Introduction and Background

In 2004, Water UK asked Energy and Utility Skills (EU Skills) to develop a web enabled skills registration database, with the aim of recording and checking employee competence, knowledge and awareness in areas such as water mains construction, entry into confined spaces and water hygiene.

This scheme is called the National Water Hygiene Scheme. Its aim is to ensure that all individuals requiring hygiene training do so to a nationally recognised level, regardless of the company they work for. Previously all water companies had some form of hygiene procedures in place, but these were seen to vary in their content. The UK water industry has been consulted throughout the development of the scheme and the production of the training package.

The water sector has agreed to introduce the new scheme to replace their existing schemes. The scheme will be available from January 1st 2006. All new entrant to the Water Industry will be required to comply with the scheme from April 1st 2006. It is envisaged, where possible all contractor employees will be trained and registered by December 31st 2006.

Registration on this scheme is one of a number managed by EU Skills as part of the Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR).

The role of EU Skills is to:

Manage the scheme
Provide support for continuous improvement
Operate the Quality Assurance System