From skills and business growth in Wales to plug-in solar and consumer protection, ECA has been working throughout the summer to ensure that the electrotechnical sector is heard by policymakers.
Shaping priorities in Wales
ECA submitted evidence to two Senedd Cymru consultations on priorities for the Seventh Senedd, the Early Years, Children, Young People and Education Committee and the Economy, Energy and Connectivity Committee. We called for action to strengthen the electrical skills pipeline, help for Welsh SMEs recruit apprentices, and ensure that Wales follows Westminster’s lead on tackling prompt payment. Later this autumn, we will also contribute evidence to the Skills Audit taking place in Wales.
Influencing the future of the built environment
We also helped develop an extensive industry response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s call for evidence on its Strategy for Built Environment Professions, Trades and Occupations. Aligning partners across the electrical and building services sectors, ECA pressed for reforms that recognise competence, professional conduct and accountability. This work could have a significant bearing on how Members operate, recruit and demonstrate competence in future.
Putting safety and consumers first
When the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero launched a short-notice consultation on plug-in solar, ECA responded rapidly. While we support making clean energy more accessible and affordable, we made clear that speed must not come at the expense of safety. Strong product standards, effective regulation, clear consumer guidance and appropriate professional advice are essential as these products enter the retail market.
ECA also responded to proposals to reform Consumer Protection for Home Upgrade Schemes. We support clearer accountability, more consistent protections and simpler routes to remediation and redress, but have warned against overlapping regulation or a two-tier system that treats government-funded and self-funded work differently.
Why this matters to Members
ECA’s consultation work puts Members’ practical experience at the heart of decisions affecting skills, standards, safety and the business environment. We will continue to engage with governments and regulators—and keep Members informed as these proposals develop.
Members who would like to read any of the submissions can contact Jane Dawson at jane.dawson@eca.co.uk.
