CIPHE Manifesto Sets Course for Skills and Sustainability in UK Plumbing
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has released its manifesto for 2025-2027, outlining its strategic priorities for the UK's plumbing and heating sector. The manifesto focuses on skills development, sustainability, conservation, and safeguarding within the industry, addressing critical challenges and proposing solutions centred on those core themes. The CIPHE plan underscores the need for approximately 45,000 new recruits annually until 2030 to adequately address the widening skills gap. This shortage poses a significant threat to the industry's capacity to meet current and future demand, particularly as the UK transitions towards net-zero targets. You can view the 2025-2027 CIPHE manifesto here.
Key proposals within the manifesto include improving access to apprenticeships to boost enrolment and retention rates. Industry research has indicated that apprenticeships are a crucial pathway to address this shortage, providing practical training and a route to professional qualification. CIPHE is actively collaborating with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) / Skills England to develop new Level 2 & 3 qualifications and apprenticeships. These initiatives are designed to equip new entrants with the necessary skills to meet the evolving demands of the industry, including funding for training to support the move to net-zero and accreditation for those working with low-carbon technologies. This collaboration aligns with broader efforts to modernise vocational training and ensure it meets the needs of employers.
CIPHE also plans to provide technical support to professionals adapting to new regulations, with an emphasis on mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours. The introduction of new regulations, such as those related to heat pumps and water efficiency, requires ongoing training and development to ensure compliance and maintain professional standards. CPD is becoming increasingly important for tradespeople to stay up-to-date with the latest industry best practices. The institute intends to advise the government on additional funding for decarbonisation in social housing, advocating for policies that support the transition to sustainable heating systems for vulnerable households. Social housing providers face significant challenges in upgrading their properties to meet energy efficiency standards. Government funding is crucial to enable these upgrades and reduce fuel poverty.
Furthermore, the manifesto aims to increase awareness of energy and water-saving measures, promoting water efficiency across the sector. Water scarcity is an increasingly pressing issue in many parts of the UK, and promoting water-efficient technologies and practices is essential for sustainable water management. Initiatives such as water efficiency labelling can help consumers make informed choices about their water usage. CIPHE will continue to promote the ‘Love Your Local Lav’ campaign to protect funding for public toilets, whilst providing better education to warn the public about the dangers of poorly-installed heating and plumbing systems in the home. The organisation reinforces the importance of using a competent and qualified professional. Poorly installed plumbing and heating systems can pose significant risks to public health and safety. Using qualified professionals is essential to avoid these risks. The issues outlined in the manifesto will be addressed at the World Plumbing Conference, which will take place at InstallerSHOW at the NEC in Birmingham in June 2026.
CIPHE must use its expertise to be the driver of change across government regulation, shaping and reforming education and training, and equipping the industry to leverage new innovations and achieve new possibilities.
