Registered electricians join a 'competent person scheme', there are a few out there (I'm part of NAPIT) but they all do the same thing. Registered electricians get assessed yearly by their scheme operator. We have to prove the work we are doing is safe and meets current regulations and, among other things, we have to prove we have all relevant insurances and documents to safely carry out work.
There are many builders/kitchen fitters/handymen out there who 'know electrics' but their work is shoddy and doesn't comply with the wiring regulations, I've personally had to mark many installations as 'unsatisfactory' after an EICR because the builder has done the electrics.
Registered electricians can self-notify building control for any notifiable works such as fuseboard upgrades, and new circuits. Self-notifying works costs about £3 per notification, if you have to go through the local building control it could cost well over £200 per notification.
You should always ask if your electrician has the relevant documents and insurances, any reputable electrician will be more than happy to provide copies should you want them.
What I've been up to.
I'm always on the lookout for ways to build on the services I can offer, electric vehicles are now making their way in to the UK market so I've decided to go on a course for installing EV (electric vehicle) charging points.
I passed the exam with 100%! I'm on my way to being registered with Rolec and then on to getting on the OLEV register, this means my customers would be able to claim the government grant for getting a car charger installed in their home.
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