MCS has announced a redevelopment of the MCS Scheme in early 2025.
Below are updates and FAQS to keep you updated on this redevelopment. We are working closely with MCS on their plans and will continue to send email updates to all NICEIC MCS Approved Contractor Scheme businesses on a regular basis.
This page was last updated: 18 December 2024
Please ensure your business continues to maintain the requirements of the current NICEIC MCS Approved Contractor Scheme. There are no immediate changes.
Redevelopment of the new MCS.
- MCS has confirmed it will announce plans for the redevelopment of MCS in January 2025.
- Your NICEIC MCS Approved Contractor Scheme requirements remain unchanged.
Your business must continue to maintain membership of a consumer code and continue to purchase insurance back guarantees. - Timeline for changes.
NICEIC, and other MCS certification bodies will attain the updated accreditation during 2025 – 2026. After this we will transition your business to the redeveloped scheme. At present, MCS is unable to confirm the timeline for this process as its set by UKAS. However, we will provide timely updates as additional information becomes available.
FAQs
Should I continue to pay the annual fee for RECC/HIES or will this requirement be removed in January 2025?
This requirement will not be removed in January 2025. The plans for the redevelopment of MCS will be announced in January once MCS has approval from UKAS. After this, it’s expected the transition to the redeveloped scheme will take about 12-18 months. Your business will be given plenty of notice of the required changes.
What will replace RECC/HIES? How will customers be supported if a consumer code is no longer required?
MCS has proposed they will take on the responsibilities previously held by the consumer code. Further details will be shared when the plan is announced in January 2025.
Important Update: Changes to IWA Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBG)
MCS is advising that from 16 December 2024, you will no longer be able to purchase an IWA Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) through the MCS Installation Database (MID).
However, your business must still purchase an IBG for each installation you register on the MID. This remains essential to comply with current MCS Standards.
We recommend contacting your IBG provider directly to arrange cover.