A new certification mark to recognise high standards throughout the construction industry has been launched by the Scottish Government.

The Approved Certifier Registration Mark will be used by building professionals and tradespeople across Scotland as a sign of their competence, experience and compliance with building standards.

Scotland has several Government approved certification schemes which recognise the skills and expertise of building professionals. Each approved scheme will use the new mark as a universal badge of quality. Members of each scheme - also known as Approved Certifiers - will be permitted to align the new registration mark with their business.

Infrastructure Minister Stewart Stevenson said that the mark will help members of the public to confidently select building professionals who are officially recognised as experienced, well-trained and competent. Its use will raise the profile of Approved Certifiers, encourage the uptake of certification services and improve compliance with building standards across the industry.

Mr Stevenson said: "The Scottish Government strongly supports the development of certification schemes and recognises the important contribution made by Approved Certifiers to raise compliance with building standards, make buildings safer and protect the public.

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"The launch of this certification mark is an innovative step forward. The use of a single identity for all scheme members will generate respect and trust between clients and building professionals. Its use will provide reassurance to the public, boost competence and high standards in Scotland's building industry, and further demonstrate the government's commitment to the construction of sustainable and safer buildings."

Speaking on behalf of all certification scheme providers, Newell McGuiness, Managing Director of SELECT said: "Earning the right to use the Scottish Government Approved Certifier Registration Mark is recognition of the important role Approved Certifiers play in raising compliance with building standards in Scotland.

"As building standards develop and become more demanding, so too will the role of Approved Certifiers. Scheme providers are committed to providing training of the highest quality to ensure that technical knowledge and professional expertise of their members keeps apace with these future developments. This will give assurance to householders and other clients that work is being done by suitably qualified professionals and complies with building regulations."

Government approved certification schemes recognise the skills and experience of building professionals who undertake structural design; energy design; electrical installation; drainage, heating and plumbing installation services. Certification schemes give assurance to building owners and local authorities that work has been carried out to high standards by qualified experts. Members of each of Scotland's certification schemes will be permitted to display the new registration mark.

Scotland's certification scheme providers are:

* Structural Engineers Registration Ltd (SER)

* Trade Association for Electrical Contracting Industry in Scotland (SELECT)

* NICEIC Group Ltd (Subsidiary of the Electrical Safety Council)

* Building Research Establishment (BRE Global)

* Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS)

* Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation (SNIPEF)

There are more than 3,200 Approved Certifiers in Scotland.

Details of all firms offering an approved certification service by local authority area can be found on the Certification Register.

(GK)