MCS sets out new Installer Agreement requirements

UK – MCS has published new guidance outlining the responsibilities and insurance requirements facing heat pump and renewable energy installers under its redeveloped Installer Scheme. The new Installer Agreement establishes a direct contractual relationship between MCS and certified businesses, introducing clearer obligations covering installation quality, consumer protection, insurance and compliance.

The guidance explains that signing the agreement is the final stage of certification under the redeveloped scheme. Installers must first complete their certification body assessment and MCS scheme checks before being authorised to operate under the new arrangements. The changes are said to form part of MCS’s wider programme to strengthen accountability and consumer confidence across the UK’s small-scale renewable energy sector.

Responsibilities for certified installers

The Installer Agreement replaces the previous sub-licence arrangements held through certification bodies, creating a direct contractual relationship between MCS and individual installation businesses. Under the new agreement, installers must comply with MCS technical standards and scheme rules, use certified products, employ appropriately qualified and competent personnel, and maintain high standards of customer care.

Businesses must also handle complaints fairly, cooperate with MCS monitoring activities and maintain accurate records in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

The agreement strengthens MCS’s ability to take direct action where installers fail to meet the required standards, including suspending or withdrawing their authorisation to operate as MCS certified.

Installers must also continue to meet the requirements of the Installer Operating Requirements and Customer Commitment, including issuing MCS certificates within 30 calendar days of commissioning.

Insurance requirements clarified

MCS confirms that certified businesses must hold Public Liability Insurance with a minimum level of £2million, alongside Professional Indemnity Insurance sufficient to cover liabilities arising from professional services such as system design, specifications, calculations and technical advice. Employers’ Liability Insurance is also required where applicable, together with any additional cover necessary for the activities undertaken.

Installers must provide evidence of appropriate insurance during the certification process and ensure policies remain valid throughout their certification. MCS also distinguishes business insurance from the financial protection products required for domestic installations under the redeveloped scheme.

While MCS-approved financial protection products provide safeguards for customers where installation problems cannot be resolved through the original installer, business insurance covers the installer’s wider liabilities, including potential compensation claims and legal costs

MCS commits to greater installer support

The new agreement also establishes obligations for MCS itself, reflecting its more direct involvement in the certification and oversight of installation businesses. These include maintaining the certification framework, sharing relevant scheme information and industry data, and informing installers of the findings from compliance checks and monitoring activities.

MCS has also committed to supporting workforce competence through approved training resources, helping resolve complaints and enabling businesses to promote their certification through the MCS Certification Mark.

The revised arrangements are intended to provide greater consistency in how certification requirements are applied while improving the support available to installers.

Signing the new agreement

Under the redeveloped scheme, each installer business must appoint a Licensee who has the authority to sign the Installer Agreement and accepts ultimate responsibility for meeting scheme requirements. The Licensee will be identified during MCS scheme checks, with the agreement issued once the business has successfully completed the necessary assessments. Signing takes place electronically through DocuSign, with the agreement sent directly to the nominated Licensee.

MCS is advising existing certified installers to familiarise themselves with the agreement before transitioning to the new scheme to avoid delays in completing their certification.

The redeveloped Installer Scheme is being introduced in phases, with certification bodies coordinating the transition of existing installers. Businesses applying for MCS certification for the first time are entering under the new arrangements.

For heat pump installation companies, the guidance highlights the importance of reviewing insurance arrangements, confirming internal responsibilities and ensuring business procedures comply with the revised scheme before signing.

Further information is available in the MCS Installer Agreement guidance, alongside the full Installer Agreement and supporting documentation.