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New SLG10 Power Distribution & Control Sector Group Launched to Raise Competence Standards

18 September 25

A new Sector Lead Group (under SLG10 – Installation & Maintenance) focused on Power Distribution & Control is now established. This marks a significant step in strengthening industry competence in line with recent regulatory reforms under the Building Safety Act. 

The Building Safety Act 2022, plus its related legislation and regulations, place fresh emphasis on competence across all involved in design, construction, installation, maintenance and refurbishment. Individuals in such roles must now demonstrate appropriate skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (SKEB) alongside technical ability. 

Industry-wide efforts are underway, via SLG10, to codify competence frameworks and ensure that safety-critical roles are carried out by suitably qualified people with up-to-date knowledge. 

 Purpose of the new sector group  

The Power Distribution & Control group will: 

  • Define the core and trade-specific competency requirements for individuals working in power distribution and control equipment installation, commissioning, maintenance and design. This will include Panel Builder and Panel Wiring occupations. 
  • Align these requirements with the broader SLG10 competence framework, ensuring that practitioners in this subsector meet the SKEB standards. 
  • Develop, recommend and help embed appropriate qualifications, assessments, CPD and card-scheme recognition for roles in the subsector. 
  • Ensure compatibility with regulatory expectations (particularly under the Building Safety Act) so that competence is verifiable and auditable, for both individuals and organisations. 
Links to existing work 

This builds on work already underway under SLG10/the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG). For example: 
  • SLG10 has scaled up pilot competence-frameworks into a formal programme across five workstreams: Envelope, Engineering Services, Interiors, Civils & Structures. Power Distribution & Control falls within Engineering Services under the Electrotechnical Function.
  • Previous ECS initiatives, such as the Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) for Panel Wiring, illustrate the industry’s appetite to create viable routes for established workers to have their competence formally recognised. This includes those who may not have followed the traditional apprenticeship pathways. 
What this means for you 

If you work in power distribution, control systems, panel building or related fields – (or employ those who do): 
  • Expect drafts of competence frameworks, job-role ‘SKEB statements’, and assessment/qualification requirements to be circulated in the coming months. 
  • Begin to review your current workforce’s credentials, CPD records and ensure that people are ready for the upcoming revalidation changes. 
  • Keep an eye on ECS card renewal requirements, and whether new assessments or qualifications become required in your specific role. 
  • Engage with the new sector group: feedback and industry participation will help ensure that the framework is practical and suitably aligned to real working conditions. Contact Dan Woods, ECS Industry Engagement Manager, at dan.woods@jib.org.uk to be included on the group for valuable early insight and make your voice heard  
The launch of the Power Distribution & Control group underscores the industry’s drive toward higher, more consistent standards of safety, competence and professionalism. Under the Building Safety Act regime, competence is no longer optional, it is a legal and moral imperative.  

The new group promises to provide the clarity, tools and pathways for the power distribution & control subsector to meet that standard.