NADC
The National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC) is delighted to have the opportunity to feature in Trenchless Buzz and to share some of the activities of the Association. In this first contribution, we focus on standards.
As a body that has a core objective of improving standards in the drainage industry, not only has NADC focused on the vital importance of health and safety training certification for all operatives in the field, it has also introduced DrainSafe as the industry’s Approved Contractor Scheme. DrainSafe has a high bar for entry, checking that all registered contractors operatives are fully trained and competent to provide the services that are offered by the contractor. DrainSafe registered contractors must sign up to a Code of Practice that amongst other things sets out minimum insurance requirements which must be evidenced. The Code also requires that the contractor treats customers fairly (terms of engagement have to be approved by DrainSafe) and that they have an acceptable complaints handling process (which again has to be approved by DrainSafe). DrainSafe contractors must sign up to a process of arbitration by DrainSafe if a customer complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, and commit to pay any compensation set by the arbitrator should they find in favour of the customer.
Whilst DrainSafe already has registered contractors across the UK and Ireland, NADC has taken a regional approach to building 
awareness amongst major stakeholders such as water companies and local authorities. The first region that NADC focused on was Wessex Water’s patch, and a referral agreement for Wessex Water’s customers is now live whereby if they have problems with their drains they are directed to a special tab on the DrainSafe website to find a DrainSafe contactor. NADC is now focusing on other water companies who have expressed an interest in entering into similar agreements as the one in place with Wessex.
NADC has always taken a long term view for DrainSafe on the basis that it would take 3 to 5 years before all responsible contractors have signed up and the Scheme becomes as well known as Gas Safe,.
In the meanwhile, and as an important stepping stone, we are pleased to advise that all UKSTT members qualify for a 10% discount on all NADC training courses delivered by the National Drainage Academy – please go to www.nationaldrainageacademy.co.uk for more information.
