Majjie's Blog

Did you know that the Corgi registration scheme, for gas fitters and installers, is coming to an end on 1st April 2009?

In spite of the date, it doesn't appear to be a joke. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has taken the contract away from Corgi and awarded it to Capita. No I hadn't heard of them either.

According to their web site Capita is the UK's leading outsourcing company. I'm not at all sure what that means - and their site was so tediously slow, I didn't bother trying to find out much more. They apparently have contracts with some huge organisations, like the Prudential, Southampton City Council and HM Government. When it comes to government departments Capita apparently delivers complex and high profile transformational projects, supported by effective ICT and process re-engineering. So that's clear then.

The new scheme will be called the Gas Safe Register and it was officially launched on 12th December last year. This is the new logo:



Pete Eldridge, the new managing director, apparently said that "(The) Gas Safe Register™ must quickly replace CORGI in the minds of gas consumers. It’s a big mountain to climb, but we’re confident the new brand takes us half way there. The name is simple, meaningful and speaks for itself. We hope this iconic brand will be a true legacy to gas safety and registered gas engineers for years to come."

Meanwhile the Corgi brand (with it's well known logo) will remain. It is after all a corporate entity - and will keep it's links with the Corgi Trust; a charity aimed at improving gas safety. Just in case there's anyone out there who doesn't know it, here's the Corgi logo:



Mike Thompson, the chief executive of Corgi is quoted on their web site as saying: "Beyond April 2009, the CORGI Group of companies will continue to provide a range of commercial services under the CORGI brand to financially support the CORGI Trust."  (Ed. March '09 .... Sorry - the link doesn't work anymore - the page has been removed)

Doesn't that mean that there will be enormous scope for confusion? Are plumbers and gas fitters going to have to join both? Do the HSE, in the middle of a recession, care about all those business cards, and stationery, and adverts, and van signs and directories that will need changing come April? What's happening to Corgi's database of Corgi registered fitters? Will you still be able to go to their site and find a fitter?

The words "monumental cock up" spring to mind (with apologies to those of a delicate sensibility).

The new Gas Safe Register brand is owned by the HSE, apparently, and is only on loan to Capita for ten years ... so they won't have the same problem if they change suppliers in the future ... but even so, couldn't this transition have been carried out in some other way?

Capita have been told that they must achieve a 40% unprompted public awareness of the Gas Safe Register by October 2009 (and 75% by October 2011). Fat chance for the first target I'd say ... but here I am ... trying to help out!