When is Membership required?
Vulcan is software to use the Home Energy Model, both for modelling realistic performance and assessing Building Regulations Compliance.
Vulcan users that want to produce Future Homes Standard Assessments will need to be Members. This includes use of ECaaS to producing a BREL report, that assesses Future Homes Standard compliance at the design stage. Vulcan users that are not Members will be able to use our software but will not be able to access regulated functionality.
Vulcan Members may remain Members of other Energy Assessor Schemes, but should note:
Vulcan is responsible only for assessments lodged through its own systems. Complaints, audits, and quality issues from lodgements under other schemes are dealt with by those schemes.
Vulcan will share information about Membership and disciplinary processes with other Schemes, and monitor changes to Member status provided by other Schemes. This is to ensure multiple scheme membership is not used to avoid Quality Assurance.
Only CPD completed in compliance with our Training & Qualification guidelines qualify for our CPD requirements. Vulcan training is self-paced and tailored, to encourage completion.
How to apply to become a Member
Members must provide the following information to Vulcan:
Proof of Identity:
We require a colour photocopy of either a Driving License or Passport.
Where neither can be provided, we will accept a copy of your birth certificate and two utility bills (or equivalent). In this case, we will conduct a video interview to verify your identity, and require a declaration that you don’t possess a valid Passport or Driving License.
Proof of Qualification:
The Recognised Qualification for use of Vulcan for Future Homes Standard assessments is a Level 3 OCDEA qualification from an ABBE approved learning centre.
We also recognise Approved Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) in exceptional circumstances. Candidates must demonstrate full competence against the National Occupational Standards (NOS). This process requires a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, a full CV and career history, a minimum of 2 years in relevant roles, 2 professional references and a technical assessment by an appointed APEL assessor.
We require completion of CPD for Members to maintain their qualifications. The requirements to complete CPD are outlined in Training & Qualification. Vulcan will need to suspend Members that are not up to date with their CPD.
Proof of Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance:
Members must hold Professional Indemnity Insurance coverage of £50,000 per claim. Members must ensure that PI coverage remains in force for 10 years (“run-off period”) after they stop practicing. This is important as claims may take years to arise.
There is no explicit requirement for Public Liability Insurance for OCDEA members, given OCDEAs primarily work off plans for new constructions and may not routinely visit sites in the way Domestic Energy Assessors do. However, Vulcan strongly encourages Public Liability cover of £1,000,000 if OCDEAs perform on-site inspections or visits.
Accepted evidence include full insurance documents, with coverage and expiry clearly visible. This must be provided at membership application and renewal, and when insurance renews. Vulcan will need to suspend Members with lapsed insurance until they are properly insured.
Information on prior Membership and Membership applications
We require information on existing accreditation with Energy Assessor Schemes, as well as any previous accreditation. We also require information on previous rejections or suspensions.
How we process Membership Applications
We endeavour to review Membership applications within 5 business days. If we expect to take longer, or require more information to reach a decision, we will promptly reach out to applicants. Note that we will hold and process personal information in accordance with prevailing Data Protection legislation.
We will conduct checks in the following way:
Identity checks: We will check provided documents are genuine, including through electronic methods. For us to do this appropriately the photocopy will need to be clear and complete.
Background checks: We may additional check provided employment history. This may include reaching out to past employers to verify information provided.
Qualification checks: We will check the ABBE qualification checker, using their License Checker. This requires a Qualification Certificate to have sufficient identifying details.
Insurance checks: We will check policy documents for the insurer's contact details, unique policy number, and other verifiable information. We may also reach out to the insurer directly.
Prior Membership checks: We will check this information against the Energy Assessor Member Registry, or directly with other Energy Assessor Schemes.
Additional checks: We may conduct further reasonable checks to reach a final decision. If we suspect information is falsified we will follow our Fraud Identification Plan.
Successful Applicants
Successful applicants will be notified and begin their Membership immediately.
Members should note that their details will become part of Energy Assessor Member Registry, which will be shared with MHCLG and other Energy Assessor Schemes. This Registry will also contain details of Suspended, Struck Off and Non Active Members. We will also retain detail of rejected applications, and will need to supply this if requested to other Schemes.
Members will need to comply with our Code of Conduct and complete CPD as outlined in Training & Qualification. They will also need to comply with our Data Sharing Policy and our evidence and audit requirements outlined inQuality Assurance.
We reserve the right to suspend or revoke Membership if a Member fails to meet these obligations or if we no longer deem them to be fit and proper. This is outlined inDisciplinary Procedure.
Unsuccessful Applicants
Unsuccessful applicants will be able to appeal their decision through our Third-Party Appeals process. When rejecting a Member application we will provide our reasons, and information about the right to appeal and how to initiate this.
A rejected applicant will need to submit an appeal application within 10 business days of receiving their rejection notice. In their appeal, the applicant should state why they believe the decision was incorrect or provide any new evidence/mitigating information. Vulcan will acknowledge receipt of the appeal and convene the Independent Panel as soon as practicable. Our goal is to have the panel review the case and reach a decision within approximately 15 working days after the appeal is lodged, although complex cases or scheduling needs can extend this slightly.