitment – Outlining the installer’s responsibility to protect consumer interests and uphold consumer protection laws.
• MCS Installation Standards – While the technical requirements and standards for how systems should be designed and maintained remain unchanged, the documents have been restructured for easier reference.
• Pre-Sale Information & System Performance Estimate Standards – These requirements exist today covering how to carry out system performance estimates and pre-sale information, but MCS have restructured and streamlined them into their own technology-specific standards.

For further information on the new MCS2025, you can access videos of the live Q&As, Ian Rippin, MCS CEO, and Alex Hughes, Head of Scheme, took part in to answer more of your questions about the Redeveloped Installer Scheme.

Redeveloped MCS: your questions answered – crowdcast

MCS answers FAQs on its redeveloped Installer Scheme – crowdcast

Accreditation and Transition Timeline

APHC are now currently working towards achieving accreditation under UKAS. Once this accreditation is secured, we will begin contacting all existing MCS members to guide them through the transition process and will work closely with all companies to ensure this is smooth.

The transition to the new scheme will take place over a rolling period, continuing into 2026.

During this time, we will provide support and updates as and when we have them to ensure businesses are well-informed and prepared. Until we issue formal communication indicating otherwise, all installers must continue operating under the current scheme rules, including retaining Consumer Code membership where required. You can find more information on transitioning to the redeveloped scheme here.

Need Support or Interested in Certification?

If you’re interested in gaining MCS certification under the current scheme or would like to discuss the redeveloped installer scheme in more detail, we encourage you to get in touch with us directly. Our team is on hand to provide information, answer questions and support your journey into the updated MCS framework.