What the Mandatory Technical Competence Framework Means for Building Owners

The publication of the Government's new Mandatory Technical Competence (MTC) Framework continues the wave of legislation, frameworks and guidance ensuring that work carried out under the Building Regulations is completed by demonstrably competent organisations and individuals.

For building owners, housing providers, NHS trusts, education estates and facilities managers, the framework reinforces the importance of choosing contractors that can evidence competence throughout every stage of a project, from installation through to inspection, certification and ongoing quality assurance.

What is the Mandatory Technical Competence Framework? 

The Mandatory Technical Competence Framework establishes the minimum competence requirements for work undertaken through Competent Person Schemes approved under Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations in England and Wales.

Rather than focusing solely on qualifications, the framework introduces a broader approach to competence, recognising that technical ability must be supported by practical experience, continual professional development, robust supervision and effective quality management systems.

Its objective is to improve the consistency and quality of work carried out across the built environment while increasing confidence that Building Regulations are being met.

Why Has the Framework Been Introduced?

The framework forms part of the wider transformation of the construction industry following the recommendations of Dame Judith Hackitt's Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

Since the introduction of the Building Safety Act and associated reforms, there has been a growing expectation that those responsible for designing, installing, inspecting and maintaining safety-critical building systems can demonstrate genuine competence throughout their careers. The MTC Framework supports this by creating greater consistency across Competent Person Schemes and establishing a common benchmark for competence that scheme operators must adopt.

For those responsible for managing buildings, this represents another important step towards improving quality, reducing risk and increasing confidence in the organisations delivering compliance-critical work.

What Does Competence Mean? 

The framework makes it clear that competence extends well beyond holding any one qualification or completing an assessment. It is about consistently demonstrating the right blend of technical knowledge, practical experience, professional behaviours and a commitment to continual learning.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a key theme throughout the framework, recognising that legislation, British Standards and industry best practice continue to change and evolve. Competence therefore becomes an ongoing responsibility, supported by effective supervision, mentoring and regular assessment, rather than a one-off achievement.

For organisations carrying out work under the Building Regulations, this represents a shift towards embedding competence into everyday operations and organisational culture.

What Does This Mean for Building Owners?

For building owners and dutyholders, the framework reinforces the importance of selecting contractors that can demonstrate how competence is managed across their organisation, not simply evidenced by individual qualifications.

As regulatory expectations continue to increase, organisations should demonstrate that those carrying out compliance-critical work are appropriately trained, regularly assessed and supported by robust quality assurance processes. Contractors should be able to evidence not only technical capability, but also how they maintain competence as legislation and standards evolve.

Ultimately, this helps improve compliance with the Building Regulations, reduces the likelihood of defects and rework, and provides greater confidence that buildings remain safe throughout their lifecycle.

Supporting the Golden Thread

The principles within the MTC Framework closely align with the wider direction of building safety legislation.

As digital records, accountability and the Golden Thread of information become increasingly important, demonstrating who carried out work, how their competence was assessed and how quality was assured will become an integral part of building compliance. Competence, now more than ever, is about being able to evidence how compliance has been achieved throughout the life of a building.

Ventro's Voice

We welcome the introduction of the Mandatory Technical Competence Framework. While many organisations have long invested in developing technically capable engineers, the framework establishes clearer and more consistent expectations around what competence should look like across the building compliance industry.

At Ventro, we believe competence should never stand still. As legislation changes, new standards are introduced and best practice continues to evolve, maintaining knowledge is just as important as gaining it in the first place. This is why continual professional development should be viewed as an ongoing commitment rather than a compliance exercise.

Sharing knowledge is a key part of raising standards across the industry. Alongside investing in the development of our own teams, we regularly deliver free CPD seminars, technical webinars, roundtable events and legislative update sessions, helping building owners, dutyholders and compliance professionals stay informed about emerging legislation, evolving standards and industry best practice.

Whether covering changes to Building Regulations, British Standards, fire safety legislation or wider building compliance requirements, our events are designed to provide practical guidance that organisations can apply with confidence.

If you are responsible for building compliance, we encourage you to keep learning alongside the industry. Registering for Ventro's CPDs, webinars and events is a simple way to stay up to date with legislative changes, understand what they mean in practice and ensure your organisation remains prepared for future developments.

Looking Ahead

For organisations responsible for managing buildings, competence must be demonstrable, continually maintained and supported by robust governance. Choosing contractors that invest in people, embrace continual learning and can evidence competence across every stage of delivery will become increasingly important as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.

As expectations continue to rise, organisations that prioritise competence today will be better placed to manage risk, demonstrate compliance and create safer buildings for everyone who lives, works and visits them.