Re-approval process
From 1 January 2015, CICAIR implemented an annual monitoring and audit programme for Approved Inspectors. Renewal of the Notice of Approval is dependent on satisfactory completion of the annual monitoring and audit process.
Annual monitoring
All Approved Inspectors are required to return a monitoring form to CICAIR on an annual basis.
Auditing
All Approved Inspectors will be audited by CICAIR at their premises at least once every five years at a time decided by CICAIR.
Audits will be conducted in accordance with the CICAIR Monitoring and Re-approvals Protocol.
Fees
Please note that all fees are non-refundable.
Audit and Re-Approval Fee
£5,000 (plus VAT) payable prior to the audit commencing. Any additional audit days that are required during the approval period will be charged at £2,500 (plus VAT) per audit day and will be payable prior to the audit taking place.
Annual Registration Fee
The annual registration is 0.5% of the Approved Inspector’s turnover, with a minimum annual fee of £2,375 (plus VAT). The registration fee is calculated on the most recently declared turnover figures provided as part of the annual monitoring process.
Guidance for existing Approved Inspectors
Code of Conduct for Approved Inspectors
A requirement of registration is that Approved Inspectors agree to abide by the Code of Conduct for Approved Inspectors and any subsequent amendments. The Code of Conduct also includes a requirement to abide by the Building Control Performance Standards and all Approved Inspectors are required to operate in accordance with both documents.
Business Changes
Approved Inspectors must notify CICAIR before they make any substantive changes to the Approved Inspector business and must seek approval prior to the initiation of any proposed changes. CICAIR has published a Substantive Change Protocol which sets out how CICAIR will consider changes proposed by an Approved Inspector and it is the Approved Inspector’s responsibility to follow this protocol.
Name Changes
There is a charge of £150 (plus VAT), payable to CICAIR Limited, to change the registered name of an Approved Inspector. When requesting a change, an Approved Inspector should submit copies of the change of name certificate issued by Companies House and the revised insurance documentation. A CICAIR approval panel may be convened to assess the change and, once satisfied that the change is consistent with the regulations and the terms of the Approved Inspector’s approval, CICAIR will issue a new Notice of Approval, amend the Register and notify the relevant authorities.
Impartiality
The Building Control Alliance has published a guidance note on safeguarding the impartiality of building control bodies which Approved Inspectors must pay due regard to.
Insurance
Approved Inspectors are required to ensure that they have in place provision to cover their professional liabilities.
Form of Contract for Approved Inspectors
The CIC and the Association of Consultant Approved Inspectors (ACAI) have produced a bespoke contract for use by Approved Inspectors and they are encouraged to make use of it. This is the standard form of agreement for the appointment of an Approved Inspector under the Building Act 1984.