Part P of the Building Regulations is one of the most important, yet often misunderstood, rules governing electrical safety in homes across England and Wales. It ensures that electrical installations carried out in domestic properties meet the correct safety standards—and that the people performing the work are competent to do so.

But with the rise of DIY renovations, unregistered installers, and inconsistent enforcement, a crucial question keeps resurfacing: Who is actually policing Part P?

In this article, we break down how Part P is monitored, who holds responsibility, where the system falls short, and why proper training through organisations such as Elec Training and online platforms like www.elec.training remains essential for maintaining safety and compliance.

What Is Part P and Why Does It Matter?

Part P was introduced in 2005 to improve the safety of domestic electrical work. It applies to all electrical installations in homes, gardens, outbuildings, and shared areas.

The primary aim is simple:

1. Ensure electrical work is carried out safely
   
   

2. Reduce fire risks
   
   

3. Prevent electric shocks
   
   

4. Protect homeowners and tenants
   
   

5. Ensure compliance with the Building Regulations
   
   

Notifiable work under Part P includes:

1. Consumer unit replacements
   
   

2. New circuits
   
   

3. Work in bathrooms and kitchens
   
   

4. Garden installations
   
   

While Part P sets the rules, the real challenge lies in ensuring those rules are followed.

So, Who Polices Part P?

Contrary to what many believe, Part P is not actively policed by a single enforcement agency. Instead, responsibility is divided across multiple bodies, each overseeing different aspects of compliance.

Let’s look at the key players:

1. Local Building Control Authorities

Local authorities are technically responsible for enforcing Part P. They have the power to:

1. Inspect domestic electrical work
   
   

2. Request proof of competence
   
   

3. Ask for installations to be corrected
   
   

4. Take legal action for non-compliance
   
   

However, local building control teams are often overstretched, underfunded, and not physically inspecting every job. They t ypically get involved only when work is reported or when notifiable work is carried out without certification.

This reactive approach creates gaps in enforcement.

2. Competent Person Scheme Providers

Approved installers are registered with Competent Person Schemes (CPS) such as:

1. NICEIC
   
   

2. NAPIT
   
   

3. ELECSA (now part of NICEIC)
   
   

4. Stroma
   
   

5. OFTEC
   
   

These schemes ensure their members are:

1. Assessed regularly
   
   

2. Working to safety standards
   
   

3. Following Part P requirements
   
   

4. Issuing correct certificates
   
   

However, CPS providers only monitor their own registered installers, not the entire industry.

Unregistered installers often operate completely outside these schemes.

3. Homeowners and Landlords

Homeowners play a surprising role in policing Part P—whether they realise it or not. They are legally responsible for ensuring:

1. Electrical work in their home complies with the Building Regulations
   
   

2. Notifiable work is certified
   
   

3. Installers are competent or registered
   
   

For landlords, the responsibility is even stronger due to safety duties under the Landlord and Tenant Act.

But many homeowners simply don’t understand these responsibilities, leading to widespread non-compliance.

4. The Installer Themselves

Professional electricians have a duty to uphold safety standards. Reputable installers follow BS 7671, issue certificates, and e nsure their work complies with Part P. But with no universal licensing system for electricians in the UK, unqualified individuals can still carry out work—often without consequences.

This lack of mandatory licensing remains a major gap in the enforcement structure.

Where the System Falls Short

Despite good intentions, the current enforcement of Part P faces several challenges:

1. Lack of Active Monitoring

Local authorities rarely inspect work unless there is a complaint or a reported incident.

2. No Universal Licensing System

Anyone can legally call themselves an electrician, which increases risk.

3. Homeowners Unaware of Rules

Many people don’t know which electrical work is notifiable under Part P.

4. Limited Oversight of Unregistered Installers

CPS providers only regulate those who voluntarily join.

5. Difficulty Tracking Non-Compliance

Electrical work often becomes invisible once completed—especially if concealed within walls or ceilings.

It’s this combination of factors that has made the enforcement of Part P inconsistent across the country.

Why Proper Training Is More Important Than Ever

Because enforcement is limited, the responsibility falls even more heavily on:

1. Professional ethics
   
   

2. Training standards
   
   

3. Competence
   
   

4. Industry-led safety initiatives
   
   

This is why organisations such as Elec Training play a vital role. By offering structured learning, assessments, and guidance, they help ensure electricians understand their legal duties and technical responsibilities under Part P.

Online resources from www.elec.training support learners in gaining the competence needed to avoid dangerous practices and ensure compliance.

As Charanjit Mannu, Director at Elec Training, advised, relying solely on external enforcement is not enough—genuine commitment to safety and proper training must come from within the industry itself.

How the Industry Could Improve Part P Enforcement

Although the current system has strengths, there are ways to enhance compliance:

1. Introduce a Licensing System for Electricians

Similar to gas engineers under the Gas Safe scheme.

2. Improve Public Awareness

Homeowners should know what Part P requires before hiring someone.

3. Increase Building Control Support

More funding and resources would help improve inspections.

4. Stronger Penalties for Illegal Electrical Work

Stricter consequences could deter unqualified installers.

5. Promote High-Quality Training Pathways

Training providers must continue raising competency standards across the industry.

Conclusion: So, Who Is Policing Part P?

The honest answer: Part P is policed by everyone—but not always effectively.

1. Local authorities enforce it
   
   

2. Competent Person Schemes regulate their members
   
   

3. Homeowners must ensure compliance
   
   

4. Electricians must work safely
   
   

5. Training providers support competency
   
   

But gaps remain, and without stronger enforcement and broader public understanding, Part P compliance will continue to be inconsistent.

As the electrical industry evolves—especially with the rise of renewable technologies, smart homes, and digital installations—ensuring proper training and competence becomes more i mportant than ever.

Training organisations like Elec Training and accessible learning platforms such as www.elec.training are essential in building a safer, more compliant future for domestic electrical work.

The system may not be perfect—but with better awareness, proper training, and industry commitment, we can help ensure Part P achieves the safety standards it was designed for.