Following a new agreement between the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) and the Energy Assessor Scheme Operating Board (EASOB), key changes are coming to the Scheme Operating Requirements across England and Wales.
The updates apply to all assessment strands, including Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), Display Energy Certificates (DECs), and Air Conditioning Inspection Reports (ACIRs). This rollout marks the first phase of a broader government initiative to boost quality, consistency, and sector-wide trust in energy performance data.
Key Changes & Timeline
1st October 2026 – Minimum Evidence Requirements:
Standardised minimum evidence guidelines take effect for all inspections carried out on or after this date to ensure every assessment is supported by clear, auditable evidence.
November 2026 – Assessor Declaration at Lodgement:
Assessment software will integrate a formal declaration requiring assessors to confirm compliance with all relevant methodologies, conventions, and evidence standards prior to lodgement.
What This Means for ecmk Members
Although this is a sector-wide update, ecmk members can expect minimal disruption to daily operations. The new minimum standards align directly with the evidence criteria ecmk already enforces during routine QA audits. Assessors who currently collect and upload comprehensive evidence are already meeting the upcoming guidelines.
Assessor Hub members can access the updated evidence checklists for DEA, NDEA, and DEC strands directly on the Assessor Hub portal.
For further enquiries, please contact technical support at support@ecmk.co.uk or 0333 123 1418
