CAPITA is the HSE's preferred bidder to provide the new gas installer registration scheme

CORGI are expected to be replaced by CAPITA when a new gas installer registration scheme starts in April 2009 - 23rd June 2008

A new gas installer scheme is to begin in April 2009 which should improve health and safety in the industry, with reduced accidents at work for gas installers and improved safety for consumers.

The new gas installer registration scheme which will replace the one currently operated by CORGI, will operate throughout Great Britain, and has had CAPITA announced as the Health & Safety Executives (HSE) preferred bidder.

The new scheme will see better governance and performance management arrangements, and have incentives for the provider to provide continued gas safety improvements for consumers and installers, but if they fail to meet the performance indicators that have been agreed there will be financial implications.

In recent years the number of gas consumer accidents and accidents at work for gas installers which lead to fatalities or serious injury has fallen, they do still occur. The new scheme should allow the provider to raise public awareness of gas safety risks and coordinate the actions taken by the industry.

The HSE and CAPITA will over the next few months have detailed discussions to finalise contractual arrangements with the expected conclusion to be during the autumn.

Chief Executive of the HSE Geoffrey Podger said: "I would like to thank CORGI for their contribution over the years to the installer registration scheme; and I look forward to CAPITA bringing a fresh approach to gas safety and improved value for money to the new scheme."