The Retrofit Coordinator (RC) role under PAS2035 carries significant responsibility for ensuring that all parties involved in a retrofit project meet the standard's requirements. One of the most critical duties is the vetting of subcontractors before they begin work. This verification process isn't merely a bureaucratic formality—it's a cornerstone of delivering compliant, high-quality retrofit work.

Why Subcontractor Vetting Matters Under PAS2035

PAS2035 places accountability on the RC for the entire retrofit delivery chain. If a subcontractor fails to meet technical or competency standards, the RC bears responsibility for that failure. This means vetting isn't optional; it's a mandatory part of project planning and risk management. Inadequate subcontractor verification can result in non-compliant work, failed inspections, and costly remedial action.

Key Verification Checks for Subcontractors

Competency and Qualifications

• Relevant certifications: Subcontractors must hold appropriate qualifications for their specific trade—whether that's insulation installation, airtightness testing, heat pump commissioning, or other retrofit disciplines.
• Training records: PAS2035 training should be documented, particularly for supervisory roles. Check completion dates and ensure knowledge remains current.
• Experience: Verify that subcontractors have practical experience with retrofit work, not just new-build credentials. Retrofit presents unique challenges that standard construction experience doesn't always cover.

Insurance and Legal Compliance

• Public liability insurance: Minimum cover should be verified and current at the time of work commencement.
• Employers' liability insurance: Required if the subcontractor employs staff.
• Professional indemnity insurance: Particularly important for design-related services or technical assessments.
• Company registration: Confirm Companies House registration and check for any director disqualifications.

Health and Safety Credentials

• CSCS cards or equivalent: Confirm current construction skills certification cards where required.
• Site safety awareness: Verify that subcontractors understand retrofit-specific hazards—working in occupied homes, dealing with asbestos risks, managing confined spaces, and controlling dust.
• Health and safety policy: Request copies of H&S policies and method statements for the retrofit work.

Technical Competency and Standards Knowledge

• PAS2035 understanding: Subcontractors should demonstrate awareness of how their specific role fits within the PAS2035 framework, not just their trade knowledge.
• Quality standards: Confirm familiarity with relevant British Standards and technical guidance that applies to their work package.
• Performance standards: For thermal installation work, confirm understanding of U-values, air permeability targets, and how their work contributes to overall retrofit performance.

Regulatory and Compliance History

• Trading history: Research how long the company has been operating and any changes in trading history or ownership.
• Regulatory issues: Check for any enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive, environmental regulators, or trading standards.
• Customer references: Request and follow up on references from previous retrofit projects, if available.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

The vetting process must be documented. RCs should maintain a subcontractor verification checklist that records what has been checked, when, and by whom. This creates an audit trail that demonstrates due diligence. When regulatory bodies or scheme administrators review retrofit projects, they'll expect to see evidence that subcontractors were properly vetted before being appointed.

Ongoing Monitoring and Reassessment

Vetting isn't a one-time exercise. RCs should periodically reassess subcontractor performance during the retrofit. This includes:

• Quality of workmanship during inspections
• Adherence to method statements and safety plans
• Compliance with PAS2035 requirements as work progresses
• Professional conduct and communication

If problems emerge, the RC must have mechanisms to address poor performance or remove subcontractors from future work packages.

Practical Next Steps

Implement a standardised subcontractor vetting process that's proportionate to the scale and complexity of each retrofit. Use checklists that clearly identify which credentials are essential before work begins, rather than discovering gaps once site work is underway. Keep records accessible for scheme verification audits.

Strong subcontractor vetting protects both project quality and the RC's compliance position. It's foundational to delivering retrofit work that genuinely meets PAS2035's standards.