Jon Vanstone, chair of Certass TA, discusses how Certass is redefining competence.

Competence has long been discussed in our industry, but too often it is something that is ‘assumed’, not proven. ‘Minimum technical competence’ implied a loose benchmark, rarely tested and poorly defined. That era is ending.

The updated Mandatory Technical Competence framework represents the most significant step forward in how our sector defines and demonstrates professionalism. It is not just a change in terminology; it is a cultural reset.

It moves us away from compliance as a formality and towards competence as evidence. This new model is the foundation for how the glazing and home improvement sector will be judged in the years ahead.

Certass has played a central role in developing this new version of the MTC, just as we did in the previous iteration. The industry group was chaired by myself, and the Certass technical team led the authoring process, drawing on decades of experience across building control, installation practice and quality management. We have made sure the framework reflects real work in real homes, not an idealised version of it.

The shift from ‘minimum’ to ‘mandatory’ was a Certass-led principle that is now becoming the industry standard, and it is now being embedded across government-endorsed schemes. The intention is simple: Competence should not be a box to tick once a year, but a measurable, demonstrable part of everyday work undertaken by an installer.

This version of the MTC includes specific criteria for domestic, non-domestic and high-risk buildings, recognising the range of environments where our members operate. While many schemes are only now preparing for the transition, Certass members have been operating in alignment with the new MTC principles for over two years, which means minimal disruption and maximum readiness from day one.

What makes this version of the MTC truly transformative is the inclusion of behavioural competence, an element adapted from BSI Flex 8670. For the first time, our sector is being asked to assess not only skills, knowledge and experience, but also behaviour. That means understanding whether individuals work ethically, prioritise quality and take ownership of their decisions.

This is more than a procedural change. Behavioural competence ensures that compliance is rooted in culture, and it acknowledges that how we approach our work matters just as much as what we do.

Certification is already evolving in response to this new model. No longer a passive piece of paperwork, certification will become an active record of professionalism. Businesses will need to show that their workforce is qualified, that their processes are consistent and that they keep evidence of decision-making.

For Certass members, this is an opportunity rather than a challenge. We have already built the systems to assess and record against these new standards, and our members are already demonstrating what compliance looks like in practice under this model.

As the rest of the industry catches up, they will be recognised as the benchmark for professionalism in the domestic sector.

Regulation alone does not change behaviour. Culture does. That is why the introduction of the Mandatory Technical Competence framework is as much about building accountability as it is about compliance.

When combined with the new regulatory environment being shaped by the Building Safety Regulator, this creates a system of joined-up accountability that the industry has never had before. It is not about enforcement for the sake of it. It is about setting a level playing field where good businesses can thrive because they do things right.

The MTC reform is a defining moment. It reshapes how we work, how we are held accountable, and how the public perceives our industry. The businesses that engage with it fully will find new strength in professionalism, reputation and opportunity. Those who treat it as an administrative burden will find themselves left behind.

At Certass, we have been preparing for this moment for years. Our members are not reacting to change; they are part of it, and well ahead of it. The new MTC is a reflection of how our industry can show the best of itself: competent, ethical and accountable.